Deutsche Partnership hosts Career Conference for Brokerage candidates.
The Brokerage, dedicated to fostering social mobility and equal opportunities for young people, held its much-anticipated Insider Careers Conference at Deutsche Bank‘s state-of-the-art headquarters in Moorgate. This in-person event provided a unique platform for over 60 enthusiastic young individuals aged 16-18, including gap year students, to delve into career opportunities equipped with essential skills and confidence to navigate their professional journeys.
VIEW EVENT PHOTOS HERE
A Hub of Opportunity
Hosted in the new Deutsche Bank offices, the conference was a vibrant hub where young minds and professionals converged to share insights, experiences, and guidance. The Brokerage packed the event’s agenda with engaging activities designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the skills required to have a top-notch CV with accompanying presentation skills. The Brokerage ensured that each participant had the opportunity to interact with industry experts and volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds during a networking lunch. The whole event aimed to open doors to potential career opportunities while building on the skills for success.
Workshops: Building Essential Skills
The conference featured three interactive workshops, each tailored to address critical areas in the recruitment process:
CV and Cover Letter Workshop
In this session, participants were guided through the intricacies of crafting compelling CVs and cover letters. The workshop began with a brief introduction to the fundamentals of job application documents, followed by an engaging group activity. Participants were divided into small groups, each supported by experienced volunteers. They examined sample CVs and cover letters, identified strengths and weaknesses, and matched them to provided job descriptions. This hands-on approach allowed the young attendees to gain valuable insights into what makes a strong job application.
“This workshop really helped me understand what employers look for in a CV and cover letter. I feel much more confident about applying for jobs now,”
Mock Interview Workshop
The mock interview workshop provided a practical setting for participants to hone their interview skills. Volunteers acted as interviewers, conducting brief interviews with small groups of attendees.
Each participant received tailored feedback on their responses, covering aspects such as body language, clarity, and using the STAR technique for answering competency-based questions. This real-world practice aimed to boost young people’s confidence and prepare them for future job interviews.
“The feedback from the mock interviews was incredibly helpful. I now know how to structure my answers better and feel less nervous about interviews,”
Networking Lunch and Careers Fair
The networking lunch offered a relaxed environment for attendees to connect with professionals and peers, fostering conversations that could lead to mentorships or internships. The volunteers facilitated these interactions, especially encouraging shy participants to step out of their comfort zones and engage with others.
A volunteer said:
“It was wonderful to see the young people grow more confident as they spoke with different professionals during lunch. It’s a crucial step in building their professional network,”
The event culminated with a careers fair, showcasing opportunities from partner companies. Attendees had the chance to explore potential career paths and learn about various industries directly from employers, further broadening their horizons.
A Commitment to Future Success
The Brokerage’s Insider Careers Conference exemplifies our mission and values and dedication to empowering young people from local state schools and diverse backgrounds. The event not only equip participants with practical skills but also provide them with invaluable insights into the professional world, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Valued Partners
Chris Daniels, Chief Data Officer for Corporate Bank in Deutsche Bank, who volunteered for the Career Conference, shared his thoughts on the event:
“This was a fantastic event – I was so impressed by the young people who came today, the sharp questions they asked, and the commitment and energy they showed. I hope they took home many new skills and insights from the workshops and wish them every success in their career journeys.”
Sarah Devonport – CEO of The Brokerage, commented,
‘Our aim is to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. This conference is just one step in that journey, and we are excited to see where these young people go next.’
Emma Wallbank, Marketing Manager from The Brokerage, said:
“The Brokerage mission is to inspire and support young people in their career journey, giving them the tools and confidence to succeed. Learning how to “MARKET” yourself is a critical element in carving a successful path in the world of work. The Brokerage is a key enabler for this to happen.
“We are immensely grateful to Deutsche Bank for hosting this event and to all the volunteers who made it possible.”
Looking Ahead
The conference, buzzed with newfound knowledge and connections, these young individuals are now better prepared to embark on their career paths with confidence and ambition.
The Brokerage looks forward to hosting more such impactful events, continuing its mission to create a level playing field for all young people and guiding them towards a brighter, more successful future.
Quotes from the Day
Volunteer Perspective:
“It was incredibly rewarding to see the enthusiasm and potential of these young people. Helping them understand the importance of a well-crafted CV and how to present themselves confidently in an interview was a fantastic experience,” Volunteer
Participant’s Reflection:
“I never knew how much went into creating a good CV and preparing for an interview. This conference has really opened my eyes to what I need to work on and has made me feel more prepared for the future,” shared The Brokerage candidate
The Brokerage extends its heartfelt thanks to Deutsche Bank for their generous support in hosting the Insider Careers Conference and to all the volunteers and participants for making the event a resounding success. Our charity remains committed to nurturing the talents and aspirations of young people, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the professional world.
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