GWI Intensive Program Orientation Notes

Welcome and Introduction

  • Greeting and Administrative Notes

    • Non-automated mute request for participants upon joining.

    • Encourage participants to keep cameras on when possible for a connecting experience.

    • Reminder that the meeting will be recorded, and automated tools should be turned off.

Program Overview

  • Introduction of Heather Percival, Head of Programs and Career Advancement at Girls Who Invest (GWI).

    • Personal Background: 4.5 years with GWI; currently located in Long Island.

    • Call for attendees to share their location in the chat to foster community engagement.

  • Overview of GWI's Mission:

    • GWI aims to support participants in finding career opportunities in investment management.

    • Emphasis on becoming future leaders such as portfolio managers and executives in the field.

Setting Expectations

  • Focus on being present and engaged during sessions; acknowledging the busy schedules of participants.

  • Importance of the information shared through communications and emails.

    • Request participants to approach communication openly and kindly within the community.

  • Encourage patience with GWI staff as they support the growing community of scholars.

Introducing the Team

  • Heather transitions to Lindsey Granger Weaver, Director of Programs.

    • Lindsey's background: with GWI since January 2023.

    • Focuses on ensuring the smooth execution of educational and leadership programs.

    • Personal anecdotes: Morning coffee routine, love for crossword puzzles, and being a dance mom.

  • Kelsey, Program and Marketing Manager, introduces self.

    • Highlights a seven-year tenure at GWI with a focus on logistics and continuous communication.

    • Interests: Reads extensively, especially with a Kindle remote for convenience.

  • Introduction of Sarah (not present due to parental leave):

    • Noted interests: Skiing, adult learning advocacy, leadership in retention and advancement programming.

  • Alyssa Loio, Career Advancement and Team Support.

    • Commentary on personal interests including long walks, organization, and yoga.

  • Ella Wisniewski, Program Intern.

    • Background as an alum of the Summer Intensive Program in 2020.

Meet the Full Team

  • Description of the full program team supporting the intensive cohort.

  • Acknowledgment of the community aspect of the program and fostering connections with all team members.

GWI Mission and Objectives

  • Discussion of GWI’s core values and educational pillars:

    • Provide skills and training to enhance individual careers.

    • Strengthen the investment management industry through knowledgeable and prepared professionals.

  • The significance of community: recruitment of exceptional candidates committed to GWI and investment management.

Intensive Program Structure

  • Explanation of the Intensive Program:

    • Foundational curriculum focused on building connections and competencies for the investment management industry.

    • Cohort-based learning model emphasized.

  • Overview of program logistics:

    • Introduction to asynchronous and live learning methods.

Assignments and Learning Approach

  • Introduction of asynchronous work philosophies: assignments due after winter break.

  • Key concepts to cover include:

    • Excel

    • Accounting

    • Analyzing financial reports

    • Financial statement modeling

  • Use of Wall Street Prep for course materials, with direct access provided through email.

  • Completion requirements:

    • Two attempts to achieve passing scores for course modules.

    • Surveys required upon completion of each course for feedback.

  • Upcoming office hours and study circles scheduled in early January for student engagement and support.

Active Participation Expectations

  • Essential expectations for student participation:

    • Attend and engage in all sessions with cameras on.

    • Fill out required post-session surveys and content review quizzes.

  • Importance of communication regarding any conflicts in attendance with a minimum one-week advance notice requirement.

  • Emphasis on professionalism in language, tone, and interactions within the program community.

    • Discretion regarding acceptable conflict types and expectations surrounding them.

Learning Center Overview

  • Introduction to the Learning Center (Canvas platform):

    • Centralized hub for assignments, resources, and educational material.

  • Structure of the Learning Center includes:

    • Overview of assignments and deadlines.

    • Direct links to resources such as resume and LinkedIn guidance, and various educational material.

  • This is a living space: continuous updates and modifications based on participant needs and feedback.

Breakout Sessions

  • Instructions for participant breakout sessions to foster connection among peers:

    • Each participant introduces themselves: name, location, school, major, and interests outside of school.

    • Potential for group emails and social media interaction encouraged for community building.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Closure remarks highlighting the importance of resource utilization, communication channels, and community engagement.

  • Overview of weekly communications (Friday '5') for program updates.

    • Stress upon utilizing the Learning Center effectively as the primary source for program-related tasks and information.

  • Encouragement to maintain open lines of communication with the GWI team for support throughout the program journey.

  • Thank you to attendees, positive wishes for finals, and anticipation of an exciting program ahead.