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One hundred Scottish students on track for careers in financial services
More than a hundred girls from Scottish schools, universities and colleges will take part in a financial services knowledge day at Edinburgh Napier University on Tuesday 11 June to explore the range of rewarding careers available in the profession.
Students, aged 15 to 21, accompanied by their teachers, will hear from financial services professionals, including introductions to the financial services sector in Scotland and the front, middle and back office roles available.
The full-day careers overview, organized by the charity Future Asset, will include workshops on pathways into the financial services profession, apprenticeships, school leavers, postgraduate programs (and internships), sharing information about where these Vacancies are advertised, how to apply, with details about the assessment and interview process.
Students will also receive tips on what companies look for in candidates, how to present themselves, improve resumes and applications, and how to develop their skills and experience.
All students will visit the offices of some of the 15+ sponsoring companies involved, all based in Edinburgh, to meet the team and take part in question and answer sessions. Participating financial services firms include Aegon, Artemis, Baillie Gifford, BlackRock, Janus Henderson, Lothian Pension Fund, Martin Currie, Maven, Nikko, Quilter, Rathbones, RBC Brewin Dolphin, River Global, Stewart Investors and Walter Scott.
colin andersonclient relationship manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, is representing the educational charity and professional body the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) on the day.
He said: “Financial and related professional services are already the biggest contributors to the Scottish economy, adding around £14.3 billion of Gross Value Added (GVA) annually. The industry directly employs around 136 thousand people.
“I’m delighted to be involved in this careers insights day to help get students excited about the range of jobs available in our exciting, inclusive and vibrant sector. I have volunteered at Future Asset for many years and CISI sponsored their excellent investment competition last year. Future Asset’s projects and partnerships are crucial to enabling girls from all backgrounds to explore rewarding careers in financial services.”
Helen Bradley, CEO of Future Asset, added: “We are excited to host our first Financial Services Insights Day at Edinburgh Napier University. Our goal is to give our fabulous alumni an in-depth look at the financial services industry and equip them with the knowledge they need to make informed and confident applications for great careers.
“As highlighted by Scottish Financial Enterprise research last year, almost 60% of 16-24 year olds are unlikely to consider a career in financial services. Coupled with the fact that just 12% of UK-based fund managers are women, it’s clear why Future Asset exists – to introduce young women to rewarding careers in finance and encourage them to recognize and realize their potential.”