The insight day with Adobe is particularly significant as the creative industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK economy and has been designated as a core priority sector in the government's Industrial Strategy, highlighting the importance of young people finding out more about careers within it.
Inspiring Keynote & Career Journeys
The day began with opening remarks from Busola Akinsete, Community and Partnerships Lead, Dianne Johnson, Head of Programmes, and Leila Thomas, CEO & Founder of Urban Synergy. Following the welcome, Michael Benjamin, Senior Director of Marketing (UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa) at Adobe, delivered an inspiring keynote address.
Michael candidly shared his career journey, helping students understand how to evaluate career pathways, cultivate essential skills, and work toward leadership positions within global corporations.
Panel Discussion & Speed Mentoring
A dynamic panel discussion chaired by Dianne Johnson showcased diverse career paths across Adobe. The session featured insights from Mohamed Elrefai (Senior Director, Global Education Sales & Customer Success), Ivie Bello-Osagie (Event Operations Manager), Mayomikun Ladipo (Junior Customer Success Manager), and David Craig (Senior Solutions Consultant).
Panellists demystified their roles, discussed essential soft skills, and shared actionable career advice. After the discussion the students were given the opportunity to get better insight and ask tailored questions in a speed mentoring session with volunteer Adobe role models. Questions ranged from higher education, entry routes, and corporate life.
Hands-on Marketing Challenge & Brand Launch Pitch
After lunch, the young people were given the chance to get hands-on and use the new skills they had been taught earlier in the day. Alicia Murray, Channel Marketing Customer Lifecycle Manager, led an interactive brand launch pitch workshop. The students formed project teams, tasked with designing a comprehensive marketing strategy and launch plan for new snack and beverage brands.
The teams created digital visual assets, allocated budgets, and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges, demonstrating teamwork, strategic thinking, and presentation skills.
Impact and Feedback
Feedback from both students and teachers highlighted the profound impact the day had on the attendees.
Year 12 student, Taiyou said: “It was a fun and informative event. It helped my thinking of what I would like to do more in the future... I will now work on the soft skills I learnt here.”
Another student added: “Absolutely amazing experience! It was really inspiring, and it helped me realise that you have to remember to have backup options and that you have to be ready to take on different routes.”
Teacher: "Superb day - great insights from the presenters and panel helping students to understand the vast pathways they can take. Very engaging hands on activity in the afternoon. I’m sure students will remember this event for a while"
Building Futures Together
Urban Synergy remains dedicated to empowering the next generation by forging connections between young people and leading industry professionals. Sincere thanks to the entire team at Adobe for hosting our students and supporting future creative and tech leaders. By becoming an Urban Synergy corporate charity partner, your organisation can help us reach more young people with mentoring, work experience and insight days, while giving your teams meaningful ways to volunteer and connect with emerging talent.
