Want to know how to kickstart a career in finance? We connected students to future BlackRock careers with an Insight Day, providing valuable career insights and real-world experience at the global investment management corporation..
This offered 30 Year 12/13 students from St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College in Kensington a valuable opportunity to experience the working environment.
Discovering Careers at BlackRock
Students had the chance to visit BlackRock’s offices in the City of London, engaging with professionals from departments such as investment management, technology, and client solutions. These interactions provided real-world insights into corporate careers and future opportunities in finance.
Our interactive Insight Days give students the opportunity to learn more about careers at BlackRock in the financial services industry from relatable role models who share their journey and top tips.
- Panel Discussion: Students engaged with BlackRock Role Models, including Komal Bhagwanani, Ferdiye Fevzi, Sharon Musa, and Joel Ighodaro, who shared their career journeys, industry expertise, and advice for aspiring professionals.
- Speed Mentoring: Students participated in an interactive mentoring session with BlackRock employees from diverse backgrounds, receiving guidance and career insights.
- Networking & Reflection: The event wrapped up with group photos, feedback discussions, and lunch, giving students the chance to reflect on their experiences and connect with industry professionals.
How to apply for BlackRock Apprenticeships
BlackRock have a number of apprenticeship and internship opportunities available for students and graduates in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. More information on careers at BlackRock can be found on their website.
Benefits of Insight Day Workplace Visits
- First-Hand Exposure to Corporate Careers: Students gain direct experience in a professional setting, allowing them to observe corporate culture, workplace dynamics, and daily job responsibilities. This firsthand exposure helps them visualize potential career paths and make informed decisions about their future.
- Development of Essential Skills: Through interactive workshops, simulations, and group activities, students develop and practice key skills that are highly valued in the workplace. These skills may include problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management.
- Building Confidence in Networking and Professional Communication: Insight Days often provide opportunities for students to interact with industry professionals, including employees, managers, and executives. These interactions allow students to practice networking, build relationships, and develop their professional communication skills, such as making a strong first impression, delivering a clear and concise message, and actively listening.
- Learning from Experienced Role Models in the Finance Industry: Students can connect with and learn from experienced professionals who serve as role models and speed mentors. These role models can offer valuable insights into the industry, share their career journeys, and provide guidance and advice to students as they navigate their career paths.
- Greater Understanding of Career Paths: By interacting with professionals in various roles and departments, students gain a broader understanding of the diverse career paths available within the finance industry and how different roles contribute to the overall success of the organization.
- Enhanced Self-Awareness and Career Clarity: Insight Days can help students clarify their career goals and aspirations by providing opportunities for self-reflection and exploration. They can assess their interests, skills, and values in relation to different career options and make more informed decisions about their future.
- Improved Job Readiness and Employability: The skills, knowledge, and experiences gained during Insight Days can significantly enhance students' job readiness and employability. They become more competitive candidates for internships, graduate programs, and entry-level positions in the finance industry.
A heartfelt thank you to BlackRock and all the dedicated professionals who took the time to support and inspire the students.
What the students learned at BlackRock
After the event we asked students to give us feedback on the visit.
- 100% said they learned about new career paths and jobs at BlackRock
- 100% learned what skills are valued in the workplace
- 100% felt more confident about their future career goals.
A very successful event!
What the students said about the visit to BlackRock
- “I was able to meet new people, learn how their day to day life is at work and it was an amazing experience.”
- “I enjoyed how the staff engaged with the students and were very open to questions. Learned a lot about what I may want to do in my future.”
- “The part I enjoyed the most was when we got to talk to the volunteers. It was really motivating as they all had their own different paths to get to where they are now. I met people who are in the kind of industry I want to be in in the future and they have given me an insight on what they do on a daily basis.”
School teacher feedback on the BlackRock Insight Day
“Very useful for students to understand that it is through mentoring and work experience that they will get the skills needed to be able to get employment in such advanced firms. Urban Synergy has helped us arrange a useful and inspirational day for our students which we as teachers would not have had the connections to arrange ourselves.”
