Our Community Asked: How Do You Stand Out in the GWI Application Process?
Every career journey is shaped by a series of choices, opportunities, and experiences, and the Girls Who Invest (GWI) Scholars Program is designed to be one of those meaningful stepping stones, helping aspiring investors build skills, explore the industry, and connect with a supportive community. To help prospective applicants get started, we recently asked our community what they most wanted to know about the GWI application process and set out to answer their questions.
The results pointed to one clear priority: how do you make your application stand out? Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) said they wanted guidance on differentiating themselves, while 21% were focused on preparing their video submission. Another 11% wanted help telling their story, and 5% were most interested in receiving resume guidance.
Every component of the application matters, but let’s start with what our community asked about -- how to make that lasting impression and stand out amongst the crowd.
Be Intentional and Authentic
Ultimately, the GWI team wants to get to know YOU. Intentionality and authenticity go further than a polished list of accomplishments. The strongest applications articulate why you were drawn to GWI, what sparked your curiosity in learning about the investment management industry, and how the program fits into your future goals. Applications resonate when they demonstrate excitement and thoughtful connection between your experiences and how you hope to grow. We want your voice to come through in every step of the application, and our team is looking to understand your experiences, perspectives, and motivations firsthand.
Every Story is Unique, and We Can’t Wait to Hear Yours
If you're approaching the application's required written components like something that needs to fit a particular formula, think again. There's no one right way to tell your story. Whether your interest in investing grew out of a class, an extracurricular activity, a mentor, a personal experience, or simple curiosity, we want to hear about it! Wherever it started, the written component of your application should highlight what makes your journey distinct. Applications are strongest when candidates focus on clearly articulating their own experiences and motivations rather than trying to guess what the GWI team wants to hear. We welcome all backgrounds and majors, so be authentically yourself and let us get to know you!
Let Your Personality Shine in Your Video
The video submission is a chance to bring your application to life and to show your skills in a different medium. Practicing your responses and reflecting on your experiences beforehand can build confidence. We recommend thinking on your answers before filming, but there’s no need to read or memorize a script. In fact, we generally advise AGAINST a script, because we want to hear your authentic thoughts. Most importantly, the video is your opportunity to showcase your personality, communication skills, and genuine passion for learning more about investment management -- things a resume alone can't capture.
Your Resume Helps Complete the Picture
The resume is another element of the application that students tend to have questions about. GWI's Career Advancement team advises prospective Scholars to put their best foot forward -- starting with keeping your resumes clean, clear, and easy to read. Strong formatting, thoughtful organization, and concise descriptions help reviewers quickly see a candidate's strengths and potential. We also recommend using Times New Roman or Arial font to give it that professional touch. Your resume gives us important context about your education, experiences, skills, and accomplishments, but your personality will really shine in the other creative aspects of the application.
The Bottom Line
Standing out starts with presenting a thoughtful, complete picture of who you are. Through your resume, essay, video, and personal story, the goal is the same: help our team understand your interests, your ambitions, and what you'd bring to the GWI community. Lean into what makes your experiences unique and clearly communicate why you're excited to grow through Girls Who Invest.
Applications for the 2027 GWI Scholars Program Are Now Open!
Applications for the 2027 GWI Scholars Program are officially open! This year, applicants have two deadlines to choose from: the priority deadline on September 15, 2026, and the final deadline on October 15, 2026. Applications submitted by the priority deadline can expect to receive an update by October 15, depending on application volume. Prospective Scholars applying by the final deadline will hear back from the GWI team by early December.