Join us on March 18 from 4:00- 6:45 pm at Mount Royal University for an engaging panel discussion designed specifically for young women and non‑binary post‑secondary students who are considering a career in finance.
This event will feature panelists from three key areas of the industry:
- Investment Research (TBD)
- Portfolio Management (Mandy Basa and Francesca Loftus from Mawer)
- Investment Banking (TBD)
From each area, you’ll hear two perspectives:
A senior / hiring‑level professional who can speak to long‑term career paths, what they look for in junior candidates, and how they got to where they are today.
A junior professional who is only a few years out of school and can share what the transition from university to industry really looks and feels like.
Together, the panelists will discuss:
- What a typical first role in their area looks like—and what you can realistically expect in your first few years.
- The skills, attitudes, and habits that set early‑career professionals up for success.
- How to choose your first step in finance—how to think about “fit,” culture, learning opportunities, and growth.
- When it might make sense to pivot to a different role or area, and how to approach that transition thoughtfully.
- What senior leaders look for when hiring for junior roles, including resumes, interviews, and on‑the‑job performance.
- Practical advice on maximizing your learning and building your network early in your career
Whether you are set on a specific path or are still exploring your options in finance, this event will help you gain clearer insight into:
- What your career might look like right after graduation
- How your path could evolve over the medium and long term
- How to be intentional about your early‑career choices and development
Following the panel discussion, there will be time for informal networking with the speakers and other attendees, along with light refreshments.
Agenda:
4:00 – 4:30 pm: Attendees and panelists arrive
4:30 – 4:40 pm: VersaFi introduction
4:40 – 5:00 pm: Sara Poldaas (moderator) introduction and panelist introductions
5:00 – 5:40 pm: Panel Discussion
5:40 – 6:00 pm: Q&A
6:00 – 6:45 pm: Casual networking