"I'm an associate at a French bank and the culture here is belle"
I'm an associate in the investment banking team at a French bank. This is a role I began three months ago, having previously worked for a bank with a more Anglo-Saxon culture. The difference here is noticeable. Even if JPMorgan comes calling, I would never work for a US bank again.
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The culture here is far nicer than at the previous bank I worked for. My previous employer was very political and there was a high degree of frustration. Everyone there was managing up and you were recognised for who you knew, not for what you actually did.
Here, though, people are recognised for the work they do. We're busy with multiple deals. Trump is making European banking great again and it's showing. I've been staffed on more deals since I moved here than I worked on over a year with my previous employer. This is also great for my CV.
Being French, this bank also respects your summer. I've had a brilliant summer working here. Sure, I work hard and I've been asked to work on my vacation, but not much. I have more job security and a better standard of living. Life at a French bank is fine.
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