11 May 2026 Immersive careers event at M&G's London office boosts employability
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The Talent Foundry partnered with M&G plc for the second Giving Real Confidence day this year
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The event equipped young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities required to make informed decisions about their futures and to build their financial literacy
The Talent Foundry, an education charity, partnered with M&G plc to launch the M&G Giving Real Confidence day in London, aiming to level up young people’s employability in one immersive day. Participants in Years 12 and 13 explored careers at M&G plc while building the skills, confidence and knowledge required to succeed in the world of work.
The M&G Giving Real Confidence day took place on 11 May at M&G’s London office, giving students the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into a major global investment company. The event was attended by 96 students from 16 schools, who were supported by 49 volunteers from M&G plc.
After a welcome talk and an introduction to M&G plc, attendees explored the different career pathways available at the company, attended a Financial Futures Seminar, had the opportunity to take on the role of fund managers in an interactive investment challenge and participated in a talk on early careers at M&G. They then engaged in mock interview practice and speed mentoring sessions, learning directly from professionals at M&G plc before attending a Q&A with senior industry experts, including the Group Chief Executive Andrea Rossi and Group Corporate Affairs, Sustainability and Brand Director Louise Shield.
The event, aimed at students interested in financial services, business and those wanting to build transferable skills for their future careers, gave students the opportunity to “level-up” and gain experience from inspirational role models. It enabled young people to prepare for their next steps - into university, apprenticeships or employment - giving them the chance to gain meaningful work experience in a modern workplace through high-quality employer encounters.
The experience left students feeling more confident in themselves and in their futures. Many arrived feeling hesitant about how to present themselves in a professional environment but left at the end of the day with a clearer sense of purpose and with the self-belief and knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures. Engaging with industry professionals helped them see themselves as credible candidates for careers in business, finance and beyond.
The Talent Foundry has been working in collaboration with M&G plc since 2014, building a partnership based on genuine mission alignment and enabling over 20,000 young people to benefit from a suite of programmes and helping to build a fairer future.
Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry, said:
The Giving Real Confidence event is a key example of how encounters with the world of work can have a transformative impact on young people. Students have the opportunity to be inspired, learn about the modern workplace and gain the confidence to make informed decisions about their futures. The event also marks the commitment of M&G plc to giving young people the chance to gain the skills and financial confidence to thrive.
Jane Rawnsley, Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at M&G plc, said:
At M&G, we believe confidence is built through experience, opportunity and access to the right tools. The Giving Real Confidence event helps bring the world of work to life for young people, broadening their understanding of the careers available to them and strengthening belief in what they can achieve.
It’s inspiring to see the impact that just one immersive day can have - strengthening skills, unlocking potential and building belief in the future.
The programme supports our Building Financial Confidence priority - giving people the skills and opportunities to become financially confident and reach their full potential. Our long-standing partnership with The Talent Foundry reflects our commitment to tackling structural barriers and supporting a fairer, more inclusive future.