On Thursday 9 March, 72 students from 8 different schools and colleges from around London and Essex got the opportunity to visit global law firm CMS for an International Women’s Day masterclass. During the day they learnt about the importance of networking and heard from several leading women in business.
Louise Starling, Responsible Business and Social Impact Manager at CMS helped organise the event, now in it’s thirteenth year.
“Our CMS International Women’s Day Masterclass continues to support young women with their career journeys. Run in collaboration with Career Ready, this event offers female students the opportunity to meet and learn from a group of inspiring professional women from a variety of organisations and backgrounds. We hope that it helps them to grow in confidence and encourage them to make new connections and build relationships to help them achieve their goals.”
As well as meet and hear from a range of different professional women, students were given practical career tips and advice on improving their confidence. They were also lucky enough to hear from The Apprentice finalist Bianca Miller-Cole on how to make connections and build a professional network.
“The most useful advice I received was to show employers who I am through being myself and showcasing my personality”
Kimberly, London Academy
Felicia Meterowitz is co-founder of Hive Founders which brings together female entrepreneurs from across the globe to share, learn, and connect with each other. Felicia spoke at the event and explains why she thinks it is so important to speak to young women about their careers.
“There is a need for more diverse voices within organisations and I think this kind of event raises awareness about the exciting opportunities available in industries; roles that work around family and lifestyle.”
Students also met CMS trainee solicitors and heard from their Early Talent Acquisition Advisor about different routes into the organisation.
“I got to learn about the different job roles available within CMS and other organisations, as well as get tips on improving my communications skills and advice on how to step out of my comfort zone.”
Viktoriia, Billericay School
Students will continue to learn about careers and the workplace on the Career Ready programme until they graduate in December.
“So far, the Career Ready Programme has been essential in helping me learn new skills and broadening my professional network.”
Kimberly, London Academy
Learn more about how we work with employers such as CMS to help young people kickstart rewarding futures, or get involved and make a lasting difference.
