I am currently pursuing a BSc in International Economics and Management at Bocconi University. Throughout my studies, I have engaged in multiple finance-focused extracurriculars, including serving as an Equity Senior Analyst at Bocconi Students Financial Markets.

Building on these experiences, I am excited to take the next step in my career, having accepted an offer to join Citi’s 2025 Summer Finance Analyst Training Programme.

Despite my strong academic foundation, I recognized that theoretical finance and real-world application are vastly different. Many university courses focus on abstract concepts, but in professional finance roles, you need to apply these concepts under time pressure, manage risk, and make data-driven decisions dynamically.

AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Training Programme was an ideal opportunity for me to develop practical, industry-relevant skills through immersive financial simulations. I wanted to experience firsthand how different financial roles operate, refine my decision-making process, and improve my ability to manage complex financial situations in high-pressure environments.

The biggest contrast between university learning and AmplifyME’s training was the practical, real-time decision-making aspect. At university, most of our assessments focus on theoretical models, case studies, and exams. However, real-world finance requires adaptability, market awareness, and strategic thinking under pressure, all of which AmplifyME’s simulations reinforced.

For example, during the Sales & Trading simulation, I had to react to live market fluctuations, manage risk, and optimise client transactions, skills that go beyond textbook knowledge. These experiences replicated the intensity of real finance roles, giving me a significant edge when approaching professional opportunities like my role at Citi.

Rather than a single defining moment, the biggest learning experience for me during the AmplifyME programme was the breadth of exposure I gained across different areas of finance. Through the hands-on simulations, I was able to step into both buy-side and sell-side roles, gaining insights into how professionals in Asset Management firms, Hedge Funds, Investment Banks, and Private Equity firms operate in real-world scenarios.

The Asset Management & Hedge Fund trading simulation was particularly eye-opening. Managing a $20M Global Macro portfolio, I learned how to deploy technical analysis tools, construct trading strategies, and mitigate price risk using Equity Long/Short hedging. It gave me a firsthand understanding of investment decision-making, helping me realise how the buy-side operates and how fund managers maximize returns while controlling for risk.

On the sell-side, the Sales & Trading and Market Making simulation provided a deep dive into how trades are structured, executed, and risk-managed. I experienced the full flow of a trade, from client request through execution, while also optimizing bid/offer pricing based on market liquidity. Additionally, building a market-making algorithm in Python reinforced the growing role of quantitative finance and automation in today’s markets.

This broad exposure was instrumental in shaping my career direction. Before the programme, I was still exploring which area of finance suited me best. However, after engaging in these simulations, I discovered my passion for financial markets, particularly on both the buy-side (AM & HF) and sell-side (S&T).

Before participating in the AmplifyME programme, I had a strong academic foundation, but I lacked the practical exposure needed to understand how finance roles function in a professional setting. This gap became clear to me as I started applying for spring weeks and preparing for interviews. I needed hands-on experience to truly stand out in a highly competitive environment.

The AmplifyME programme became the turning point in my journey. Through its financial simulations, I gained firsthand experiences, while I was applying concepts in real-time scenarios, making decisions under pressure, and understanding the consequences of my strategies, which significantly boosted my confidence in technical interviews.

When discussing my experiences in interviews, I could speak with real conviction, using concrete examples of challenges I had faced and overcome.
By the time I interviewed at Citi, I was no longer just a student with theoretical knowledge; I was someone who had experienced the realities of financial decision-making.

Absolutely. AmplifyME connected me with like-minded finance students and industry professionals, some of whom have become valuable peers and mentors.

Through the programme, I had the chance to interact with experienced finance professionals, gaining insights into career progression, industry trends, and best practices for securing competitive roles.

Additionally, I built relationships with fellow participants who are also pursuing careers in finance, and we continue to support each other through job applications, interview prep, and industry discussions.

For any student, especially those without direct industry experience, AmplifyME’s Summer Analyst Training Programme is a game-changer. It bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world financial decision-making, making participants far more competitive in the job market.

Thanks to this experience, I was able to secure my internship at Citi, significantly improve my financial acumen, and build a strong network of peers and mentors. If you are serious about a career in finance, this programme is an invaluable stepping stone.

Bookings for the 2025 Summer Analyst Training Programme are now open!