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Research supports that diversity in the workplace can increase return-on-investment, lead to more innovative ideas, and foster a productive work environment. Yet, some professional industries – including investment management – still lack gender diversity.
Sue Meagher ’79 is launching a pilot program with her investment firm to help excite more young women about joining the industry. On Monday, nearly a dozen Curry students studying business management, finance, marketing, and accounting, will join peers from Boston College, Babson College, and Bentley University for a half-day workshop at the MFS Investment Management corporate office in the Prudential Center to learn about the diverse internship and job opportunities at the company.
“I’ve specifically selected young professionals at MFS that may have started in different roles or careers to demonstrate to the students that there are a variety of opportunities available beyond the traditional sales or finance positions that are commonly perceived as the standard for the industry,” says Meagher. “I want them to know that you can be successful in the investment management industry regardless of your major or job experience. You don’t need to major in finance to pursue this line of work.”
Meagher majored in special education at Curry but found a new love for her work in investments when she joined MFS after graduating. “It was my first interview and my first job. This year I will be marking 35 years with the company.”
While she is passionate about recruiting students to MFS, she believes the industry stands to gain as a whole as more women step in roles in asset management. “We know that investment management is a male-dominated industry, and we know we need to do something about it. As a company and industry, we will only benefit by bringing more women on board,” she says. “If our pilot program is successful, we hope to do more events like it to invite college students in to learn about what we do and how we got here in hopes of inspiring them to join the field.”