Education, Mentorship And Modeling Will Attract Next Gen Professionals
In a recent article by Julius Buchanan, Editor-in-Chief of Wealth Solutions Report, Maura Cunningham, Founder of Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), emphasizes the importance of early intervention in girls’ math education to close the gender gap in finance. Cunningham explains how girls’ interest and performance in math often wane after elementary school, making high school a crucial time for targeted support.
RTSWS operates in over 25 cities across three countries, impacting over 6,000 young women by reigniting their enthusiasm for math and finance. Through 100% female financial professional instructors, RTSWS provides financial literacy programs, mentorship, and real-world access to finance firms.
“Our industry must bolster support for early intervention programs and actively engage with school clubs to attract female talent,” Cunningham states.
Empowering Futures: Celebrating the Success of RTSWS Spring Mentorship!
Challenges for New College Graduates in the Job Market
A recent New York Times article by Peter Coy, Opinion Writer, highlights the difficulties many new college graduates face in securing employment, despite a low unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in April. Anecdotal evidence and a detailed report from Goldman Sachs economist Elsie Peng reveal that the job-finding rate for new entrants, particularly fresh college graduates, has declined. Key insights from this analysis and additional expert opinions include:
- COVID-19 Impact: Remote learning during the pandemic may have hindered graduates’ training, networking, and social capital accumulation.
- Job Market Balance: The labor market is stabilizing, allowing employers to be more selective.
- Increased Competition: Some graduates with student loan debt are re-entering the job market, intensifying competition.
- Employer Caution: Economic uncertainties, such as fluctuating interest rates and consumer demand, make employers cautious about hiring.
The article suggests that traditional job application methods, like submitting resumes through job portals, have a low success rate. Personal connections and targeted applications are recommended strategies. Additionally, college work experience and internships significantly enhance job prospects.
Efforts are being made to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of employer responsibility in improving the college-to-job transition, especially for underrepresented groups like single mothers.
At Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS), we recognize the importance of equipping young women with the skills and confidence needed to navigate these challenging job markets. Our programs focus on Financial & Investment literacy, mentoring, and early career support to bridge the gap between education and employment. By providing diverse high school girls with the tools they need to succeed in the financial industry, we help ensure that more graduates are prepared to secure meaningful employment and build a brighter economic future.
