Pathfinder – Women in investments have a voice!

CVI Dom Maklerski has once again opened its doors to female students of economics, giving them a chance to explore a career in private debt and private equity. For the third time, the Pathfinder program supported young women in building their careers in finance. It’s also a key element of the company’s ESG strategy, aimed at increasing gender diversity in the investment industry.

Equality is an investment in the future

While women make up nearly half of all entry-level roles in the investment sector, their presence drops dramatically at the top. Only 17% of leadership positions are held by women. To address this imbalance, CVI launched the Pathfinder program as part of its ESG strategy, supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

“At CVI, we believe that more women in investments means more strength and a broader range of perspectives. And that benefits our portfolio companies and our investors. That’s why, for the past three years, we’ve been actively supporting ambitious women in developing their careers in private debt and private equity”- says Jolanta Turek, ESG Director at CVI.

A week that can change everything – the program’s unique format

Pathfinder is an intensive one-week internship in a job shadowing format. Participants work side by side with CVI’s investment team. From credit analysis and investment strategy, to meetings with company management, attending Investment Committee sessions, and working on ESG projects – each student gets a chance to take on real tasks that challenge and develop their skills.

“Each edition of Pathfinder has attracted more and more interest. The students appreciated the practical experience and the one-on-one support from their mentors. Through this program, they receive guidance for planning their careers after university. And the industry benefits by welcoming more talented women and building more diverse teams” – says Elżbieta Winnik, Investment Manager at CVI and the program coordinator.

Record-breaking third edition – more interest, more opportunity

The third edition took place from May 19 to 23, 2025, at CVI’s office in Warsaw. With a record number of applications, the number of spots was increased from four to five. Most applicants were second- and third-year students from Warsaw (67%). The most represented universities were SGH (50%), University of Warsaw, Kozminski University, and Poznań University of Economics.

The 2025 Pathfinder participants were: Monika Krawiecka (Kozminski University), Aleksandra Kopyt (SGH/University of Vienna), Ivetta Łapińska (SGH), Patrycja Biernat (Poznań University of Economics), and Joanna Król (SGH).

Each participant got hands-on experience with real investment projects, a dynamic team environment, and a clearer picture of what a career in the industry is really like.

What makes us proudest are the participants’ own reflections on the program:

“The program really deepened my understanding of the private debt sector – both in theory and in practice. Thanks to mentoring, meetings, and a real case study, I now have a much clearer view of the full investment process and how a fund operates.”

“This experience had a real impact on my career plans – it confirmed that this is a field I want to grow in. In fact, private debt now seems even more exciting and dynamic than private equity, with its unique deal structures and fast pace.”

“What struck me most was the team’s strong work ethic and openness. Everyone was willing to share their knowledge and give practical advice. You could feel their genuine commitment and support. It showed me how inspiring and motivating a workplace can be when people truly want to learn from each other.”

“The program gave me a much broader perspective on the market and, more importantly, on my own future. Before, I was sure private equity was my path. Now I’m wondering if private debt might actually be where I belong. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I feel motivated and inspired to keep going.”