After a successful first edition in October 2018, Women in Leadership: Manchester returned for its second year on Monday 7th October 2019. On the day we were joined by 95 bright female members interested in regional opportunities and some of our leading partner firms who are passionate about gender equality.
We kicked off the day with a keynote speech from the inspiring Lisa Bardsley, Assistant Director at EY. She took us through her personal career journey, from being a teaching assistant in Spain through to her current role, and shared her top tips for building a successful career with our attendees.
Next up the EY Graduate Recruitment team ran an idea hack, during which students were given one of a range of scenarios that you would typically face as an EY employee and then worked collaboratively to come up with creative and innovative solutions.
We then began our first section of open networking with our fantastic partner firms: PwC, Standard Life Aberdeen, Willis Towers Watson and premier partner EY. Members had the exclusive opportunity to network with both graduate recruitment representatives and those in more senior roles in each company to find out more about their culture and the internship and graduate opportunities open to them.
Later on was many of our members' favourite part of the day: our panel session, "top tips from successful female leaders". During the session, members heard about challenges that panellists had faced in their professional lives as women and what they can do to ensure they have the best possible start to their own career. We also opened up questions to the audience so members could have their own concerns addressed.
"The panel session was outstanding. I really felt that I related to the women and that they had gone through similar things to myself. I really felt empowered. Couldn't recommend more" - Women in Leadership: Manchester attendee
Last but not least, we heard from EY Tax Graduate and former Bright Network member Sophie Warr on how she managed to secure her role at EY and her advice for submitting a winning application.
"I thoroughly enjoyed this event, I thought it was delivered perfectly and I am now more confident going forward to applying and searching for internships" - Women in Leadership: Manchester attendee
We're delighted to say that 100% of Women in Leadership: Manchester attendees found the event useful and would recommend Bright Network to a friend. We can't wait to see what these bright, ambitious women go on to achieve in the future.
Take a closer look at all the pictures from the event here
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