Day 3

Finally, the first day at Citibank, Bandra Kurla Complex and meeting Deepika. The only contact I have with her was through a phone call made to her on Day 1. Security was again tight. At the office, I waited for her. She came at 1000 and we formally introduced. I was also introduced to Rajagopal the Assistant Vice President of CBG. He discussed my objectives of the attachment as well as the overall view of the way Citibank India operates. I found it very informative. His deliverance was crisp, concise and clear.

At 1030, Raj brought me up to see Madhulika. She is Deborah's counterpart in India. Our discussion included my aims and objectives from this attachment. She asked me to give a short powerpoint presentation upon the end of my attachment. Gulp! Lucky I brought my laptop!

Spent the time before lunch reading manuals on how the ELC (Emerging Local Corporates) department works. A lot of technical jargons but I still managed. I had lunch at the Cafeteria with Deepika. Had an Indian vegetarian meal including a sweet dessert that looked like a hotdog! Weird-looking but nice.

After lunch, I sat with Deepika to discuss my training program. She gave me some CDs to view on the general overview of Citibank. I do not have computer access at the office. It was miserable. Security is tight here. Visitors have no access to computers. I have to view the CDs back at the hotel on my laptop.

Here is the training schedule drafted for me:
22 Nov: Induction module for entry-level Citibankers. A self-study CAI./ Meet up with Anjali
23 Nov: Investment Training / Meet up with Anjali
24 Nov: Branch visits
25 Nov: BPO/CitiPhone Visits
26 Nov: CitiPhone Visits
29 Nov: Meet up Sales RM/Branch Visits
30 Nov: Training session with Indian teachers in a school for underpriviledged children
1 Dec : Delhi trip (Trainin on selling skills)
2 Dec : Delhi trip (Training on selling skills)
3 Dec : Delhi trip (Training on selling skills)
6 Dec : Training on Basic Banking Skills
7 Dec : Training on Basic Banking Skills
8 Dec : Training on Basic Banking Skills
9 Dec : unscheduled
10 Dec : Wrap-up presentation
11 Dec : Return to Singapore

Based on the schedule above, it seems that the attachment only lasts 14 days (11 days in Mumbai and 3 days in Delhi). Transportation costs to work would roughly equate to Rs350 x 14 = Rs4900 = S$200! Gulp!!! Still very high! I'm not sure about my transportation costs in Delhi as well as the costs of my visit to the Branch and BPO as well as the school! It could add up to more! My main worry is the transportation cost, laundry and meals! I found it hard to look for food here. That is probably because I haven't venture out to look for cheap eateries. I feared of stomach upset that's all. I have 2 meals per day. Breakfast at the hotel and so far lunch has been courtesy of Citibank! Dinner was apples provided by the hotel in my room. Hotel food is so expensive! I really sound like a miser!

I did nothing much after lunch as Deepika was rather busy with her work but I was glad that Raj spent some time with me explaining about how the bank works and how Citibank could arrange to make my attachment more meaningful. I was supposed to meet with the head of the ELC but seems that everyone was constantly busy today with meetings that Deepika rescheduled it to Monday. As there was nothing much they could do for me today, Deepika told me to call it a day, well not really, as I still have to view the CDs back at the hotel!

Post-its:
I realized that they have smart coffee boy (smart because they're wearing vests!) at the pantry! He served coffee for Citibankers during meetings and even made you one if you asked him nicely!

Bandra Kurla Complex - Banking & Financial District, North Mumbai