We have concluded the fourth edition of Pathfinder, a job shadowing programme for women studying at economics and business universities who are interested in pursuing a career in private debt and private equity.

This year’s edition was exceptional for us from the very beginning of the recruitment process. We received a record number of 60 applications from candidates representing 12 universities in Poland and abroad, including SGH Warsaw School of Economics, the University of Warsaw, Kozminski University, Poznań University of Economics and Business, Krakow University of Economics, Wrocław University of Economics and Business, the University of Łódź, as well as LSE and Bocconi University.

We invited five participants to join us for a week of learning and hands-on experience. Over five intensive days, they took part in 16 hours of training sessions led by the CVI team, attended two Investment Committee meetings, one pipeline meeting and three company meetings, joined individual mentoring sessions, and worked on a case study that allowed them to step into the role of an investment team and prepare an investment recommendation.

The participants’ feedback clearly highlighted the value of practical experience. They emphasised that Pathfinder gave them an opportunity to see what day-to-day work in private debt really looks like: from analysing projects and meeting potential clients to taking part in investment discussions and Investment Committee meetings. They also valued the conversations with mentors, the opportunity to learn about different career paths within the CVI team, and the case study, which allowed them to feel like part of the investment team.

Zuzanna Grabowska, Maja Dzik, Karolina Stasica, Julita Kwiatkowska and Anna Pawlak — thank you for an inspiring week. We are grateful for your positive energy, thoughtful questions and commitment.

We hope the programme helped the participants gain a better understanding of the investment industry and make more informed decisions about their next career steps.