A CONTEST to encourage Scotland’s schoolgirls to become the next generation of investors has soared in popularity – among youngsters and industry mentors.
The Growing Future Assets Investment Competition, which aims to find the country’s most promising new business brains in the investment world, has seen a 90% rise in the number of girls taking part this year.
The number of schools registering for the contest is also up by 38%, with almost a fifth of all the country’s state schools now involved in the venture.
Financial educators Future Asset believe that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in their chosen field and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment management, showing how working in the sector provides great opportunities and can change the world for the better.
During the competition youngsters must prove their ability to spot the next big investment opportunity by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a great long-term prospect. Experts from the industry give advice to the teams along the way.
Helen Bradley, Future Asset Programme Manager, said: “We are continually amazed by the response to this competition but this year it has surpassed all expectations. Its popularity just keeps on rising which is confirmation that girls actually do have a profound interest in the industry. We also have 92 mentors from 32 companies and organisations on board, which is wonderful.
“This year will see 142 teams from 71 schools across Scotland taking part, with over 650 girls participating. We’re delighted that 63 of those schools are state schools. However, the popularity of the competition means that we are also looking for investment management firms to support us and provide workplace visits and work experience opportunities.”
Jon Reid, Rector of Falkirk’s Larbert High School, whose team won last year’s 14-16 age category, said: “We are delighted to once again be participating in the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition, following on from our success last year. As part of our Developing the Young Workforce agenda, it’s crucial that schools offer such opportunities to their young people as it provides them with an invaluable insight into different industries and facilitates connections with first-class professionals.
“Our girls who were involved last year gained much from the experience – knowledge, confidence and a unique insight into the world work – sparking a genuine interest in the investment management sector.”
Students Domenica, Ava, Mia, Stella and Shivangi – the 2021 team for Bishopbriggs Academy -commented: ”We have really enjoyed this experience. We think it has been great Future Asset recognises the lack of female representation in the investment industry. It has given us the opportunity to build knowledge, confidence and relationships which will help us as we move through our school years.”
Max Strandwitz, CEO of Mips commented: “We are delighted that Mips has been selected as one of the twelve companies the girls can choose to pitch in the Growing Future Assets Competition. Our vision is to reduce head injuries and save more lives. To achieve this, we need employees with varied backgrounds and competencies to succeed and grow.
“That’s why we actively promote diversity and integrate social and environmental aspects into our business strategy and operations. We are world leaders in our field and aim to be leaders in our industry regarding sustainability, diversity and gender equality. We look forward to being inspired by the research and the subsequent pitches and wish them every success in the competition.”
Teams can win up to £1,000 for their school and up to £200 in vouchers for each participant. There are two age group categories for 14-16 year olds, and 16-18 year olds, with teams required to present a written report and three-minute elevator pitch video by December 1. The top teams will battle it out at a live final next March.
For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/
