Investing in Talent Careers Insight Event by Helen Cooke

A career in banking is challenging for anyone; for someone with a disability or long-term health condition it can seem impossible however this is certainly not the case. Many individuals, all of whom have disabilities, enjoy successful careers in the banking sector and benefit from support from their firms. Visit Stories from the workplace to find out more.

Investing in Talent is a unique careers event organised by MyPlus Students’ Club which not only informs students about the career opportunities offered in banking, but also show cases the support available and how to access this both during the recruitment process and in the workplace itself. Investing in Talent 2019 was hosted by HSBC at their offices in Canary Wharf on the 25th October. Participating firms included Barclays, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley and UBS.

Ceri Picton-Tully, Chief Operating Officer at HSBC, opened the event by welcoming delegates to Investing in Talent on behalf of all of the participating banks. Ceri also provided an overview of investment banking and the various opportunities open to them across different business areas.

The afternoon then consisted of a number of different sessions designed to provide further insights into a career in investment banking, the approach to the firms to disability, and how to access support required both during the recruitment process and in the workplace itself.
Sessions include:

• An overview of investment banking
• A recruitment skills workshop delivered by a graduate recruitment manager from one of the banks
• A session on disclosing your disability during the recruitment process and requesting support
• A disability panel with representatives from each of the firms all of whom had a disability or health condition, including but not limited to, kidney failure, anxiety and dyslexia. The Representatives each talked about their firms approach to disability, the importance of being inclusive and how to access the support you require.

With the formalities finished, delegates and bank representatives networked over drinks and canapes, enabling conversations to continue and contact details to be exchanged.

Student Feedback:

“This was invaluable. It highlighted how having a disability is not an issue in investment banking, and that there is a lot of inclusivity and support.”

“The event was super helpful. I feel so much more comfortable discussing my disability and I’m more confident that the information will be positively received by the banks.”

“Before the event I had some misconceptions towards investment banking. After networking with the firm representatives, I cannot wait to start the application process and learn more about the investment banking world. The future is exciting!”

“Attending the event gave me the confidence to apply to firms, without feeling that my disability would be a hinderance to them.”

Participating Employer Feedback:

“It was a very insightful event and it was clear that the students were really engaged with all of the speakers. It was great to watch the misconception of banking be broken down, and to see the students become excited about the possibility of having a career in this field. In particular, I thought the panel was very helpful and offered deeper insight into what each firm can offer their employees.”
Charlotte Mitchell – J.P Morgan

The MyPlus Students’ Club 2020 Investing in Talent Careers event will be taking place on the 23rd of October, hosted by Morgan Stanley in Central London. For further information email info@myplusconsulting.com