Pathway Programme FAQs
Application & Eligibility
Who is the programme designed for?
The programme is tailored for women with three or more years professional experience who aspire to advance into a Fund Manager or Trader role. While firm nomination is encouraged, we welcome enquiries from exceptional candidates exploring alternative routes.
Can I apply without firm nomination?
Absolutely. We understand that circumstances may vary. If you would like to have a confidential discussion, please contact us at [email protected]
Must the participant or firm be located in the UK to apply?
No, we do accept candidates from outside of the UK. Previous candidates have been based in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Dublin and Copenhagen. Please do contact us to discuss how we might accommodate.
How can my firm get involved?
Firms are invite to nominate candidates, sponsor participants, host and / or lead a session, or join the Diversity Project as members. For collaboration opportunities, please get in touch.
Curriculum & Commitment
What does the curriculum cover?
Nine focus areas including, technical skills, AI in Investing, and Career Activism. View the full curriculum here.
What is the difference between the Portfolio Management and Trader tracks?
Each track consists of six sessions formatted to provide the key technical skills needed to succeed as a portfolio manager or trader. The remaining sessions are attended by the full cohort together. Selecting a track is largely dependent on one’s career goals.
The Portfolio Management track contains sessions on portfolio construction, security selection, and risk management.
The Trader track contains sessions dedicated to each asset class providing in-depth coverage of the market mechanics & structure, pricing dynamics, trading instruments & strategies, and risk management.
Both tracks cover practical application of key principles to give participants an understanding of what the day-to-day is like.
What is the time commitment?
Participants typically dedicate around 100 hours over 12 months, including live sessions, networking events, and collaborative projects (not inclusive of travel to session locations). We ask attendees to join a minimum of two-thirds of sessions to maximise the experience.
What is the Model Portfolio Project?
Participants collaborate in small groups to design and manage a simulated multi-asset portfolio over six months, presenting their strategy and results to the project leads. A winner is announced at the closing ceremony. This is an incredible opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge gained both during the programme and on the job in real time.
Will sessions be recorded?
Yes. Most sessions are recorded in case someone missed one and to allow for a catch-up.
Who are the trainers and speakers?
Trainers for the programme are a mixture of high-profile investment professionals, Diversity Project leaders and Ambassadors, current and former portfolio managers and executive coaches. We have a strong emphasis on practitioners, past and present, who have direct experience of working in the investment industry.
For the participants to get on-the-job training, will they need to transfer into an investment function (e.g., from middle office)?
Not necessarily. However, the participant should shadow someone in an investment function before the programme begins (and, ideally throughout). It is important for the participant to have a true understanding of what the job entails and for the firm to be fully supportive to a future change of role to an investment team.
Career Progression and Programme Completion
What happens after I complete the programme?
You are welcome to join our Alumnae Network, gaining access to exclusive events, professional development resources, and a community of like-minded peers for ongoing career support well after the programme is completed.
When we select someone for the programme, are we guaranteeing they will be a fund manager at the end of the programme?
No, this is not within the Diversity Project’s power. In addition, some participants may be at an early stage of their careers and e.g. still working towards their CFA qualification. However, each participant should be on a good path, closer and better equipped to become a portfolio manager after the programme.
Rather than creating a new portfolio management position to ensure the participant progresses, can firms create co-portfolio management roles?
Absolutely. Creating co-fund management roles provide new opportunities for progression, supports the participant in their career ambitions, and adds gender diversity.
Sponsorship
What does being a Sponsor involve?
Sponsors play a pivotal role as mentors and advocates, offering monthly guidance, career support, and access to opportunities within their organisation. Discover more about sponsorship here.
Should each of the participants from the same company share one sponsor, or should each of them have their own sponsor?
Each participant should have her unique sponsor. Each participant is unique and would benefit from the focused attention of her sponsor, who will by nature of the role, be her champion within the firm, as well as an adviser and sounding board.
Can the sponsors be external?
No. Sponsors should come from the participant’s own firm. We want to avoid the risk of companies “poaching” talent from other companies. The sponsor should ensure that the participant has opportunities to progress at the firm once programme has finished
Will there be training for line managers?
No. Part of the sponsor’s role is to work with the line manager. We will however be bringing sponsors together and providing them with coaching and support so they can fulfil their role well