What is your day to day job?

It basically involves analysing demands for credit that exceed the amount that can be reasonably managed by BNP Paribas offices overseas. These requests for credit usually arrive redirected to us by one of the overseas branches. The role of the analyst is to look at the proposition, by examining different elements within the company: their financial situation, any previous dealings with BNP Paribas, any press releases and of course the details of the request itself. The dossier is then presented to a risk manager, who validates or reviews the opinions given by the analyst.

Each analyst deals with a different geographical zone, which sends requests back to head office. I deal with Great Britain and the Commonwealth. However, as I am not in a specialised financial sector, I get to see a range of highly varied dossiers from different companies. Generally an Analyst will change zones a number of times throughout his career as he develops through to Risk and Credit Management in the Corporate and Investment Banking Core Business.

What are the main attractions of your job?

The position of Credit Analyst is very instructive as regards Financial Analysis and Risk Management. It gives me the opportunity to learn how to prepare and present a client's dossier effectively, and with efficiency and clarity. The average age of an Analyst is fairly low, and it is thus highly enjoyable working in such a dynamic environment, especially during a particularly hectic period. For when the pressure is on, there is a real buzz around the office. It is also very stimulating to work as part of a team, which is continually exchanging ideas and opinions.

The position is perfect for getting to know the various other jobs and services within the bank, because we are in continuous contact with those on the trading floor at the stock exchange or with BNP Paribas' foreign branches. This helps give one an overall view of the banking world, and helps one see how and where your own career fits into the broader picture of the bank's activity.

What is your academic background and what personal qualities are required for this job?

I graduated from the European Business School in Paris and during this time undertook two internships with the bank, one in Mergers and Acquisitions and the other on the trading floor at the Paris Stock Exchange. I think that, in this particular job, one has to be able to effectively co-ordinate and then evaluate different types of information whilst remaining highly rational. The analyst has to give an informed opinion about the general state of any given company, financial or otherwise, by following a logical framework. It is also important to have good communication skills as well as clarity of thought. However, one can only develop these skills with experience.

What is the career path of a Credit Analyst?

It often involves moving from one geographical zone to another, analysing risk in different countries throughout the BNP Paribas network. In the future, I see myself going into something a little more trade-oriented or perhaps working in Auditing and General Inspection.

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