Key to supporting young people from school to graduation and beyond, is to inspire them about what they can achieve in this sector from as early as nine years old upwards.
Our motto is, “if they can see it, they can be it”.
We introduce young people to relatable role models, match them with mentors from the financial and advising world to guide them through education, and secure internships and paid work.
We also arrange ‘work-ready talent accelerators’ where employees from our partner company London Stock Exchange Group work with young people on their CVs, presentation skills, interview practice etc.
If young black boys from urban areas are 20 per cent more interested in careers in the City, it strikes me that we all have a duty to help them succeed.
The young people I’ve worked with since 2007, can and do get A stars. They are great problem solvers and have a hunger and a drive to succeed.
Even if they sometimes lack the polish that private schools confer on pupils, those from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds could make your organisations more vibrant, dynamic and innovative.
They know you’ve ditched the old school bowler hats and ways, and they’re often amazed at how forward thinking and exciting the work you do is once they experience it.
Perhaps it’s time for the financial world to open some doors for the kids who can see the City from their bedroom windows.
Leila Thomas is chief executive and founder of Urban Synergy
