Location: UK: London
Opportunity: 6-month returnship programme
Start date: September 2023
Apply by: 28 May 2023 (extended)
**This programme has now closed for applications**
Following the success of our cross company Returner Programmes in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in partnership with the Diversity Project, an industry-led initiative championing a more inclusive culture within the Savings and Investment sector, we are delighted to launch the fifth programme. For September 2023, we are partnering with seven leading employers: abrdn, AXA Investment Managers, Fidelity International, Hayfin, Mercer, Mubadala Capital and PGIM.
The programme will run in London and surrounding areas. It is targeted at experienced professionals looking to return to work after an extended career break of 18 months or more (as at September 2023), who are interested in returning to a role in the Savings and Investment Sector. Participants will join via a 6-month returnship, with the strong likelihood of a permanent role at the end of the programme.
How will you benefit from the programme?
- The programme structure and transition support will run for 6 months from September 2023 to March 2024
- Positions are at a professional level and are professionally paid, with a wide range of roles and areas available
- You will receive internal mentoring and a buddy at your organisation
- You will benefit from Career Returners Coaching support from Women Returners to help you to transition successfully back into the workplace. As coaching support will be delivered centrally, you will benefit from a large supportive peer network of like-minded people across the organisations
- The programme is expected to include hybrid working. Various flexible working options may be available during and after the programme depending on the employer organisation and the role
Who are they looking for?
Individuals who have taken a career break of 18 months or more (as at September 2023). You may have been working on a small-scale basis to fit around your other commitments or have not done any paid work for a number of years. Each employer will have different additional criteria for the experience and skills they are looking for, according to the roles available. Please only apply to the programme if you have the right to work in the UK.
What is the recruitment process?
- Stage 1: Send CV & cover letter to the company you are interested in using the links in each individual company advert
- Stage 2: (possible) Have a telephone screening interview
- Stage 3: The interview process will take place during May/June/July
Information on previous Diversity Project Cross Company Programmes
In 2020, 11 returners joined the pilot cross-company programme on a virtual 6-month placement with BlackRock, BNY Mellon, Fidelity International, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson. 82% of participants were offered ongoing employment with their employer.
In 2021, 18 returners joined on 6-month placements with abrdn, Aviva Investors, BNY, Fidelity International, Janus Henderson, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson. 84% of participants secured ongoing employment with their employer.
The 2022 programme continued to grow, with 27 returners joining abrdn, AON, Aviva Investors, DWS, Fidelity International, Janus Henderson, Northern Trust, PGIM, Schroders and Willis Towers Watson. 92% of participants secured ongoing roles with their employer.
In April 2023, we have welcomed 11 returners to the programme with Aviva Investors, Artemis Investments, Fulcrum Asset Management, LCP and Northern Trust.
From a returner perspective, here’s what they had to say about the programme:
“Returning to the corporate world after a break can be daunting and nerve-wrecking. The Returner Programme gives you that extra confidence and support you need to succeed. Not only is the coaching highly valuable, but the support from your peers who are going through the same experience as you are is very reassuring. I highly recommend the programme to anyone thinking of picking up their career again.”
“Forever grateful that I chanced upon the Women Returners – Diversity Project programme. The support from Women Returners and the returner cohorts have been most invaluable in supporting this exciting yet daunting return to work journey. If anyone is thinking of returning to work after a career break, regardless of how long the break is, I can’t recommend this programme enough.”
You can read about Stacie’s return to work journey here and Sophie’s here in our Success Story Library.
About The Diversity Project
The Diversity Project is a cross company employer-led initiative, which believes that there is an extraordinary opportunity to press the re-set button in the industry: to recruit, nurture and retain the first truly diverse generation of Savings and Investment professionals. Diversity is not only our social obligation, it’s a business imperative.
How do you apply to the programme?
Apply directly to the participating company you are interested in, via the links on the relevant company page below:
abrdn – Real Assets team
AXA Investment Managers – Equities Portfolio Manager – Healthcare, Financial Controller – Private Debt – Commercial Real Estate, Banking and Accounts Payable Accountant
Fidelity International – Investment Solutions and Services (ISS) and Workplace and Personal Financial Health (WPFH)
Hayfin – Corporate Legal Counsel, CLO Operations, Operations Analyst
Mercer – Investment Strategist and Client Consultant
Mubadala Capital – Operations
PGIM Fixed Income – Credit Research, ESG, Marketing
The closing date for applications is 28 May 2023 at 23:59 (extended).
Questions? See FAQs If you have other questions on the programme itself please contact Floor@womenreturners.com
For queries on specific company placements, please contact the individual company via the email on their advert.