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The MFWG Hosts its Annual Careers in Microfinance Event
The Microfinance Working Group (MFWG) hosted its 6th annual Careers in Microfinance Event on Feb. 25th. This event is the centerpiece of the MFWG’s outreach efforts, and aims to promote microfinance by providing panels of experts and practitioners in the field to share their experiences. While SIPA students were well represented among the attendees, there were also numerous professionals and students from other schools who attended to learn more about career opportunities in the rapidly growing field of microfinance.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address from John Hatch, the founder of FINCA International and the creator of the Village Banking Microcredit model, who also recently co-founded the Alliance of Students Against Poverty (ASAP). His keynote address highlighted some of the challenges and successes he has witnessed over several decades as a pioneer in the field. Two panels comprised of representatives from both the private and nonprofit microfinance sectors followed the keynote address. The first panel was titled, “Delivering Microfinance: Best Practices in The Field,” and included Susan Davis (BRAC-USA), Lauren Reese (CGAP Technology Program), Inez Murray (Women’s World Banking), and Maria Otero (Women’s Venture Fund). The panelists spoke about career opportunities as well as the history, achievements, and future goals of their respective organizations.
Helen Chou, MFWG Co-Chair and MIA 2009, facilitates a question and answer session between Panel 2 and the audience at the MFWG Careers in Microfinance Conference
The second panel, “Microfinance and Capital Markets: Investment, Growth, and Results” included Ann Miles (Blue Orchard), Jennifer Powers (Deutsche Bank), Cyrille Parant (PlaNet Finance), Susan Blake (Microvest), and Christian Novak (Morgan Stanley). The panelists discussed the role of their companies in the private microfinance sector, which has largely developed in the last decade. Again, a wide diversity of career and internship possibilities were presented, as jobs in microfinance can range from fieldwork to engineering, to informational technology, to capital markets research, and a host of other industries.
A reception followed, which provided a networking opportunity for the 150 conference attendees to speak directly with the panelists and mingle with others interested in microfinance. The event was successful in connecting students to potential employers, and in providing the unique opportunity to hear from some of the most established practitioners in both the private and nonprofit microfinance sectors. The MFWG would like to thank the law firm of Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, and Mr. Tony Gooch for their gracious sponsorship of the event.