Manulife Wealth & Asset Management further empowers students at the John Molson School of Business
Manulife WAM hosted a recruitment event on March 19 for Concordia students interested in sustainable investment careers.
Manulife Wealth & Asset Management (Manulife WAM) has recently made a $500,000 commitment over the course of five years to advance the Sustainable Investing Practicum (SIP) at the John Molson School of Business.
Launched in 2019, the SIP provides undergraduate business students with hands-on experience in managing a $4-million virtual equity portfolio that integrates environmental, social and governance factors into its investment strategy.
The program’s goal is to prepare students to meet sustainability challenges and lead the transition to a low-carbon economy by providing practical training that includes sustainability factors for investment considerations.
“We take pride in deepening our collaboration with Concordia’s John Molson School of Business,” says Charles-Antoine Laplante, Head of Strategy, Manulife WAM. “The Sustainable Investing Practicum demonstrates how partnerships between industry and academia can prepare the next generation of leaders to evaluate sustainability factors.
“Together, we are equipping students with the skills and insights they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. This initiative underscores our commitment to accelerate a sustainable future in alignment with Manulife’s Impact Agenda.”
Manulife WAM’s support will enable the SIP to expand its offerings and maintain its role as a leading sustainable investing program. Under the guidance of the practicum’s director, participating students gain real-world experience managing a global equity fund with a mandate to prioritize companies that excel in sunstainability performance and align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to its financial support, Manulife WAM hosted a recruitment event on March 19 for Concordia students interested in sustainable investment careers. The event featured remarks from Manulife WAM’s Charles-Antoine Laplante and Anne-Marie Croteau, dean of the John Molson School, as well as a panel discussion with past SIP students.
Manulife WAM’s contribution will also fund outreach efforts, training, events and scholarships for both first- and second-year students, fostering knowledge and engagement around sustainable investing both within the university and the broader community.
“The SIP has grown into a meaningful program that bridges academic knowledge and practical application,” says Erkan Yönder, Department of Finance chair and faculty member, and director of the program.
“This contribution ensures we can continue to innovate and provide our students with a cutting-edge understanding of sustainable investing principles.”
Croteau underscores the importance of Manulife WAM’s continued involvement.
“The firm’s generosity signals its commitment to training the next generation of informed investment professionals. This contribution will allow our school to further enrich the practicum and continue to provide our students with transformative, hands-on learning opportunities that reflect our commitment to responsibility and social accountability.”