If the BYP Leadership Conference was about bold visions and transformative leadership, the Careers Fest running alongside it was about something just as important: the building blocks of professional growth. Where the conference spotlighted trailblazing leaders (you can catch the highlights here), Careers Fest zoomed in on early and mid-career professionals, helping them navigate the realities of breaking into industries, finding direction, and growing with confidence.

It was a day of connection, learning and real talk. Here’s what went down:

Before the first talk even began, Careers Fest kicked off with something you don’t often see at conferences, the speed networking sessions with the talent and recruitment teams from our sponsors. In small, focused rounds, attendees had the rare chance to sit 1-to-1 with employers, ask real questions, share their journeys, and receive tailored advice directly from the people shaping opportunities at companies like RX Global, British Airways, Capco, Deutsche Bank, Investec, Beazley, VodafoneThree, and Macmillan Cancer Support..

To add even more value, professional headshots were offered on site, equipping guests with fresh, polished images to elevate their personal brand. It set the tone that this wasn’t just about listening to panels, but about taking tangible steps to move careers forward.

From Apprentice to Executive

Sponsored by RX Global, this panel explored how careers can grow from the first apprenticeship all the way to executive level. Featuring Nick Lowe, Khalid Abdi and Des Massicott, the conversation bridged different perspectives on progression. The shared message? Careers don’t follow a straight line, but with resilience, visibility and willingness to learn, growth is always possible.

Cracking a Competitive Market

With the job market tougher than ever, British Airways hosted a panel on landing internships, graduate roles and apprenticeships. Speakers including Shayanne Ansah and Maleah Rutty shared candid experiences of starting out, while talent leads like Leslene Grant and Deni Nkabinde revealed what employers really look for. Attendees left with practical advice for standing out when competition is fierce.

Finding Where You Belong

Capco’s panel took a different angle: career discovery. Dimitra Pantazi, Jamain Graveney, Millicent Lartey, Patrick Obijuru and Soraia Santos unpacked how to align strengths with opportunities and why belonging matters just as much as skill. For many in the audience, this was the conversation that resonated most; reminding them that career journeys aren’t just about “what you do” but also “where you thrive.”

Beyond the Day Job: Building Wealth

Financial empowerment took centre stage with Ayeesha Ofori’s session on finance and investment. She broke down wealth-building strategies in simple terms and encouraged attendees to think beyond salaries. The takeaway was clear: building a career is one part of the journey, building financial security is another.

A Fest That Felt Like Community

From networking to skills-building, Careers Fest 2025 was a reminder that careers are not built in isolation, they’re built in community. While the Leadership Conference inspired bold ideas, Careers Fest gave practical pathways to take the next step.
Together, they reflected what BYP does best: creating spaces where Black professionals can learn, connect, and grow.

Careers Fest 2025 wasn’t just about jobs. It was about belonging, growth and possibilities .

Explore the BYP gallery and BYP YouTube Page for memories from the event.