Developing the women investment professionals of the future
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What is the Pathway Programme?
The Pathway Programme is the investment industry’s flagship career acceleration initiative, designed to prepare women for front-office investment roles. With a curriculum co-created by senior investors and firm leaders, this programme empowers participants to push boundaries, develop technical expertise, and build the confidence and leadership skills needed to thrive in investment roles.
Through interactive sessions, hands-on projects, and mentorship, participants join a vibrant cohort of future women investment leaders, gaining the tools and community to accelerate one’s career.
Participants learn alongside a supportive cohort of peers and connect with the industry’s most respected portfolio managers, traders, and CIOs.
Programme fee for 2026/27 cohort
£4,000 for Inclusion in Finance member firms and £7,500 for non-member firms, and £5,000 for self-funded individuals. The programme fee is inclusive of all curriculum, materials, trading simulations, and technical bootcamp (for those from non-investment backgrounds).
Upcoming programme:
Format: Hybrid London
Dates: October 2026 - September 2027
Duration: 12 months
Nomination deadline: 31st August
Programme at a glance
Participants across 76 firms
From the UK, Europe and USA
33% promoted or changed roles
FT Advisor & Investment Week D&I Initiative
93% of participants rated the programme highly
Who is the programme for?
This programme is for ambitious women with high potential who:
Aspire to be Portfolio Managers or Traders
Have at least 3 years’ professional experience
Have, or are working towards a CFA, CAIA, IMC or similar
We welcome applicants from both investment and non-investment backgrounds – including research, sales, legal, investor relations, and operations. Those from non-investment backgrounds are invited to attend a technical bootcamp and provided access to additional learning materials to ensure they are prepared for the technical sessions throughout the programme.
Curriculum
Combining technical depth, leadership development, and real-world application, participants gain the knowledge, mindset, and network across seven interwoven themes designed to accelerate readiness for a front-office role. Sessions are delivered by senior industry professionals at the forefront of their specialisations.
Portfolio Management
Private Markets
Trading
Wealth Management
Investment Expertise
Application & Investor Thinking
Leadership & Career Influence
Testimonials
Benefits and career impact
Embrace your potential as a future investment leader. Here’s how the Pathway Programme can benefit participants and their firms.
- Tailored curriculum covering technical investment topics and leadership development.
- Invaluable access to senior leaders across the industry.
Supportive peer network and industry mentorship. - Career Development Plan with built-in sponsor support.
- Real-world guidance on career transitions, front-office readiness, and managing visibility.
- Participants benefit from a sponsor within their organisation and ongoing support from their firm throughout the programme.
- Improved retention of high-potential female talent.
- Strengthen your leadership pipeline by equipping women with critical skills.
- Recognition as a leader in industry inclusion efforts.
- Sponsor engagement and upskilling.
- Cross-firm knowledge sharing and best practices.
Session speakers
Learn from senior portfolio managers, traders, and C-suite leaders who bring real-world investment expertise and candid insight into every session.
The Pathway Programme is led by Programme Director Shyla Hönigschmid-DeVeaux, with ongoing support from Helena Morrissey, Chair of Inclusion in Finance, and an expert Steering Committee drawn from across the industry.
Some of our past speakers are below. Meet the whole team here.
How to apply
Invest in the next generation of women investment leaders – nominate a candidate today. Find out more about the application process.
Firm nomination
Firms nominate candidates by completing a short online form.
Candidate applications
After nomination, candidates complete an application form.
Final decisions
The final selection outcome is sent to nominated and their firms.
Take your next step
Join a free information session
Register below for an upcoming session to hear how the programme can benefit you and your firm and the opportunity to hear direct from past participants and sponsors on their programme experience.
Find out more about the benefits of the programme
Download the programme brochure to explore the curriculum, programme fees, focus areas.
Speak to the programme director
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how this programme could benefit you or your organisation, please get in touch with the Programme Director.
Our amazing members
We are proud to have the following companies championing Inclusion in Finance. Their support is invaluable to the success of this industry-wide initiative.
Other programmes
Catalyst Education Programme
Skills in Finance
Multi-Firm Apprenticeship Programme
The Walking Exchange
EnCircle
Elevate: Emerging Executives
We would love to hear from you!
If you have any questions or would like to discuss how this programme could benefit you or your organisation, please get in touch.