CFA Institute - the global association of investment professionals – has been sponsored by AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) to expand its Young Women in Investment Program globally.

The program – which offers an internship to graduating women who want to gain exposure to the investment industry - will be offered in France, the United Kingdom, and Spain, building on the success of the initiative in India and Brazil.

The annual program features a four-week intensive boot camp, including online classroom sessions on core finance and business skills, followed by an internship for a period of three to six months at a reputed financial institution.

In addition, AXA IM will welcome around 20 students into its offices in Franch, the UK, and Spain for internships. Some of AXA IM’s investment experts will also feature as speakers during the boot camp held in the summer ahead of the internships.

Sarah Maynard, global head of External Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at CFA Institute said: ”We know from the programs already running in India, Qatar and Brazil that this inititaive is transformative for the young women who take part. Many participants graduate to permanent roles at their internship firms, and all gain a network, knowledge and skills that provide an enabling foundation as they begin their professional lives. 

“As an industry, we need to find women who have not been attracted to our industry and welcome them to a career.Young Women in Investment is a critical piece of that strategy, and we’re excited to bring this highly successful program to the region”, she added.

 Frédéric Clément, global head of Human Resources at AXA Investment Managers, said: “Attracting women into investment roles and retaining them in the asset management industry is key. We are proud to support CFA Institute in their critical efforts to bring greater diversity to the investment management industry.”