INTRODUCTION

St. James's Place Wealth Management | Gen Z Insight For Business | EiA

St. James’s Place is one of the UK’s largest wealth managers, seeking to create a world where finance is easy to understand and more rewarding. Helping clients feel in control of their finances, confident in their plans and excited for the future.

They are also passionate cultivating and nurturing future talent, embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences to connect with clients, solve problems and innovate.

Keen to connect with more closely with local based talent as part of their social mobility and diversity strategy, they collaborated with EIA and the University of Gloucestershire to host a ‘Classroom to Boardroom Programme’.

The programme was an exciting opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in the world of finance and work in teams to answer a real life business challenge.

According to the FCA only 6% of 18-34-year-olds take financial advice, and less than 9% of advisers in the industry are under 35. Recognising the key role young talent can play in shaping the financial services industry, SJP posed the challenge “How can we make St. James’s Place and the industry more attractive and accessible to young people?”

HIGHLIGHTS

Accessing financial advice

The students identified that Gen Z has a clear preference for video-sharing websites and the use of role models such as artists, musicians, actors and sport personalities.

Barnardo's Ideas

Innovative approaches

A number of innovative ideas were put forward such as a University Society Program, Scholarship Programme and Student ISA to demonstrate the importance of investing and increase interest in careers in the financial sector.

Marketing

Imaginative and detailed mock ups were created for Instagram and Tiktok campaigns as well as possible podcasts, an Educational App and website enhancements.

REFLECTIONS

Robert Honnor, Director of Talent Acquisition and Development

The event inspired us to think differently about the way we engage with, and attract, young talent to our business. The students presented a number of innovative recommendations that we will continue to explore.

Liz Kelly, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

The insight from the students has been really valuable – really helping us look at things from different perspectives – and I have been incredibly impressed by what the students presented. It is clear that the students learned a huge amount over the week and have translated this into meaningful and exciting proposals. 

Susie Pearson Giddings, Head of Early Careers

It was particularly enjoyable to watch the students grow and develop in confidence throughout the week, culminating in an impressive final presentation.

Di Macdonald, Director of Learning and Development

I was super impressed by the creativity and quality of the work presented by the students – the fact that this was achieved in 4 days makes it even more impressive.

Will Dunn, University Employer Engagement Officer, University of Gloucestershire

“This programme is hugely beneficial for our students. It has given them the opportunity to use their critical thinking and research skills, as well as considering how a business might interact across various departments. This is coupled with the chance to develop team working, communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills. The value to our students of being able to present in front of senior professionals is massive, and something to which I am sure they will be able to refer as they embark on successful careers. We are so grateful to EIA and St James’s Place for giving us the opportunity to collaborate on this.“

PARTICIPANTS

I learnt how to project manage teams and make cuts to meet deadlines, how to respectfully engage with people when problems working occur and how to be respectful of team members from different backgrounds and cultures.

I have improved my PowerPoint and presentation skills especially not to talk too quickly and a better style of presenting.

It helped me to understand the importance of backing everything up with evidence.