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17 October, 2024

Beyond Boundaries: Debunking Stereotypes in Finance - Student's event in English

On the 17th of October 2024, Wo.Men in Finance hosted our first student event: Beyond Boundaries: Debunking Stereotypes in Finance. The events focused on debunking stereotypes about working in finance to students in the final year of their bachelor's and first two years of their masters all over Belgium. 100 eager students, female, male and x, filled the colourful Vlerick Business School auditorium. The message during the event was clear: finance is more than just numbers and grey suits. It’s a place that allows career growth, fosters diverse talents and offers a healthy work-life balance.

The event started with a panel discussion by three inspiring women in finance. Wendy Baeyens, Marketing & Communication leader BeLux for Marsh McLennan, Manou Foulon, Management Trainee at AXA and Générose Musemena, Business Manager of ING BE shared their journey in the sector and debunked some common stereotypes. The panel, moderated by Wo.Men In Finance Recruitment and Promotion Workstream Head Frédérique Billay provided us with the following insights:

Main blocking factors for women in finance:

- Perception of Finance: The field is often viewed as heavily focused on figures, and mathematics, and as a male-dominated area.

- Broader Scope of Finance: Finance encompasses much more than just numbers. One panellist shared her experience transitioning from the luxury and champagne industry to finance, facing more resistance from her environment than from the financial sector itself.

- Stereotypes: The real barriers are societal stereotypes rather than actual obstacles within the financial sector.

Diverse roles in finance:

- Unexpected Roles: One panellist highlighted a surprising role at her bank, where a colleague is responsible for maintaining the inventory of artworks in the building, showcasing the diverse opportunities within finance.

- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: The financial sector offers significant flexibility, with many positions allowing for a healthy work-life balance, as testified by a Manou Foulon.

Career growth and opportunities:

- Career Evolution: There are numerous opportunities for career advancement. Panellists emphasized the importance of expressing willingness and taking advantage of internal training programs.

Entering the financial sector:

- Be transparent and authentic.

- Express your aspirations and concerns.

- Ask questions during the recruitment process.

- Overcome imposter syndrome.

- Take the leap and pursue opportunities.

The event went into 5 successful workshops geared towards our focus in the finance sector.

Speed Coaching designed by Thetis Georgiou at Euroclear

- Apply for jobs if you meet at least 60% of the requirements.

- Learn on the job and seek feedback from HR.

AI & Digital Transformation designed by Febe Maes at BNP Paribas

- Anyone can enter the financial sector; just apply.

- AI paradox: It can replace human tasks but also enhance work efficiency.

- Women should not feel intimidated by AI advancements.

Debunking Stereotypes in Finance designed by Adèle Warin at Wo.Men in Finance Belgium

- Gender balance does not only benefit women but enhances company efficiency and broaden perspectives.

-  Increased solidarity among women, supported by partners like WIF, is essential.

Cybersecurity designed by  Sierra Marques at ING

- Despite fewer women in technical areas, the workshop showcased many enthusiastic women, indicating a growing interest in the field.

Sustainability designed by Manou Foulon at AXA

- Addressing climate change through insurance adaptations.

- Educating the public and collaborating with the government.

- Implementing supply regulations.

The workshops would not be a success without the facilitators  Kaoutar Koutoubi, Thetis Georgiou, Priya Ved, Emma Sutherland, Febe Maes, Manou Foulon, Geert Warrens, Claire Godding, Nathalie Mathieu, Danny Moerenhout and Roel Soetens

We were able to have a full room with the help and collaboration of two very special student organisations: Corporate Women Association Belgium and The European Law Students' Association (ELSA) Belgium! To learn more about these two associations, you can visit their web pages:

-  Corporate Women Association | Gender Equality in Business | Belgium

ELSA Belgium – ELSA Belgium

A huge thank you goes out to Vlerick Business School for allowing us to host our event in their building!

Thank you to our photographer from Vizual Studio for capturing moments from the event. Click here to view the photos. For more about Vizual Studio, check out their website: Éclairez vos projets | Photos et vidéos | Vizual Studio

If you are interested in participating in future Wo.Men in Finance events, or if you would like to become a member and make a contribution, follow us on our social media pages on LinkedIn and Instagram, as well as keep an eye on our website.