Women in Capital Markets has extended the application deadline for a $5,000 award from BMO Capital Markets that helps women re-establish their careers in the capital markets industry.

WCM said Wednesday the deadline for women to apply for the Women in Capital Markets Return to Bay Street Award, sponsored by BMO, has been extended to December 15.

The award provides: a paid, three-month position with BMO Capital Markets; $5,000 towards an executive development or continuing education program, and, enrolment in Women in Capital Markets mentor program and a one-year WCM membership.

Women are eligible for the award if they are in the process of returning to the workforce, and have a minimum of three years of professional experience in the capital markets industry, specifically in investment banking or sales/trading, and research; and women who have taken a career hiatus of two years or longer, are completing or have completed a development or continuing education program within the last 12 months, and are available to complete a full-time, three-month internship at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto.

“Retention of women is commonly considered one of the top goals for firms interested in tackling the issue of diversity,” said Martha Fell, CEO of Women in Capital Markets. “And, while there are many reasons why women opt out, the greatest untapped resource for talent out there is perhaps those who might be interested in opting back in. This BMO-sponsored program will serve as an important component to the campaign for women to ‘Return to Bay Street’.”

“Promoting the advancement and development of women in the capital markets industry not only aligns with our enterprise-wide principles, but it is also an important component of our firm’s business strategy,” said Tom Milroy, CEO of BMO Capital Markets.