Students taking Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) qualifications from schools and colleges across
Merseyside & Chester gathered in the iconic Port of Liverpool Building on the Liverpool waterfront last week to take part in a Career in Investment Management Insight Conference.
The two- day conference, which included opportunities to learn more about the industry, meet practitioners and develop in-demand employability skills, was the culmination of a work experience week for 27 students, some of whom had spent the previous three days following a comprehensive work experience programme in Liverpool investment firms Blankstone Sington, Investec Wealth & Investment and Tilney Bestinvest.
Hosted by Rathbone Investment Management, and organised by the CISI and the Liverpool, Chester & North Wales CISI committee, the conference included a “Liver Bird’s Den” session, (as opposed to Dragon’s Den!) where local leading practitioners and VIPs - “Liver Birds” - judged the student’s investment pitches.
Our esteemed Liver Birds were Senior Investment Directors David Owen and Simon Fontes from Investec Wealth & Investment; Craig Clifford, Director, Client Service Delivery at Pershing; Liverpool City Councillor Jane Corbett and Becky Hellard, Liverpool City Council’s Director of Finance and Resources.
Further representatives from local firms were involved in the conference, alongside those offering students work experience – staff from Pershing Limited, Rathbone Investment Management, SL Investment Limited, Pavis Financial Management Limited and Marshall Moore - Financial Services recruitment company- got involved. Activities included Pershing/ BNY Mellon’s very popular Fundopoly investment game and a fast and furious speed networking session with practitioners.
John Haynes, Director of Liverpool’s International Coaching Academy and a personal success expert, gave the students an exciting interactive workshop on increasing their performance, motivation and self-belief. Brian Sloan, the Bank of England Deputy Agent for the North West presented the responsibilities of the Bank, an overview of the current economic climate and a fascinating insight into the impact of Brexit.
Students attending the conference from Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College, King David High School and St John Bosco Arts College, take their CISI qualifications through Liverpool City Council’s Liverpool Learning Partnership CISI - sponsored programme, delivered through Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College.
Students also attended from West Derby School, St Anselm’s College and Studio@Deyes, who will be offering CISI qualifications to their students from September. Other students interested in finding out more about a career in the industry came from Carmel College and Helsby High School.
The work experience week and conference culminated in a fantastic opportunity to meet with Gillian Tett, US Managing Editor of the Financial Times, journalist & author. Arranged by Liverpool City Councillor Jane Corbett and Liverpool, Chester & North Wales CISI Committee, the event took place at Tilney’s offices in The Royal Liver Building.
Students joined the City’s practitioners to hear Gillian provide an insightful and thought- provoking presentation on the current state of play in the economy and answer some tricky questions from both students and practitioners, as well as awarding prizes to outstanding students from the course of the week.
James Charlton, Tilney Fund Manager and President of the CISI Liverpool, Chester & North Wales Committee, said: “As a committee we work tirelessly to create opportunities for students but I have to thank our members, and the member firms for the overwhelming support they have given us, to make our second annual Investment Management Insight week a resounding success.
“It never ceases to amaze me how passionate our members are about education and the development of others. Over the course of the last academic year, we have credited our members with over 300 hours of CPD, through activities such as classroom support and 1 to 1 mentoring, and without them, the region’s education programme would not be so fruitful.
“It’s widely recognised that if you’re seeking a career in Wealth Management, outside of London, Liverpool is the place to be and we are committed to educating, developing and retaining the next generation of talented investment professionals in our city, and it’s fantastic to get Gillian’s backing as of one of the world’s most respected financial authors and journalists.”
Student quotes
On Work experience
Student- Charlotte- King David High School- Following work experience, I have a better understanding of the industry and am more interested in a career in the financial world
Student- Katie- Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College – Work experience has motivated me even more to go into finance and I can actually see what I could be doing in the future
On the Careers Conference
Student- Joseph- Carmel College- The conference helped me decide my future and informed me on the steps I can take to get there
Student- Ryan- Kind David High School The conference has given me a great insight into what I would like to do in the future
Student- Will- St Anselm’s College The conference has inspired me to become an investment banker
Student- Alexander- St Anselm’s College A fantastic and unique experience that has expanded my knowledge of the industry and peaked my interest
Ends
For further information on the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment contact Lora Benson +44 20 7645 0662/ +44 7801 521034 or lora.benson@cisi.org
Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment
The CISI’s mission is to help members attain, maintain and develop their knowledge and skills and to promote the highest standards of ethics and integrity in the securities and investment industry.
Based in the City of London, the CISI is a global organisation with representative offices in financial centres such as Dublin, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Dubai, Mumbai and Colombo. We work in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies worldwide and over 40,000 examinations were sat in 80 countries in the last twelve months.
With 40,000 members in 116 countries the CISI is the professional body which sets examinations and offers qualifications for those working, or looking to establish a career in the securities, investment, wealth and financial planning professions