Hosted by Urban Synergy, the Corporate Insight Day with Morningstar was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and careers. Morningstar is a global financial services and investment research company that provides data, analysis, and insights on stocks, funds, and markets.
“I enjoyed how interactive the programme was, especially the debating and negotiation exercises on real-life issues. It felt like a genuine sales experience, which helped me understand what day-to-day life is like in sales. It was really valuable in building my knowledge and increasing my interest in the world of finance.” – Student
Leadership insight from Morningstar
The day was formally introduced by Connor Sloman, Managing Director at Morningstar, who shared insights into the organisation’s mission, global reach, and the importance of curiosity and resilience in building a successful career.
Career journeys from Morningstar role models
One of the most impactful parts of the morning came through a live panel session featuring Morningstar professionals who shared honest reflections on their career journeys:
- Elijah Delnido – Strategic Account Executive, UK & Ireland
- Jamilla Alam – Sales Operations Associate (Adviser Success)
- Tobi Alawode – Business Development Representative (Sales)
- Bliss Winfield – Corporate Communications Associate
Students heard first-hand about career progression, setbacks, networking, and the importance of communication and confidence in securing roles within competitive industries.
After a short break, students rotated through speed mentoring tables where they engaged directly with volunteers from Morningstar. Each session gave students the opportunity to ask questions about career pathways, university choices, and essential workplace skills.
“I enjoyed learning about how people felt in their current work environment and how their perspectives have changed over time.” – Student
The sales pitch and social media challenge
The afternoon session shifted into a dynamic, hands-on exercise focused on social media strategy and sales pitching.
Students were split into groups and tasked with creating and presenting a sales pitch for a product or idea, designed for a modern digital audience. They had to consider:
- Target audience and messaging
- Social media platforms and tone of voice
- Persuasive communication techniques
- Branding and storytelling
“I really enjoyed the negotiation task where we had to advocate for our team and product. It was a great experience that gave me a deeper understanding of the world of sales. I also appreciated seeing the strengths of the mentor assigned to us. The advice they shared during the task was really insightful, and it made me realise how much thought goes into securing a better deal.” – Student
This exercise pushed students to think like marketers and sales professionals, combining creativity with commercial awareness. Teams then presented their pitches, developing confidence in public speaking, persuasion, and collaboration.
“Both the speed mentoring and negotiation exercises were very effective. The volunteers were welcoming, approachable, and made the students feel comfortable and encouraged throughout.” – Teacher
If your organisation would like to partner with Urban Synergy to create meaningful opportunities for young people, we would love to hear from you.
