My name is Yousra C and I work as a credit risk analyst at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB). In the Risk Management and Permanent Control Department, I specialise in LBOs (leveraged buyouts). Our counterparties are mainly financial sponsors; private equity players, who wish to raise debt to acquire companies.

How would you describe the position of “Credit Risk Analyst”?

My job consists in analysing the transaction proposals of the originating teams from a credit risk perspective. We then draft opinions or recommendations that we present to the various credit committees. Having a solid knowledge of financial analysis is a key skill that is indispensable for carrying out my assignments.

What are the peak periods of your job during the year?

There are periods like November and December that are more active than others. The peak periods of activity are the credit committee meetings for the largest or riskiest transactions for the bank, which are attended by the Crédit Agricole CIB general management. Our activity is also particularly correlated to the economic and political situation. For example, Brexit has had a significant impact on the flow of transactions from our front office based in London.

Can you describe your typical day?

The day begins at 9 am with a moment of interaction with my colleagues. We have a coffee together in one of the lounges on our Paris campus. Throughout the day, we respond to credit applications received by the Front Office in our various locations. As risk analysts, we’re lucky to work in a very international environment by interacting regularly with the originating teams as well as the other teams from the Risk Management and Permanent Control Department.

What career path is required to reach your position and what are the possibilities for development?

After my secondary school diploma (science option), I studied at Paris-Dauphine University where I obtained a Master’s degree in Investment Banking and Capital Markets. In 2017, I joined the Aerospace Structured Financing department at Crédit Agricole CIB as part of my work-study programme for the final year of my Master’s degree.

My tasks, at the time, consisted in assisting project managers in the origination of new financing for airlines and aircraft rental companies. After that, I had the opportunity to become a Credit Analyst in the Risk Management and Permanent Control department.

There is no standard career path for this job. Some of my colleagues are graduates from engineering schools while others went to business school. What counts is to have a solid financial background and be interested in the sector. There are many possibilities for development, we can move to other teams in the division or even towards origination or syndication.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up a similar position?

For this job, two qualities that I highly recommend are curiosity and a critical mind. It is also important to gain experience as early as possible through internships or work-study programmes during your university studies.