Apprenticeship Programme Introduction

Summary

Vivian, the CEO of the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA), introduces the co-organized apprenticeship recruitment day, emphasizing the growth and importance of Hong Kong’s wealth management sector. She shares her experience in the industry and outlines the program's details, including key dates, deadlines, and the participation of 17 banks. Vivian highlights the benefits of the program, such as networking opportunities, various training sessions, and community involvement. She encourages applicants to research participating banks, carefully select their choices, and leverage available resources to enhance their chances of success in the highly competitive program.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vivian, CEO of PWMA, introduces the apprenticeship recruitment program for the wealth management industry in Hong Kong.
• 😀 Hong Kong is a major offshore wealth management center, managing $9.02 trillion, and projected to surpass Switzerland in the coming years.
• 😀 The apprenticeship program allows applicants to apply to up to three different banks, providing a diverse view of the industry.
• 😀 Key application deadlines include December 8 for submissions, with interviews happening from December to February, and offers between February 14–21.
• 😀 The program runs during the summer, starting in June and offering various activities like orientation, community teamwork, and industry training.
• 😀 There are 17 banks participating in the program, each with unique offerings, so applicants should research each bank's culture and services before applying.
• 😀 Applicants should be decisive when choosing their three banks, as these choices cannot be changed after submission.
• 😀 Year-one university students are not excluded from applying, though they may face more challenges compared to later-year students.
• 😀 The program includes various professional training opportunities, covering areas like compliance, product knowledge, and sales skills.
• 😀 Career clinics and networking opportunities will be available for applicants to improve their resumes and gain industry insights.
• 😀 Vivian encourages applicants to leverage all available resources, including LinkedIn, WeChat, and QR codes, to stay connected with the program.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the apprenticeship recruitment day?

The main purpose of the apprenticeship recruitment day is to introduce potential candidates to the apprenticeship program, providing them with insights about the wealth management industry, details about the application process, and the opportunities available through the program.

Who is Vivian and what is her background in the wealth management industry?

Vivian is the CEO of the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA). She has spent nearly two decades at Goldman Sachs in compliance, primarily working with the wealth management business. She shares her experiences to highlight the industry's growth and its potential for new talent.

Why is the wealth management industry in Hong Kong growing, according to Vivian?

The wealth management industry in Hong Kong is growing due to government initiatives supporting the development of family offices, as well as Hong Kong's strong position as an offshore financial center. It is projected that Hong Kong may eventually surpass Switzerland in terms of wealth management by a few years' time.

What are the key deadlines and application details for the apprenticeship program?

Applications for the apprenticeship program opened on the day of the event and will close on December 8th. Interviews will take place between December and February, and successful applicants will receive offers between February 14th and 21st. The program itself begins in June and runs through the summer.

What sets this apprenticeship program apart from other internship programs?

This program is unique because it allows applicants to apply to up to three banks, providing a broader view of the industry. Additionally, the program includes participation from 17 banks, offering candidates a chance to compare cultures, products, and opportunities across different firms.

How many banks are participating in the apprenticeship program?

There are 17 banks participating in the apprenticeship program.

What advice does Vivian give to students when choosing which banks to apply to?

Vivian advises students to do their research on the banks' structures, regional offerings, products, and, most importantly, the culture of each bank. Understanding how well one fits with a bank's culture is crucial in making the right choice.

Can first-year university students apply for the program?

Yes, first-year university students can apply for the program, although there may be slightly higher chances of success for students in later years due to the program's focus on hiring candidates who can potentially be retained by the banks in the future.

What are some of the activities participants will engage in during the program?

Participants will engage in various activities, including orientation, community teamwork, and training sessions. These training sessions cover topics such as compliance, sales skills, and product knowledge. Additionally, participants will be able to attend events and summits hosted by PWMA.

What additional resources are available to students during the event?

During the event, students have access to career clinics, booths from the participating banks, and opportunities to engage with senior management from different banks. There are also various resources, such as advice on CVs and career tips, available to attendees.