Partner Article

Career prospects add up in Wales

A key finance event aimed at increasing awareness of the opportunities available in Wales’ financial services sector saw hundreds of delegates cross the threshold of Cardiff’s City Hall yesterday (November 29th).

The Welsh Finance Conference was organised by a group of 43 financial services graduates enrolled on the Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme. Established to support the growing finance industry in Wales, the EU funded scheme works to develop a talent pool of highly skilled finance professionals.

The event brought together visiting graduates with industry leaders and prominent businesspeople who lifted the lid on topics like the role of technology in financial services, alternative routes into financial professions, and the effect of Brexit on Welsh companies and individuals.

Among the speakers was Heather McGregor, the renowned business-owner, entrepreneur, and Financial Times columnist, who spoke about the importance of ‘third dimension activity’ – ways of developing as an individual and gaining new skills and experiences outside of paid work and education.

The managing director of Taylor Bennett, an executive search firm, told the audience that employers in the sector are looking for something more than academic qualifications, citing work experience with as many different organisations as possible as an essential addition to a CV for graduates looking to secure jobs in the financial services space.

With a focus on strengthening Wales’ already reputable financial services sector and supporting the next generation of finance professionals, other key figures in the finance sector from across the UK delivered talks, seminars, and interactive panel debates on the subject of the European Transition.

Sandra Busby, managing director of the Welsh Financial Services Forum said: ““The Welsh Financial Services Graduate programme is unique – not just in Wales or the UK but globally – in its ability to bring together so many leading employers to demonstrate the true breadth of the industry and offer graduates invaluable insight into a wide variety of organisations.

“The graduates have done an outstanding job of organising today’s event, and showcasing to their peers just how diverse the world of finance is. There are a wealth of interesting and rewarding roles out there, and a host of different pathways into the industry. The landscape of the sector is evolving rapidly, creating countless opportunities for ambitious graduates.”

A cheque for £3000 was awarded by the conference organisers to its nominated charity, The Prince’s Trust. The organisation runs programmes to help unemployed young people gain the skills and confidence they need to find a job or training opportunity, or set up their own business.

Fiona Hawthorn, Corporate Fundraising Manager in Wales said: “We’re thrilled that the Welsh Finance Conference has chosen to show its support for the Prince’s Trust in our mission to help better the lives and prospects of young people in Wales.”

The Financial Services Graduate programme is partly funded by the European Social Fund and is managed by the Welsh Financial Services Forum on behalf of participating companies including Atradius, Admiral, Composite Legal Expenses, GM Financial, Optimum Credit, Grant Thornton, BBC Finance, Finance Wales, Hodge Bank and Principality Building Society.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hannah Jones .