Ojerime Oghenejode

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Ernst & Young Nigeria

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After leaving Exeter originally in 2012, I came back to Nigeria to work as a research apprentice in Nigeria in real estate and construction. I resumed my studies in 2015 and graduated in 2016, after which I returned yet again to Nigeria to complete the compulsory year long National Youth Service Scheme. I work as a freelancer at the time offering services in employability, research, web building and digital marketing. Thankfully in November 2018 I joined the Advisory team at Ernst & Young and it has been great so far.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose to pursue a career in management consulting because of how bored and new it can be based off the sheer variety of what consulting offers. What I most enjoy about it is the opportunity to build my skill sets and develop who I am through my work.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The city, staff and students. The night life is decent and tame enough and you get the occasional events here and there. This made it easier to study without a lot of distractions, and there are so many schemes from the university that allows to students to test their mettle and get involved in their prospective careers.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Three reasons: 1. Exeter ranked 9th on the table at the time of application (2009) 2. The University is part of the Russel Group and had high entry requirements. 3. The city is a bit far from London and some other major cities.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

1. Reading about everything. We are in the golden age of the internet so if you can’t read, watch videos on YouTube with people explaining concepts and everyday life in a fun way. I personally enjoy Seeker, The School of Life and Adam Ruins Everything (among others) 2. Learning how to operate in a multicultural environment, and learning some of the norms from fellow students at the time. 3. Leadership psychology. I took one leadership class in 2010 to make up my credits and I got hooked. Been taking at least one each term every since and it has helped a lot in making me understand how I am, why people do things and ways to navigate things I would otherwise be obnoxious about.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

1. Read wide and don’t be afraid of branching out and taking classes outside your majors. 2. Peer pressure is illogical. As long as you know what you have to do, do it. After a while, most of the people that you are trying so hard to please will no longer be there to please, especially if you are an international student. Focus on what you have to do and do play when you can. 3. Try to sign up for as many skills sessions as possible. Sign up to the Exeter Award and the Leaders Award. Afterwards take the ILM level 2 if possible. Participate in a Grand Challenge. Basically just get involved. You will be far better off and in a great position to figure out what you want to do in your life, and equipped to start when you can get some exposure. 4.Try to get summer internships with some of the top consultancies. If you are able to impress and you keep your grades high, you are more likely to be retained. I am not saying the only path to a great career is to join a multinational, but what I am saying is a multinational consultancy is mostly the best place to start.

What are your plans for the future?

I intend to finish my professional exams and pursue and MBA within the next 7 years.