Transitioning from the classroom to the workplace is no easy feat. And the journey to the boardroom is long and full of the ‘usual’ professional challenges. But for many students living in deprived areas, they have the added disadvantage of their background limiting their access to learning about career opportunities.
Socioeconomic status has an influence on an individual’s career trajectory, and this issue shows no signs of improving. The pandemic exacerbated this in many ways, namely by causing families to lose critical income and isolating young people from their peers and learning. A recent report by the Office for National Statistics highlighted that 44.6% of young people from low-income families say, “People like me don’t have much of a chance in life.”
In our latest Gen Z 2024 Hiring report, 46% of student respondents viewed socioeconomic inequality as the most significant barrier to entering their chosen industries; it is a concern of theirs that has grown over the past three years.
Social mobility – the ability to change one’s socioeconomic status either in relation to their parents or over their lifetime – is crucial to improving the future opportunities for young people. And employers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of socioeconomic diversity, from both a strategic and social perspective.
The mission of the Classroom to Boardroom Foundation (CtBF) is to bridge the gap between high-potential students from underprivileged backgrounds, who lack career support and access, with organisations dedicated to supporting professional diversity. Our vision is for a future where someone’s economic background does not create barriers to their professional and personal success.
Here are some inspiring stories from our CtBF alumni who, with our support, have successfully overcome their challenges and are now confidently shaping a future they once thought wasn’t an option for them.
Umar was studying science-based subjects and knew he wanted a career in finance, but didn’t know how to achieve this or what a role in finance could be.
His journey with the Classroom to Boardroom Foundation began with our Professional Pathways programme, which provided him with very detailed exposure to the world of finance. Umar was able to engage with senior professionals in the private credit space and grow his technical skills through case study projects.
Umar is currently in his second year of university, studying Biochemical Engineering and remains interested in pursuing a finance career. Previously, studying a non-Economics degree was seen as a weakness, but with his new-found confidence following the programme, he has shown that his biochemistry degree is a strength in finance. His coding skills developed in school have been further enhanced by engaging with CtBF, educating him on how they are a quantitative skillset for financial and professional services.
Through our work experience opportunities, Umar has been a Sales and Trading Spring Intern at Morgan Stanley and a Global Advisory Spring Intern at Rothschild and Co. Initially knowing nothing about private credit, he is now keen to broaden his experience further. We’re excited to see how far Umar goes in the future!
Umar shared “I’m so thankful for my time with CtBF as they taught me about the wide range of roles within finance that isn’t just the investment banking route.”
Janet’s involvement with CtBF began with our inaugural Investing Potential work experience programme in 2023, which introduced her to working in asset management. Before the CtBF, Janet assumed a career in finance was not an option for her because of her school.
Investing Potential gave her invaluable exposure to the financial industry, and the Foundation encouraged her to take her own initiative in forming a network and building professional connections.
Following this advice, Janet set up one-to-one meetings during her work experience with one of our sponsoring clients. This proactive approach allowed her to learn multiple concepts from the business, gain a deeper understanding of the different roles within finance, and develop a growing interest in the legal field.
Janet’s career learning and opportunities have not stopped since her time with the CtBF. She has participated in a rotational work experience programme, inclusive of placements at renowned companies such as Selfridges and All3Media. This diverse experience has allowed her to explore various aspects of the legal and financial sectors, expanding her career curiosity and confidence.
Currently, Janet is in her second year studying Economics and Politics at Queen Mary University. Her openness to new opportunities and driven work ethic are paving the way for a promising career, and we look forward to seeing where her talents and determination will take her next.
Janet shared, “The CtBF were extremely supportive in growing our career and the mentorship gained is life-changing!”
Idris’s journey with the Classroom to Boardroom Foundation highlights the significant impact that comes from targeted career support and mentorship. Engaging with our Professional Pathways programme, Idris gained an in-depth understanding of private credit and private equity. The programme’s case studies and opportunities to network with sector professionals broadened his understanding of these fields, sparking a keen interest that previously wasn’t there.
One of the most impactful aspects of his experience was the mentorship he received. This personalised guidance was crucial in preparing for apprenticeship interviews. Through in-person and virtual mock assessment centres, Idris honed his interview skills and learned key techniques to effectively showcase his abilities. The mentorship provided him with the confidence and strategies needed to excel in the competitive apprenticeship process.
Idris’s hard work and the support from his mentor led to his successful application for the Bloomberg Financial Product Analyst Degree apprenticeship. His story exemplifies how targeted mentorship can be a game-changer in navigating career opportunities and achieving professional success for young people. We are sure he’s going to have great success in the future.
Idris shares, “My time with the CtBF was pivotal in me getting a place at Bloomberg’s Financial Product Analyst Degree apprenticeship.”
These inspiring journeys of Umar, Janet, and Idris demonstrate the life-changing impact the Classroom to Boardroom Foundation’s programmes can have for young people: Umar transitioned from non-finance subjects to a career in private credit, Janet leveraged her work experience and networking to explore diverse career paths, and Idris has used his mentorship to secure a competitive apprenticeship.
All highlighting how it is possible to bridge the gap between education and professional success, offering crucial support and opportunities for students and making social mobility achievable.
We invite you to make a difference in the lives of more young people by participating in our programmes, supporting our Foundation, or simply learning more about how you can help students have access to achieving their career goals. Speak with Annie McAnulty or visit our website for further information and let’s support the next generation of leaders.
