Organisations across the investment management industry, including the Diversity Project, CFA Society, #talkaboutblack and 60 investment firms, have united for a university project aimed at creating a pipeline of diverse talent for the sector.
#Talkaboutblack, founded in 2018 when a group of senior black asset management professionals were invited to lead the ethnicity workstream of the Diversity Project, has coordinated The Skills Workshop programme which will provide free virtual workshops to students wishing to start a career in the investment and savings industry.
Starting on 7 June and running for six months, the programme 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. There will also be soft skills training provided by mentoring programme creator Encircle with a focus on wellbeing, authenticity and imposter syndrome, resilience and career ownership.
Additionally, #talkaboutblack announced a virtual careers fair, where 41 organisations from across the industry will provide an insight into their firms and roles available.
The programme 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.
#Talkaboutblack co-founder and director of institutional sales at Nuveen, Rachel Green said: “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.”
CFA Society UK chief executive Will Goodhart 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.”
Students can sign up to the The Skills Workshop here.
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