University students and Citi Progress Awards Discovery Program participants Susan Ubogu and Carlita Washington share their advice for other young professionals.

Networking can be hard. Virtual networking can be even more of a challenge.

“[T]here is a natural and ever-present disconnect,” admits 21-year-old business management and political science student Carlita Washington. “However, this does not mean that there is still not much to be learned and experienced.”

Carlita knows firsthand just how much students can gain from virtual career opportunities. Earlier this year, she was one of a handful of students around the world selected to participate in the Citi Progress Awards Discovery Program, an initiative that exposes young people to careers in finance. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Citi held the programme remotely this year, allowing Carlita to hone her virtual networking skills.

“I learned a lot about foreign exchange, the trading floor and the culture at Citi,” Carlita says of the experience. “Interestingly, more than a few Citi employees’ backgrounds do not originate in finance or business. In fact, one individual has a background in artificial intelligence and now runs foreign exchange sales.”

19-year-old Nigerian management student Susan Ubogu, who also participated in the Citi Progress Awards Discovery Program, found that putting yourself out there is the key to making the most of virtual events. “I learned a lot, both technical and career advice,” Susan says of her time with Citi. “While the technical advice was very important, what stuck with me was what Leo Arduini [head of Citigroup’s markets and securities services unit in Europe, the Middle East and Africa] said: ‘No matter where you find yourself, take the best decision you can and run with it, no regrets.’”

Carlita and Susan share with Assembly readers their experiences with the Citi Progress Awards Discovery Program and how to make the most of virtual career opportunities.

Carlita Washington, 21, U.S.

How do you make the most of virtual opportunities — both professional and academic?

At times, it can be difficult to get the most value out of virtual opportunities as there is a natural and ever-present disconnect. However, this does not mean that there is still not much to be learned and experienced. I make the most of virtual and remote opportunities — both work and school — by consistently reaching out to professors and colleagues. In addition, I also ensure that I am intentional when engaging with fellow classmates as well as with lectures. Throughout the pandemic, I actively searched for organizations, activities and events to partake in virtually. It may be more challenging to access or find opportunities in the digital world rather than running into posted fliers and people on campus, but they are out there. It is all about intentionality and a want for connection and involvement.

What’s the most useful advice you received during the Citi Progress Awards Discovery Program?

There was a segment on presentation skills that was particularly beneficial. We were told that, when presenting, it is vital to develop a powerful opening which should include a hook, a proposal and a preview of what will be discussed in your presentation. When creating content, ask yourself, “So what?” Think about how the information you provide will be helpful and why it would be important for the audience to receive. For online presentations, it was recommended that you, as the presenter, should make them interactive such as allowing questions throughout and in between the presentation. This can also be greatly utilized in-person as well.

Other than presentation skills, the primary pieces of advice that were consistently emphasized were to make connections with others, utilize your networks, try new things and garner valuable, but specific skills. Master a few skills and talents rather than be a novice in many.

What suggestions do you have for other young women who can feel intimidated by networking?

Young women and girls are often intimidated to be perceived as assertive or pushy and it can be difficult for anyone to ask questions and put themselves out there. However, in the wise words of my godmother, “Ask and you shall receive.” The opposite also (equally) applies. Though it may be difficult to conquer your shyness, swallow your pride or whatever your obstacle may be, it is imperative to utilize your network and reach out to those around you. You’ll never know what opportunities, advice or help is available to you if you don’t ask. The opportunities are waiting for you, but you are ultimately the catalyst that will make them come to fruition.

Susan Ubogu, 19, Nigeria

What do you hope to do with your degree after you graduate?

Life has a way of throwing you into situations that you could never envision or plan for — but I see myself owning a tech company, working and building start-ups that solve problems via innovative and new ideas.

How do you make the most of virtual opportunities — both professional and academic?

I think it’s relatively simple to make the most of the opportunities. All you have to do is show up and be ready to learn and soak in the information being presented to you. You also have to be willing to know that you don’t know everything and be willing to be counselled.

What suggestions do you have for other young women who can feel intimidated by networking?

Just put yourself out there. There are so many people, industries and programs that are there to help you. They want to teach you how to program and help elevate you, taking advantage of them and remembering that everyone started from somewhere is the key to elevating your career and skills.

What field or job are you excited to discover more about after your experience with Citi?

After my experience with Citi I am more interested in trading on the market floor, as well as FOREX trading. They are both really interesting fields that I would love to learn a bit more about.

Through the e for education campaign, Citi supports Malala Fund’s work to see every girl in school.