Student Opportunity – access to & inspiration from business executives
The Executive Challenge gives girls aged 12-17 direct access to people in business, in order to create an environment where more girls understand what is possible for them and to change the career trajectory for women in the workplace. The Executive Challenge – delivered by The Women’s Association – shares real stories that humanise and demystify the role of the business executive, thus making it attainable.
The project currently operates in London and a growing number of other towns/cities, so students in all areas are welcome to apply. There are three parts to The Executive Challenge: conversation, mentoring, and work experience. Read more and register your school’s interest…
Part 1: The Conversation
- 2 x 30-minute 1-2-1 Zoom sessions during which girls learn about the life of an executive, from an executive.
- During the calls, each girl will have an honest and open dialogue in the form of a Q&A, discussing elements of the executive’s personal and professional journey on the road to becoming an executive. See examples of conversations here.
- On the second call, each girl will be introduced to more members of staff from within the company who will also share life lessons from their career journey.
- Safeguarding: On every Zoom session, a member of TWA’s DBS-checked team will be present to supervise. If schools require their own member of staff to supervise the call as well, that can be arranged.
Part Two: Mentoring
- Each girl is assigned a mentor from the company and completes a 12-month tailored mentoring program.
- Safeguarding: During every 1-2-1 mentoring session (whether online or in-person) a member of TWA’s DBS-checked team will be present to supervise. In addition, each mentor will go through safeguarding training with TWA.
Part Three: Work Experience
- Each girl takes part in a 3-day work experience during the summer vacation, alongside other girls who completed parts 1 and 2 of The Executive Challenge at the same company.
- Safeguarding: The work experience will be created, managed, and monitored by the team at TWA. A member of TWA’s DBS-checked team will be on hand during the work experience to ensure that the girls are safe and supported throughout the entire process.
For GSA schools and their partner schools in the state sector: register your interest here by 31 May for girls at your school to be considered for the next Executive Challenge programme.
