A recent Careers in Investment Management conference brought prospective employers up close and personal with Manchester sixth form students, from both state and independent schools, helping to de-mystify the profession for them and increase the appeal of a career in financial services.
The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), a not-for-profit, membership body for the financial services profession, held the Careers in Investment Management Insight Conference, at Barclays in Piccadilly Place, giving students the opportunity to interact with practitioners, learn about different careers and how to appeal to potential employers.
The Conference was arranged by the CISI’s Manchester & District branch.
Students from state and independent schools attended. The schools were: The Manchester Grammar School; Altrincham Grammar School for Boys; Altrincham Grammar School for Girls; Bolton School; Parrs Wood High School; and Stockport Grammar.
Ben Gartside, a year 13 student from Parrs Wood High School, said: “The CISI conference was an eye-opening experience which gave me a greater insight into the world of finance and associated careers. From attending the event I feel that a career in finance is accessible and something I would now consider.”
Ms Sweeney, a teacher at Parrs Wood High School, said: “The event provided a fantastic overview of the different pathways into a career in finance.”
Local firms who gave their support and got involved included: Barclays Wealth; Brewin Dolphin; Castlefield Investment Partners; Aberdeen Asset Management; BNY Mellon; WH Ireland, and Dewhurst Torevell. Kyle Harrison and Nick Konarski from Castlefield Investment gave a talk on their apprenticeship experience; BNY Mellon challenged students with a ‘fundopoly’ game, in which teams had to pick the best investment strategy; Sarah Davies from BNY Mellon explained what the industry looks for in potential recruits; and Barclays Lifeskills helped students smarten up their CVs.
Richard Morley, Divisional Director at Brewin Dolphin and CISI President of the Manchester & District branch, said: “The Insight conference gave students a good deal of information about careers in our industry and put emphasis on the important practical skills needed for a career in financial services. We are proud to support the development of the region’s next generation of talented investment professionals.”
The next CISI Insight days will be held in Liverpool and London in early July.
The CISI partners with schools, colleges and universities to offer qualifications and career education for young people to learn about the financial services industry and gain an understanding of the diverse job roles and employment opportunities available within the industry. If you or your firm can support our work with education both within London and in other regions nationally, please contact educationdevelopment@cisi.org