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SEO LONDON IMPACT 2023-2024
Impact on our university students
1,090+
99%
More than 1,090 young people secured competitive summer internships, vacation schemes and graduate roles. 610 of those participants secured these from our sponsored firms.
99% of respondents reported that they felt empowered to be ambitious about their careers.
98%
98% of respondents felt that SEO London is well positioned to help them.
97%
97% of respondents felt that SEO London's programmes helped them overcome challenges and build confidence.
Impact on our SEO Schools students
SEO Schools students were 1.9 times more likely to secure a place at university in 2022 students than a matched control group, according to UCAS.
Impact on SEO Alumni
We surveyed students graduating from university in the summer of 2024. These are the results as of November 2024:
88%
of 2024 graduates who secured a role say that taking part in SEO London helped them to do that.
61%
of 2024 graduates who secured a role told us that they are earning over £50k.
"SEO London introduced me to like-minded individuals within my cohort, as well as allowing me to meet industry professionals that gave me a real insight into what working in industry entails. It has exposed me to worlds that I would otherwise never have been able to make contact with and taught me how to conduct myself in professional environments, making me a more confident individual."
2022-2023 Participant
9,000+
PARTICIPANTS SECURED PLACEMENTS SINCE 2000
No one makes it on their own. Our work is vital because opportunity should never just be a matter of luck but driven by talent and access.
For 25 years we’ve empowered first-generation graduates, many unfamiliar with the corporate world, to become leaders in global organisations.
Who we supported
in 2023-2024
We worked with more than 4,740 young people from underrepresented backgrounds who took part in our employability skills and internship training support.
90%
90% of participants were from ethnic minority backgrounds
53%
53% of participants were from low socioeconomic backgrounds
42%
42% of participants were women
"For SEO London I have only heartfelt gratitude for the transformative experience I’ve had through the organisation. Being personally invited to various sponsor firm events was an incredible privilege that opened doors to unparalleled opportunities. The journey from attending panel events and Lunch and Learns, to engaging in person at these exclusive gatherings, was nothing short of inspiring.
Through SEO London, I had the honour of meeting a diverse array of professionals, from junior to senior bankers, forming meaningful connections that have significantly shaped my career path. These interactions weren’t just about networking; they were about building relationships with individuals who shared insights, guidance, and unwavering support.
What set SEO London apart was the inclusivity and support felt at every turn. The SEO team went above and beyond to ensure that every participant, myself included, felt empowered and supported throughout the journey of exploring various opportunities. The camaraderie established with fellow attendees and the professionals encountered along the way made the entire experience more enriching and fulfilling. The exposure gained through these events was invaluable. It allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the industry even before securing my first offers for work experience at certain firms. The insights shared, the advice given, and the connections made have been instrumental in my professional growth and development. I cannot emphasise enough how deeply appreciative I am for the exposure, guidance, and opportunities provided by SEO London and the sponsor firms involved.
My hope is that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has the chance to experience the same level of support and encouragement that I was fortunate enough to receive. Thank you, SEO London, for being an invaluable catalyst in my journey towards a successful and fulfilling career. I am forever grateful for the doors you’ve opened and the connections you’ve facilitated."
Esther, SEO Careers Participant (Finance)
Esther is a second year undergraduate and has secured an internship with Moelis in investment banking and restructuring which will begin in summer 2024.
"Beyond Barriers has given me the opportunity to really connect with other graduates who have been in a similar position in terms of seeking employment after graduation. Having had workshops ranging from interview skills and navigating LinkedIn as well as networking with employees from Barclays has been amazing; I was able to gain an insight that I couldn’t have obtained elsewhere.”
Beyond Barriers
Participant, 2023 cohort
Our work in 2023-2024
910+
149
Partnership delivered with 135 sponsor firms over 17 university fairs
Hours of
education programmes
3,682
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3682 participants were undergraduate on the Careers programme
98
Participants were studying across 98 UK universities
120+
Hours of
training programmes
"Coming from a low socioeconomic background, the SEO Schools programme [Empower] ensured I was not another statistic. They provided me with the foundations to enter the corporate world, which I later combined to secure a summer internship at only 18, with a top insurance firm."
2022-2023 Participant
How did our participants think SEO London helped them?
97%
97% of respondents felt that SEO London can connect them to the kinds of employers they are interested in.
97%
97% of respondents felt a sense of belonging at our events.
96%
96% of respondents felt that SEO London's support was credible and reliable.
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"SEO London stands as the bedrock of my career ascent. The organisation’s
commitment to my success was evident through comprehensive CV and interview workshops, enlightening information seminars, and exclusive access that elevated my standing beyond my peers. These invaluable resources, coupled with the nurturing environment, transformed my trajectory.
But the magic doesn’t dwindle postgraduation; it amplifies. SEO London extends a lifeline with a plethora of post-graduate events and workshops, providing an exclusive gateway to industry-leading companies. The chance to rub shoulders with fellow alumni, sans the elusive “old boys” network, is a game-changer.
What truly sets SEO London apart is its ability to create an ecosystem where success is not just encouraged but inevitable. The journey isn’t just about career opportunities; it’s a holistic experience that transcends conventional mentorship. In the intricate dance of career development, SEO London orchestrates the moves that transform
aspirations into reality. I now work for UKGI, which is huge. I didn’t think I could get here before SEO kick-started my career."
Chun, SEO Alumnus Class of 2017
Corporate Finance Manager,
UK Government Investments
SEO London’s Theory of Change
This is our roadmap for driving outcomes and impact. We use our Theory of Change as a blueprint to review, evaluate and continually improve our programmes.
