“Our aim is to break down barriers, bridge the gender gap, and empower female students to excel at a career in finance”: Ly Tran, Head of the GIBS Female Network, on the group’s new mentorship program + how to get more women to consider a career in finance

The Female Network is part of the Gothenburg Investment Banking Society (GIBS), an independent student organisation based in Gothenburg, Sweden. In an interview, we caught up with Ly Tran, head of the Female Network, to chat about her ambitions for the year, as well as her thoughts on the finance industry.
Can you tell us about the Gothenburg Investment Banking Society?
Our society consists of a diverse base of students from two of the most prestigious universities in Sweden, Chalmers University of Technology and the School of Business, Economics & Law at the University of Gothenburg. Our vision is to create a platform where students can develop and create valuable connections with one another and with relevant firms in the finance industry.
We offer a variety of events, ranging from mentorship programmes to our annual banking weeks in London and Stockholm. These events give our members the opportunity to prepare for their future careers, connect with a broad network of people within the industry and visit some of the most prominent financial institutions.
You are the current head of the Female Network at GIBS; what motivated you to pursue this role alongside your studies?
I have always had a deep passion for driving positive change and promoting gender inclusivity for women in male-dominated industries. Prior to GIBS, I was involved in another student association with the same objectives – to connect female students with prominent firms in various industries. It felt natural for me to take on this role at GIBS and to further foster a sense of community and empowerment among female students in Gothenburg.
Can you tell us about your ambitions and plans for the GIBS Female Network in 2024?
My ambition for 2024 is to further expand the Female Network by launching new initiatives and reaching out to more female students at both Chalmers University of Technology and the School of Business, Economics & Law at the University of Gothenburg.
After a successful launch of the GIBS Female Mentorship Programme last month, I am hoping to continue with the development of the programme to launch the second programme in the autumn of 2024. Additionally, I also hope to inspire and engage more female students to apply for our upcoming banking weeks in London and Stockholm.
Can you tell us more about the GIBS Female Mentorship Programme (which ABGSC Investment Banking partner Mirjam Medelli will take part in)?
The GIBS Female Mentorship Programme is the first female-only mentorship programme for students interested in finance from Gothenburg. Our aim is to break down barriers, bridge the gender gap, and empower female students to excel at a career in finance. Through four mentorship sessions, female students get to have one-on-one mentoring sessions, career workshops and plenty of networking opportunities.
I hope that the participating mentees will acquire practical advice from our experienced mentors, develop confidence, and gain a strong sense of empowerment through the programme. The long-term vision is to forge a lasting mentor-mentee relationship that will extend beyond the programme, which will help participants grow in both their professional and personal lives.

The long-term vision is to forge a lasting mentor-mentee relationship that will extend beyond the programme, which will help participants grow in both their professional and personal lives.

How will the support from the ABG Sundal Collier Women in Finance Foundation help you reach your goals this year?
We are extremely grateful for the generous support from the ABG Sundal Collier Women in Finance Foundation. The Foundation is supporting our Female Mentorship Programme financially by covering transportation costs for the participating mentees during our visits to Stockholm.
We hope to further develop our relationship with the Foundation and together work towards fostering a more gender-inclusive environment for women in finance.
Do you think there is anything that might encourage more female students to consider finance as a possible career path?
In many cases, it is rather challenging for students to acquire knowledge and an understanding of what a career in finance entails. I believe that engagement, inspiration, and knowledge are key to encouraging more female students to consider a career within finance. Initiatives like workshops, mentorships and networking events, which show female students what a career in finance could look like, are a great place to start. These types of initiatives can reduce the information gap by offering students the chance to hear first-hand from prominent professionals within the industry and learn more about what they do.
What do you think the finance industry could be doing to attract more women?
I believe it is important to actively promote gender diversity and inclusion initiatives to ensure an equal working environment. It is essential to break down barriers and stereotypes and foster a supportive and inclusive workplace where women feel empowered to thrive and succeed in their career paths.
Some of the key ways that I believe the industry can attract more women include: increasing visibility among female students and young professionals and creating opportunities for networking and professional development through mentorship programmes. I believe that programmes and events that are designed to engage, inspire and allow female participants to learn from each other are valuable ways to promote a possible career in finance for women.
And finally, can you tell us what appeals to you about a career in finance?
What appeals to me about a career in finance is the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the industry. I am drawn to professional and personal development and believe that the finance industry can offer both. The industry also offers a variety of career paths, and I am eager to learn more about the different opportunities that are available.
I want to be a part of a positive change within the industry through my passion for inclusivity and I hope that I will be able to continue making a positive impact once I begin my career.
 
Ly Tran is in her first year of an MSc in Management degree at the School of Business, Economics & Law at the University of Gothenburg.