Propel Impact

What was your career path?

For Jamil Bhimji, the path to Propel Impact began with an email from his finance professor. At the time, he was in his third year of university and just beginning to explore the intersection of finance and social impact. “My finance professor sent everyone an email to attend a webinar about a new student-led impact investment fund starting in Victoria, B.C. I think a lot about the timing of this opportunity, given how only months prior, I had been discovering on my own the world of social impact, finance as a tool for change, and the impact investment scene in B.C.” That webinar was just the beginning. Inspired by Propel’s leadership and mission, Jamil seized every opportunity that came his way - ultimately joining the Propel Impact Investing Fellowship and Analyst Program.

How did Propel Impact help you grow?

Through Propel, Jamil gained hands-on experience working with industry professionals and like-minded peers passionate about using finance for good. His time in the programs allowed him to build valuable skills while connecting with organizations leading in impact investing. "When people ask me where I learned about impact investing, Propel is the first place I think of! During my summer analyst and investing fellowships, we covered all facets of impact investments. For me, and other analysts, this was our first look into how to assess investment deals, how to approach potential investors, and how to read financial statements. Other than the obvious hard skills we developed, Propel sought to make us well-rounded young professionals through educational talks, workshops, and community building." Beyond technical skills, Propel emphasized professional development, preparing Jamil for a career in impact investing. For Jamil, the most transformative aspect of Propel was feeling embedded in the impact investment ecosystem in Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. The relationships he built throughout the programs empowered him to confidently pursue a career in the field. "Not many young professionals can say they found their career path from an internship, but with Propel’s support and guidance, I knew impact investing was the industry for me." After graduating, he joined Scale Collaborative and the Thrive Impact Fund, where he worked for 1.5 years as a Financial Analyst.

What issue do you most want to tackle in the world?

When asked about the issue he is most passionate about tackling, Jamil’s perspective continues to evolve. However, one theme remains constant: expanding access and opportunity. "I think my answer to this question is always changing and developing. When I break it down the most, I believe the issue I want to tackle the most is opportunity and access. Of course, this can mean many things and applies widely, but I want to be a part of the solution where the most amount of people have the opportunity to access whatever it is they want. This ranges from education to poverty and intersects with climate change and justice." Today, Jamil is turning that vision into reality. He recently made a bold career move to Scotland, where he works in the charity sector and helps young people start their own businesses.