SHAMEER THOBHANI

Co-Founder, InvestIN

InvestIN: Practical Work Experience for Tomorrow’s Leaders

In the world of education, a glaring concern is whether students are leaving school with the practical skills needed for the workplace. Many graduates lack real-world experience, a fact backed by studies like the National Centre for Education Statistics in the US, which shows that employers value practical skills as much as academic achievements.

Equally, life beyond education can feel daunting, as students are expected to make big decisions at a young age that will inevitably shape their career trajectories. Upon graduating, I began an exciting but demanding career in finance as an investment banker, an industry I had little previous exposure to. What brought my cofounder, Hitesh Chowdhry (a former corporate lawyer), and I together to launch InvestIN was a mutual drive to equip young people with the insider knowledge we wished we’d had when we were at school.

Established in 2012, InvestIN is the go-to global provider for fully practical and professionally-led career experiences for school students. Our mission is to bridge the gap between school and industry, by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, experience and contacts to excel in their chosen field.

Students need more than theoretical subject knowledge to succeed in their future careers. Our career experience programmes are designed to provide hands-on, practical experience to students aged 12-18 across 15 desirable and competitive industries. We believe that experiencing the real world alongside leading professionals is the key to helping students choose the right career for them and maximise their potential.

Over 65,000 students from the UK and all over the world have attended our programmes. Beyond the career insights gained, international students embarking on this journey get the opportunity to experience life in the UK. By participating in our 1 or 2-week residential programmes during the summer, these students discover more than just career paths. They discover a new culture, get a taste of life on a top UK university campus (University College London and the London School of Economics), whilst forming connections with students from every corner of the globe.

It’s not just about preparing for a career; it’s about embracing a holistic, global educational experience that will create memories that last a lifetime.

Our programmes offer students a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a professional and carry out the work they typically do on a day-to-day basis. For instance, our Young Doctor Summer Experience allows students to work alongside medical professionals in hospitals, where they learn essential skills, such as suturing and participate in simulated ward rounds. Similarly, the Young Engineer Summer Experience takes students to a working airfield, where they’ll explore a Boeing aircraft alongside top aerospace engineers. These experiences not only broaden students’ perspectives but also equip them with a sense of confidence and clarity about their career goals. Students are taught exclusively by industry professionals, who will give them not only a realistic understanding of their field, but also expose them to the practical elements of their daily responsibilities.

We understand that the journey from education to employment is a critical phase and our role is to make this transition as seamless as possible. As we continue to expand our reach and impact, we believe that investing in the future careers of students is not just a necessity but a responsibility that will shape a generation of confident, capable and well-prepared professionals.

If you are looking for an experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures, visit our website to find out more: www.investin.org. Registration for our 2024 Summer Schools is now open and places are filling up quickly. Our team are always happy to help answer any questions you may have - get in touch with us at info@investin.org or +44 (0) 203 488 5089.