Young Women
Into Finance
The Young Women Into Finance Scholarship Program is One Search Group’s own not-for-profit social enterprise, established in 2018 to provide an entry path into a finance career for the very brightest and most socially disadvantaged young women in society.
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The beginning
The origin story
For years, recruiters talked the talk about diversity and fielded HR Managers’ tricky questions about “50/50 shortlists” with ease. But examples of recruiters actually walking the walk are harder to recall.
Our founders at One Search Group realized that if things were to change, it would not be through talk, but through actual grassroots change in the number of young women coming into the industry at entry level.
A former One Searcher by the name of Tom Downes was by this point a teacher at Forest Gate School in East London so this, by default, became our pilot school. We went in to meet some of their young women…and the rest is history.
The process
How does it work?
01
Identifying and Nurturing Future Finance Leaders
We partner with UK schools to identify high-potential young women at the start of their A-Level studies, especially those who may not have considered a career in finance. Our program offers them mentorship and guidance through their A-Levels and university education.
02
Comprehensive Training and Experience
Participants receive mentorship, complete the CISI Corporate Finance & Capital Markets Qualification, and gain hands-on experience through two full summer internships with leading banks and funds in London, sponsored by our partner organizations.
03
Graduating with a Competitive Edge
By the time they graduate, these young women are not only CISI qualified but also proficient in building complex financial models in Excel. They are fully prepared for successful careers in finance, with the opportunity to be placed as full-time hires within our client base.
Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Finance
Students or Schools
If you're a school or parent with gifted young women who need guidance to unlock their potential, our program is here to help them see that a career in finance is well within their reach. Whether you're a 16 or 17-year-old academically strong young woman, or a parent of one, and uncertain about the right career path, our program offers the opportunity to explore the exciting possibilities that finance has to offer to the the young women present.
Become a mentor
We are continuously expanding the program to welcome more young women, which increases our need for mentors. As brand ambassadors in sustainable infrastructure investment, our mentors spend an hour or two each month guiding students through the CISI qualification. Becoming a mentor requires passing a criminal records check and committing to monthly catchups with a student for a year at a time.
Sponsor the program
The success of this program depends on the organizations it serves, and we are always in need for support to achieve a truly balanced and diverse candidate pool. If your organization is committed to tackling gender imbalance and willing to invest in long-term change, please contact us. An annual sponsorship of £10k provides two summer interns, branding on our literature and events, and a seat on our advisory board.
Get in touch and discover more about how we can work with you.
