In a remarkable initiative to nurture the leaders of tomorrow, Macquarie Group recently hosted an exclusive earlier this month.
Organised by Kylie Fuller, the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Lauren He, a DEI Consultant, this event was tailored to spotlight the often-overlooked sectors of finance and technology.
With 120 girls from seven different schools in attendance, this gathering aimed to shape the future by guiding young minds toward exciting career paths and emphasising the pivotal role of subject choices.
Empowering Women in Finance & Tech
The heart of the event’s mission was to address a crucial issue: the underrepresentation of women, gender-diverse, and non-binary individuals in the banking and technology sectors.
By engaging girls in Years 9 and 10, Macquarie Group aimed to intervene at a critical juncture in their academic journey.
If we don’t talk to girls early while they’re choosing their subjects, it’ll be too late for many of them.
This forward-thinking approach is essential because early subject choices profoundly impact future opportunities, earning potential, and career trajectories. Moreover, businesses benefit immensely when they tap into diverse talent pools; this event was a step in that direction.
Under the theme Empowering Women in Finance & Tech: Investing in the Next Generation of Leaders, the event was designed to inspire and guide young students. It unveiled the diverse career paths available within the banking and technology sectors and illuminated how subject choices could pave the way for a fulfilling career.
A Much Needed Experience
Taking place at Macquarie’s Auditorium in the heart of Sydney, this invitation-only event maintained a strict dress code of school uniforms. Schools were encouraged to nominate students and career advisors were warmly invited to attend alongside them.
The event provided invaluable insights into various university degrees and career paths, leading to rewarding opportunities at Macquarie Group. As they aptly advise: We’re not just looking at the future; we’re actively shaping it.
Elise Mcdonald from Ravenswood School for Girls was in attendance and told us just how much these events mean to her students:
“It’s been so eye-opening for my students. They didn’t realise the opportunities available to them and that the possibilities are endless! The panel was inspiring and great for students to see young women only a few years older than them already having such varied careers at Macquarie.”
Chloe Long from Mackeller Girls was equally wowed by the opportunity to learn so much about an industry she’d previously felt didn’t offer much variety:
“I was really surprised by how diverse, changing and evolving the sector is – and by the variety of opportunities on offer. Learning about the different roles has helped me see you’re not just stuck in one role – there are so many possibilities,”
Find Out More
Macquarie Group’s commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders is commendable and visionary.
By addressing the gender imbalance in finance and tech early on, they provide young girls with brighter prospects and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future. As the event underscored: Together, we can shape a more inclusive future.
And with initiatives like this, that future is undoubtedly within reach.
Keen to discover everything Macquarie has to offer? Head to their dedicated employer profile to find out more and keep an eye out for future events from these leaders coming soon.
