Luxembourg for young professionals: innovation, finance, and sustainability

SFF Magazine September 2024

Luxembourg has established itself as one of Europe’s leading financial centers, offering a unique and dynamic environment for young talent in the financial sector.
In this article, we explore some of the opportunities and advantages that Luxembourg offers, as well as the competencies and skills required in the financial sector and especially in a sector with strong growth such as sustainable finance.

What Luxembourg Offers for Young Talent in the Finance Sector

Luxembourg is an epicenter for the international community, providing a rich and diverse cultural amalgam. This diversity not only enriches the personal lives of those who reside here, but also fosters a vibrant and multifaceted professional environment. In addition, Luxembourg is strategically located in the center of Europe, allowing easy and quick access to major European capitals and being a key location where decisions are made that impact European politics and economy.

For young talents, Luxembourg is an undisputed financial hub and a center for the management of classic investment funds and alternative funds. It has a strong focus on financial innovation, strong political and economic stability and a strong focus on sustainability. It therefore offers a very interesting career projection for young people eager to learn and grow with a well-defined career plan in the financial sector. Additionally, the network of Spaniards in Luxembourg provides a sense of community and support, making the transition to this country more friendly.

“For young talents, Luxembourg is an undisputed financial hub and a center for the management of classic investment funds and alternative funds.”

International Talent Attraction Programs and Initiatives

At PwC Luxembourg, we highlight several programs and initiatives designed to attract and retain international talent. Among them, work facilities and flexibility are fundamental. PwC promotes the training and continuous development of its employees through specific training and education, especially in emerging areas such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), which is crucial in a constantly growing sector.

The new generations are looking for jobs that generate a positive social impact, valuing social and environmental awareness, as well as a clear sense of purpose. In this context, PwC Luxembourg’s ESG department provides the opportunity to participate in innovative projects that comprehensively transform companies. This includes helping to integrate sustainability into their operations, conducting impact assessments, developing sustainable strategies, and improving transparency in sustainability reporting.

“At PwC Luxembourg, we highlight several programs and initiatives designed to attract and retain international talent. Among them, work facilities and flexibility are fundamental.”

In addition, professional development and ESG training programs are designed to align the values of young professionals with the firm’s sustainability objectives, offering meaningful careers and continuous professional development.

Another initiative offered by PwC Luxembourg is the internal exchange programs that facilitate the movement of talent between different countries globally, allowing employees to gain a global perspective and work on projects with international impact.

At PwC Luxembourg, every day is a new opportunity to make a positive impact on our clients and society. We invite you to follow us in the following video to discover what a day in our company is like and how we work to build a sustainable future: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6Welm5tprU/?igsh=bWc1czcyajY0ZmZw

“Another initiative offered by PwC Luxembourg is the internal exchange programs that facilitate the movement of talent between different countries globally, allowing employees to gain a global perspective and work on projects with international impact.”

Main Skills and Competencies Demanded by the Sector

The finance sector in Luxembourg is looking for professionals with a combination of technical skills and the (so popular) “soft skills”. Among the most valued competencies within finance related to sustainability are:

Sustainability and ESG knowledge: understanding of ESG principles, environmental impact assessment and management, corporate sustainability management.
Analytical and Evaluation Skills: analysis of ESG data, evaluation of ESG Risks and Opportunities.
ESG Related Financial Skills: sustainable finance, ability to assess the financial impact of ESG risks and opportunities.
Technical and Regulatory Knowledge: ESG regulation and standards, technological innovation in sustainability.
Communication and Relationship Skills: ability to work in an international and diverse environment, understanding and respecting different cultures and ways of thinking.

Contribution of the New Generations

The new generations bring with them a set of advanced digital competencies, a fresh perspective and a desire to positively impact society. These young professionals are not only looking to develop in their careers, but also to find purpose and meaning in their work, making a significant contribution to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

According to PwC’s global CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) survey, companies are increasingly focused on integrating sustainable and responsible practices, and young talent plays a crucial role in this transformation.

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/esg/global-csrd-survey.html

In conclusion, Luxembourg offers an exceptional environment for professional growth in the financial sector, supported by significant corporate initiatives and a well-established international community. The skills and competencies in demand reflect the evolution of the sector, and the new generations are well positioned to take advantage of and contribute to these opportunities.