As keen CISI student members, our ambassadors are advocates for our mission to teach, share, and collaborate with colleagues and fellow students who are stepping into the world of finance. They aim to expand their understanding of the financial services sector and make information about the CISI more accessible to alumni. Their involvement will include working with our regional committees to create outreach events and produce engagement programmes at their universities. They will also be connecting with professionals and opening the door to divisions including, but not limited to, fintech, investment, wealth management, and other fields in which we offer qualifications.

Takeaways from the day

The day was an opportunity to get to know our ambassadors as part of a wider objective to learn more about what students and members want from us, so we can facilitate and support their personal and professional development. They learned what it means to be a CISI member, how to effectively use social media as a tool for marketing, and how they can maximise their reach and impact.

We spoke to some of our attendees to get their views on why they chose to become a CISI student ambassador, what they hope to achieve in taking on this role, and what they wish to contribute to the financial services sector. 

Scoop from the students

Gabe Ball, York St John University
Gabe is particularly keen to challenge himself by taking on other responsibilities alongside studying for his degree in finance and investment management. He sees this opportunity as a springboard to accelerate his career and network and recognises that his role as an ambassador is to offer support and be a leading example: ‘‘Your job is to provide resources for other academics at the end of the day, and the first thing anyone will see is your own ability to forward think.’’

Gabe is conscious that the world of finance is constantly evolving, and he has a strong desire to make his impression on the sector. He is keen to promote integrity, share knowledge, and give back to the community – values which the CISI champion.

Hoping to be a friendly face as an introduction to financial services at his university, Gabe will work towards broadening students’ understanding of the Institute. He is excited to work with his fellow ambassadors and is looking forward to assisting in the professional growth of others.

Joshua Sim, University of Sussex
Joshua is a banking and finance student and is particularly interested in sustainability. After attending the training day, he is inspired by this community of young professionals and upcoming networking opportunities, such as the CHANGE festivals, which will help him create new connections through events, workshops, and perhaps consultation services at his university.

Joshua notes that much of the current sector discussions have centred on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. ‘‘The sustainability factor in finance is an interesting subject that entices me, especially as we move towards a greener economy. The CISI will provide a great opportunity for me to meet professionals in this area while I aspire to complete the Green and Sustainable Finance Certificate.’’

He wants to champion a green circular economy in the future and is expecting to build self-confidence by challenging himself and improving his interpersonal skills by talking to finance professionals.

Henry Taylor, University of Exeter 
Henry is a strong supporter of the Institute after seeing the value in interning with us in the summer of 2022 in the CISI Financial Planning team. This enabled him to produce an employability report on how students make the best transition from university into financial services, which proved an insightful experience for him. He is currently studying history and economics. 

For Henry, being an ambassador is a chance to hone in on his leadership and management skills. He is particularly interested in wealth management, risk management, and financial planning, specifically around commercial awareness and its performance in the current market.

As an ambassador he relishes the opportunity to use various tools that enhance understanding for those interested in learning about finance. He plans to do this by ‘‘providing a valuable and effective programme for students’’ using his core communication and teamwork skills. He will also make effective use of our catalogue of resources.

‘‘I learned a great deal during my internship and, given my passion to work in finance, I believe that this ambassador scheme will help to greatly improve my understanding of our sector and aid my future prospects,’’ he said.

He takes pride in being open and honest, and has a strong desire to exercise it in this role with a view to utilise effective advertising through social media. 

Will Proctor, York St John University
Will was recommended the role by one of his university tutors in his economics and finance course. Looking to secure a career in the sector and recognising this post as a valuable experience to build his understanding and awareness, he has found that becoming a member has significantly deepened his general knowledge. Seeking to build on his interpersonal skills, Will too places importance on communication going forward as a student ambassador. The ideal representative to him is someone who has a friendly approach and good time management skills.

Will reminds us that the finance sector and its developments affects all of our lives. ‘‘The thing about finance that interests me the most is its practical applicability to the world around us. When observed closely, almost everything in society is derived from the financial system, either directly or indirectly,’’ he says.

He is excited to get started on our level 3 Introduction to Securities & Investment certificate while considering a wide range of career options in the field. He wants to introduce the offer of CISI qualifications at York St John university and plans to run interactive sessions and assist those who are currently studying towards our certificates.