Programs and events
Despite Australia’s large and thriving investment management sector, many of our most talented female university students don’t consider investment management as a career option. Then as they head into their careers, they’re less likely to have access to the role models and opportunities that open doors to the sector. 

This incredibly influential profession is also relatively small in terms of number of people, and team turnover is low. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about gaining exposure, contacts and experience to break into these roles. 

Future IM/Pact programs and events are designed to give top talent industry insights, meaningful connections and valuable experience so they are in pole position when these great opportunities come to market. Developing critical influencing skills such as elevating your personal brand, communicating with impact and developing a career strategy is also a focus. 

Thanks to our partnership with leading organisations across Australia’s funds management industry, Future IM/Pact is ideally placed to open the doors for curious and talented young women to crack into this market.
Student testimonials
"The mentoring sessions were extremely insightful and I loved learning and listening to everyone’s questions and experiences. I have definitely widened my understanding of the industry and will definitely continue to read those amazing resources on the book club lists – looking forward to the next one!"
Trisha Tan
"I came across Future IM/Pact at a time when I realised my dream job was to become an investment analyst. The team backed my potential and gave me the support to help me stay committed to my path. I was able to use the skills and insights developed through Future IM/Pact programs in my interview with a global investment firm and landed the job!"
Esther Holloway
"The roundtable was an excellent way to hear from investors and analysts from all sorts of career paths. We were all inspired by the successes of the panel and the discussion was relevant and informative, from topics on investment management versus investment banking, work-life balance and gender inequality in finance."
Sophia Croker
Sydney University
"The roundtable was an excellent way to hear from investors and analysts from all sorts of career paths. We were all inspired by the successes of the panel and the discussion was relevant and informative, from topics on investment management versus investment banking, work-life balance and gender inequality in finance."
Sophia Croker
Sydney University

Our programs support two key segments

Students

University students most likely studying double degrees in commerce, finance, economics, science and law. At this stage they're looking to learn more about investment management with the goal of building their knowledge of the industry and expanding their network.

Early career

University graduates with less than five years of professional work experience, often working in related finance fields like investment banking, management consulting or accounting but also in research and technical based roles like data science or medical research.

Programs and events overview

Future IM/Pact has designed a learning pathway for female students and those in their early career to gain more exposure and experience in investment management. 

Below is an overview of our current programs and events, and an example learning pathway, depending on your industry knowledge or years of experience.

Students

Virtual experience program
Best for
Students or those with some work experience but limited knowledge of investment management. Open and free to everyone.
What will I learn?
In this virtual program you will learn about the history and evolution of the superannuation and funds management industry and how you can impact the world and work in a collaborative team environment as an investor. You will also learn about the different roles in an investment team and the typical tasks undertaken by an investment analyst
Time commitment and format
5-6 hours of self-paced learning. You can join at any time and will complete 4 modules, with tasks submitted and self-assessed online.
Start the program now
Mentoring circles
Best for
Female students with full-time domestic working rights who have completed the Virtual Experience Program or can demonstrate finance and modelling skills through university transcripts.
What will I learn?
During these three sessions, you will learn how to build your curiosity muscle to capture investment opportunities, as well as explore current market trends and insights. You will be provided intimate exposure to leading investors who will offer their advice on launching an investment management career.
Time commitment and format
3 x 90 minute virtual small-group sessions with four students and two investors. Students will need to set aside 2-3 hours to prepare for the sessions.
Register for our 2022 mentoring circles
Investment competition
Best for
University students looking to demonstrate knowledge and experience of investment management.
What will I learn?
Different types of investing via a number of investment challenges, each with a modelling component across different asset classes. You will be provided with tips for presenting with impact, gain exposure to leaders in the field and it looks great on CVs! Plus, the winning team members are offered intern positions or fast-tracked interviews with a number of Future IM/Pact partners.
Time commitment and format
Students form gender balanced teams of four and choose from one of 3 – 4 cases to compete over three weeks in state heats, followed by a national final. Run in partnership annually with the University Network of Investment and Trading at the University of NSW. The competition runs in September each year.
Top talent group
Best for
An invite-only group set up for students and early career candidates who have demonstrated key skills and initiative around investment management and are pre-qualified as targets for our partners to consider for intern, graduate or analyst roles.
What will I learn?
This invite-only group provides members with the opportunity to raise investment questions with investors from Future IM/Pact partner firms. The intimate environment provides plenty of opportunity to virtually pick the brains of some of the industry's leading talent!
Time commitment and format
Up to 30 minutes a week.
Submit your expression of interest

Early Career

Accelerate
Best for
Women with up to five years work experience who are passionate about breaking into investment management and are keen to build the networks and confidence to be in pole position when opportunities arise.
What will I learn?
The latest trends and insights affecting investment markets and develop critical influencing skills such as elevating your personal brand, communicating with impact and designing a career strategy through a masterclass series. The program will allow you to build relationships with leading investors and provide an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and passion to leading fund managers.
Time commitment and format
6-month program of networking events and masterclasses - in-person and virtual -including three 2-hour evening or lunchtime masterclasses and three 2-hour evening or lunchtime networking events (12 participants per cohort).
Apply for the Accelerate program now

Find out more about a career in investment management