As students across South Africa prepare to enter the workforce, many are grappling with questions that previous generations never had to consider – among them, how artificial intelligence will reshape their careers and which skills will remain in demand. These were the questions that Coronation addressed during a Youth Month engagement hosted by CEO Anton Pillay.

The initiative recently brought together students from the investment societies of the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Stellenbosch University (SU), as well as Grade 12 learners from Claremont High School. The discussions offered participants a candid insider’s view of the investment industry, the opportunities it presents and practical insights into how young people can position themselves for long-term success.

A conversation shaped by experience

Drawing on his own journey, Pillay shared reflections on his upbringing, the challenges he faced and some of the lessons he had learnt throughout his career. He emphasised that whilst the landscape facing young people today may look very different from that of previous generations, certain fundamentals remain unchanged.

“The challenges facing young people today may be different from those faced by previous generations, but the need to keep learning, think independently and adapt to change remains constant,” said Pillay. “Technical expertise matters, but so do curiosity, critical thinking and self-belief.”

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Pillay also acknowledged the weight of uncertainty that many young people carry and stressed the importance of access to mentorship and industry exposure.

“I understand your concerns about the future and that is why I am here today to give you encouragement. I understand that access to role models and practical industry insights can play an important role in helping students navigate their future careers. It is important to create opportunities for young people to engage with experienced professionals who can help broaden perspectives and build confidence,” he said.

Learning beyond the classroom

The session resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom highlighted the value of engaging with someone who has real-world experience in the field.

Rick Huang, a member of the UCT Investment Society, said his biggest takeaway was that qualities such as independent thinking and confidence in one’s own judgement would become increasingly valuable as AI continues to advance. “I think the biggest lesson that I learned today is that self-belief is really something that you need to have in this industry. It’s vital for a career in the future.”

Andisa Unathi Nxumalo, a UCT student and Coronation Exceptional Student Bursary recipient, said engagements such as these helped students better understand the paths available to them. “Informative sessions like this help plant a seed and encourage someone to think, ‘I can do this’. There is a lot of value in meeting professionals who studied what you studied and come from where you come from, because it shows that you can get to that place in your life as well.”

Thabiso Molefe, a member of the UWC Investment Society, echoed the sentiment. “One thing we do lack as students is exposure to the practical field. A session like this allows you to gain practical knowledge from someone who is in the industry.”

Lavela Siswana of the SU Investment Society also highlighted the connection between theory and practice. “Opportunities like this matter a lot to students because they bridge the gap between what we learn in the classroom and in lectures, and what we’d learn first-hand in the industry and in asset management.”

Access to role models and industry insights

Following the session at Coronation’s offices, Pillay paid a visit to Claremont High School – an award-winning science and mathematics-focused school for gifted children from diverse backgrounds, whose curriculum is strategically aligned with Coronation’s focus on quality education as a catalyst for change.

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Pillay spent time with the Grade 12 learners, answering their questions about the future of work and the investment industry. Both sessions were designed as interactive discussions, giving students rare access to the inner workings of the investment industry and an insight into its people and culture priorities.