At Scotiabank, there are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that support our culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging by providing employees with opportunities to learn, grow, and communicate. We operate 14 ERGs with more than 8,500 employees participating globally, and nearly 100 educational events are hosted each year!
This month, we are spotlighting our Scotiabank Young Professionals* (SYP) Employee Resource Group – a community for young (and young-at-heart!) Scotiabankers looking to connect, learn, and grow with their peers. We chatted with our SYP Executive team to learn more about the ERG and its purpose here at Scotiabank.
- Emily, Strategy & Events Director
- Derek, Community & Culture Director
- Martin, Community & Culture Director
- Karuna, Chair & Marketing Director
*The definition of the term Young Professionals is by no means restricted by age and can refer to anyone who is new in their career, new to Scotiabank, or even just new to a different part of the bank!
Meaghan: Hi everyone! Can you tell our readers a bit about the Scotiabank Young Professionals (SYP) ERG and why you decided to get involved?
Karuna: The Scotiabank Young Professionals ERG was created to enhance the social environment for Young Professionals by offering opportunities for personal and professional growth through events, communication forums, and networking opportunities. We curate timely and unique career enhancement opportunities to encourage dynamic development through an expanded experience base. I joined SYP when I was new to Scotiabank to build my skillset outside of my day job, while connecting with colleagues from across the organization who I may not have crossed paths with otherwise!
Derek: This ERG was created to bring like-minded individuals together from all over the bank with the goal of positively impacting our local communities, hosting engaging and educational events for our peers, and providing a safe space where employees can network, learn, and grow together. I joined SYP when I was new to the bank and saw this as an opportunity to meet people outside of my team. Joining this ERG has allowed me to give back to my local community and my peers, broaden my network within Scotiabank, and has given me a better understanding of how all the departments are intertwined!
Meaghan: What is the mission of Scotiabank Young Professionals? What type of employees typically join this ERG?
Martin: SYP addresses the needs and concerns of a new generation of employees through career development opportunities that enhance the employee experience. We focus on three key areas: Internal Partnerships, Leadership & Social Engagement, and Community Development. Our ERG attracts a wide range of Scotiabankers at varying stages of their career! Typically, we see ambitious, career-driven employees who want to broaden their network across the bank participating in our events.
Meaghan: Why is this ERG important to Scotiabank? Why is it important to you?
Emily: Scotiabank is committed to providing employees with internal resources to succeed both in their personal and professional lives. SYP is among those resources, which provides an accessible way to meet, interact and connect with fellow Scotiabankers. Networking can often be a difficult task, but in today’s digital world, learning from those around you is critical. This ERG is important to me as networking has been the pillar of my success thus far in my career. Working at a large organization like Scotiabank, SYP has been a great platform to meet with colleagues and learn more about the bank!
Meaghan: What are some of the key initiatives that the ERG has been involved in?
Martin: In 2015, SYP Toronto organized the first SYP Expo to introduce employees to different areas of Scotiabank. This event provides attendees with information on various roles and their requirements, a sneak peek of exciting projects, a better understanding of department structures, and more! It also provides a platform for employees to collaborate and expand their existing networks.
We have also held Roundtable Networking Events which provide employees with informal networking opportunities through small-scale connections and discussions with their peers from across the bank!
Meaghan: What are you most proud of that the Scotiabank Young Professionals ERG has accomplished?
Karuna: Due to the pandemic, in 2020, we had to pivot and host the SYP Expo virtually for the first time ever. It was a huge task - each of our members were vital in pulling it off! To our surprise, the event had over 1,000 registered participants with numerous attendees and business lines sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback. The highlight of the event was that we provided an opportunity for connection during an otherwise isolating year. Additionally, while the in-person Expo had traditionally catered to a Toronto audience, the virtual format opened the event up to Scotiabankers from across our global footprint!
Meaghan: How do you feel you are making a difference in the workplace?
Karuna: At ~90,000 employees spread across numerous countries and continents, Scotiabank is quite a big organization! Our ERG helps our employees feel less overwhelmed by providing a space for authentic connections with one another from all areas of the organization. By facilitating connections, we enable Scotiabankers to learn more about one another and the Bank, therefore opening opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Meaghan: Lastly, what do you believe is the importance of having a network for our Young Professional employees at Scotiabank?
Emily: SYP has given us a great opportunity to speak more about what it means to be a “young professional”. Having employees connect with people at all ages and stages of their career helps bring new perspective and value to one another (i.e., summer intern, new grad, new to a role at any stage of their career, and 10+ years into their career). Creating targeted events and initiatives like the SYP Expo can both enhance company culture and assist with personal development. I am so excited to see what’s next for SYP!
Check out Scotiabank’s full list of Employee Resource Groups and learn more about how we are growing an environment to thrive, for every future.
