As a means of offering a gift to students graduating this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and entering an uncertain job market, 100 Women in Finance, an industry group that supports women in the alternative investment management industry, is offering any 2020 university graduate earning a bachelor's degree or equivalent a free membership to the group for one year.
Through this offer, graduates with different backgrounds and education will have access to the features available to 100WF's Standard Global membership. These include its global education programs, recorded content for on-demand viewing, its global peer network for those in the early stages of their careers, special events hosted by external organizations and the group's job board.
Members will also be able to engage in 100WF's global impact initiatives and receive discounts on industry education certificate programs, resources and conferences.
"With all the bad news that's coming out, we wanted to offer a gift to all those global graduates who couldn't have commencement ceremonies now going out into an uncertain world," said Amanda Pullinger, CEO of 100 Women in Finance, in a phone interview.
This offer is being funded by 100WF's Global Angels, the members of the organization who sign up at the $1,000 a year level.
Ms. Pullinger added that this offer fits with 100WF's Investing in the Next Generation Initiative, which looks to aid and support women before they start their careers by encouraging female students to look favorably at careers in finance and investments; creating educational opportunities and access points for them to join the industry; and presenting greater visibility of female role models.
"This started off as being our gift to graduates. But it's also about giving greater access to the industry and providing greater diversity to the industry," Ms. Pullinger said.
The application for enrollment is on 100WF's website. The deadline to enroll is June 30. Membership will be valid from July 1 until June 30, 2021. Women and men are invited to participate.
