A new pilot, The Skills Workshop is launched to create a more inclusive talent pipeline in the investment and savings industry
• The Skills Workshop is aimed at university students to help gain insight, knowledge and direction to help start their financial career and build social capital
• Included is: industry awareness, financial literacy, application preparation, workplace confidence and virtual careers fair
• The programme launches in partnership with CFA Society UK, EnCircle and the Diversity Project and is collaborating with over 60 companies across the industry
#TalkAboutBlack has launched The Skills Workshop, a programme of free virtual workshops aimed at students looking to start a career in the investment and savings industry. Launched in partnership with CFA Society UK, EnCircle and the Diversity Project, over 60 companies are coming together across investment management to help equip future talent with the insight, knowledge, and skills needed to succeed.
The programme, which launches on 7 June and runs for six months, is open to all students, but there will be a particular focus on encouraging uptake from ethnic minority students from socially and economically deprived backgrounds to increase the diversity of candidates looking to enter the industry and tackle underrepresentation.
The Skills Workshop will cover hard skills training, provided by #TalkAboutBlack, CFA Society UK, industry firms and recruiters with sessions on understanding the industry and the roles available, to CV, cover letter and competency interview sessions. This will be complemented by soft skills training provided by EnCircle with a focus on wellbeing, authenticity and imposter syndrome, resilience, and career ownership. There will also be a virtual careers fair, featuring 41 organisations who will provide an insight into their firms and roles available.
Rachel Green, co-founder for #TalkAboutBlack and Director, Institutional Sales at Nuveen, commented: “At #TalkAboutBlack, we are passionate about creating a more representative industry, where, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status, you can fulfil your potential. We are incredibly proud that the overwhelming support we have had from the industry, will lead to making a real difference in young people’s lives.”
Will Goodhart, CEO of CFA Society UK added: “We are delighted to be a part of providing dedicated training to students. We believe that the right training can be a great leveller and provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our goal is to build a better investment profession and by being a part of this initiative we are making that a reality.”
Who can sign up to The Skills Workshop?
- All university disciplines and subjects welcome
- All predicted grades welcome
- All age groups welcome (from pre-university to postgraduates and mature students)
Please visit the Diversity Project website to sign up.
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Sophie Niven, Account Manager Lansons, SophieN@lansons.com 07952764157
About #TalkAboutBlack
#TalkAboutBlack was founded in 2018 when a group of senior Black asset management professionals were invited to lead the ethnicity workstream of the Diversity Project. Our purpose is to build a pipeline of cross-industry Black leaders. We utilise a combination of mentoring, education, thought leadership and public speaking to increase the opportunities for Black people and industry professionals and challenge the structures that inhibit progression.
About the CFA Society UK
CFA Society UK builds a better investment profession by promoting the highest standards of ethics, education and professional excellence in order to serve society’s best interest.
About EnCircle
EnCircle is a mentoring program that allows you to connect directly with Black professionals working in the industry to offer insights to navigate your career as you progress.
About the Diversity Project
Diversity Project - In early 2016, a group of leaders in the investment and savings profession decided to take action to accelerate progress towards an inclusive culture within our industry. We recognise that future success – for our clients, members, employers and shareholders – requires an inclusive culture. The purpose of the Diversity Project is to accelerate progress towards an inclusive culture in the investment profession. An inclusive culture across all levels supports more effective teamwork, gives wider perspectives, better investment decisions, better results for our clients and ultimately more sustainable businesses. The Project spans the whole range of the profession: asset owners, fund managers, fund selectors, pension consultants, actuaries, trustees, wealth managers and the professional standards and trade bodies.