Asset managers share career insights with local students

Students of Starbank School in Birmingham gained vital insights into the world of work through a presentation carried out by Close Brothers Asset Management (CBAM) recently.

The event was organised by Learning to Work, a not-for-profit organisation set up to facilitate links between education and the world of work and to give students an insight into employment opportunities available to them when they leave school.

Learning to Work works with more than 18,000 young people every year on a variety of different activities including work experience, careers guidance, business insight days, careers and apprenticeship events.

CBAM managing director for the Midlands & South West, Ben Staniforth hosted the students at the firm’s offices in Birmingham.

Ben and the team delivered a presentation which explored many roles of CBAM, colleagues' individual experiences within the financial services industry, and the importance of financial literacy and financial wellbeing.

Students got a flavour of what it is like to work in the industry and speakers from the team included Nile Dennis-Stephens, a current wealth planning intern at the firm and Katie Craddock, wealth planning commercial strategy manager.

The team shared their insights to help Starbank students consider what opportunities they might want to explore when it comes to thinking about their future career aspirations.

Ben said: “It was a pleasure to welcome students from Starbank School to our Birmingham office, recently.

“The team and I enjoyed sharing insights with the students about a career in the financial services industry and they asked some brilliant questions.

“It’s great to meet the next generation of budding financial planners and we look forward to hosting further insight days for other schools in the local community.”

The team also shined a light on CBAM’s Wealth Planning School Leaver Programme. The programme has been designed by the firm’s in-house industry experts to help school leavers launch their career in wealth planning.

School leavers join the company each year to gain practical experience, knowledge, skills and the qualifications needed to become a Chartered Financial Planner.

The programme is unique and offers students a tailored learning experience, industry relevant skills, mentorship and the opportunity to gain professional qualifications.

The programme runs annually and school leavers are being welcomed to the Birmingham and Chester offices in September 2024, with plans to roll it out to other regional offices in future years.

Click here to learn more about Learning to Work.

Alternatively, click here to explore career opportunities with CBAM.