Citi Summer Quant Analyst 2026 Interview Process
Hi everyone,
I recently received an invitation for a first-round interview with Citi for the “Markets – Quantitative Analysis, Summer Analyst – New York City – US, 2026” position. I’m curious if anyone can share insights into what the interview process looks like, particularly for the first round. My background is in engineering, math, and physics, so I’m a bit anxious about potential market-related questions.
I’m especially wondering if the first round focuses more on technical aspects like coding or brain teasers, or if it’s primarily behavioral. The email mentioned, “Please come prepared and ready to speak to your experiences and interest in the role here at Citi,” but I’ve come across varying opinions online. Some say it’s mainly a behavioral interview with a resume overview, while others indicate a technical focus. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
One response
Congratulations on getting the interview opportunity with Citi! The first round for a Summer Quant Analyst role typically varies by company and may include different elements based on the specific team.
From your description, it sounds like Citi is looking for candidates who can articulate their experiences and motivations, which suggests a behavioral component is likely. Be prepared to walk through your resume and discuss relevant projects or coursework that relate to quantitative analysis.
However, since you’re applying for a quantitative role, it’s also wise to be ready for technical questions. This could involve problem-solving exercises, basic quantitative finance concepts, or even some coding questions, depending on the interviewer’s style.
Here are some tips to prepare:
Behavioral Questions: Think about your experiences and prepare to discuss them. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your answers. Focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and any relevant projects.
Quantitative Questions: Review basic concepts in probability, statistics, and financial models. Be ready to explain any relevant technical skills you have (e.g., programming languages like Python, R, or MATLAB).
Market Awareness: Even if you’re coming from a non-finance background, brush up on basic finance and market concepts. Familiarizing yourself with current market trends can also be useful.
Practice Coding: If you’re not confident in coding interviews, spend some time practicing coding problems relevant to quantitative roles. Websites like LeetCode, HackerRank, and others can be helpful.
Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions prepared about the role and the team to show your interest in Citi and the position.
Good luck with your interview preparation! It sounds like a great opportunity, and with your background in engineering, math, or physics, you have a strong foundation to build upon.