Over 100 Interns Participated at the Fourth Annual Financial Services Pipeline Intern Career Conference
Published: July 17, 2017
In an effort to increase the representation of African Americans and Latinos within the financial services sector, the Financial Services Pipeline (FSP) Initiative brought together more than 100 interns at the fourth annual FSP Intern Career Conference on Thursday, July 13 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Interns learned about the diverse careers and roles available in financial services during panel discussions and networking events.
The event served as a platform to highlight FSP’s mission to address racial diversity and cultural competency within the Chicago area’s financial services sector by developing a pipeline of diverse talent. According to a study conducted by FSP, along with Mercer, the number of African Americans and Latinos in the financial sector is projected to drastically decline within five years if no action is taken to change the approach on hiring and retention. The conference is targeted to interns in the early stages of their career development to help guide them and introduce them to a long-term career in the Financial Services industry.
"Research shows that the low levels of minority representation in the financial services sector in the Chicago area have not changed much in the last 15 years,” said Perika Sampson, Regional Diversity Officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Great Lakes Region. “This conference provides a space for industry leaders to educate and inspire the next generation to explore careers in the sector and ensures significant progress in making our industry more representative of the region we serve.”
Interns started their day with welcome remarks by Willis, followed by panel discussions led by FSP member firms. Topics included: Positioned for Impact: Finding Your Purpose; and Converting an Internship into a Career. Ana Dutra, President of The Executives' Club of Chicago, was the keynote speaker and focused on the excitement and passion about working in the Financial Services industry.
Interns are employed by FSP member firms where they are exposed to diverse careers in the Financial Services industry, such as investments, accounting, business development, technology, consulting, and management, among others. Throughout the internship, industry leaders will educate and inspire the next generation of financial services frontrunners, but also provide young talent with a platform to share their ideas and expectations with seasoned professionals.
Visit http://www.fspchicago.org/ for more information.