Allen Adebayo

I am from Nigeria, a country known for its vibrant culture, resilience, and strong sense of community. The slogan “Naija no dey carry last” (“Nigeria never comes last”) is more than just a saying—it embodies the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines us.

Before moving to the UK, I worked with local and international partners in the development sector, implementing projects focused on economic development and employability. However, following the outbreak of COVID-19, managing these projects became significantly more complex. This exposure to the limitations in delivering high-impact projects drove me to pursue further studies to bridge my knowledge gap.

On May 6, 2023, as my beautiful family accompanied me to the airport, I felt a wave of mixed emotions. Excitement filled my heart as I embarked on this new journey, but there was also a bittersweet feeling of leaving my loved ones behind. Moving to the UK was a significant step—one fuelled by ambition, hope, and the determination to make them proud. As the plane took off, I knew I was stepping into a life-changing experience, ready to embrace the opportunities ahead at UWS London.

Studying at UWS London was an enriching experience. The faculty members were highly knowledgeable and always supportive, ensuring we built a strong theoretical foundation while also applying real-world case studies to our learning. The program allowed me to develop a global perspective, particularly through collaborations with classmates from diverse cultural backgrounds. I have always loved meeting new people and learning about different cultures, and this experience broadened my understanding in ways I never imagined.

I have so many fond memories about my journey at the UWS London campus. I remember the late-night coursework discussions during the Change and Leadership (CML) project. Our group worked tirelessly on Microsoft Teams, often well into the night, with one or two members always dozing off during the meeting! We still laugh about it to this day. As the group leader this experience gave me a masterclass on leadership, communication, and teamwork.

But of all the memories, the moment I will never forget is the moment I saw my final result and realised that I had been awarded an MSc in Project Management with Distinction. I paused for a second, took a deep breath, and said to myself, “It paid off!” Every late night, every challenge, and every sacrifice had led to that moment. Fast forward to September 18, 2024—I graduated! Walking across that stage, dressed in my graduation gown, holding my certificate, I felt a deep sense of pride.

My job search in the UK was far from easy. Like many others, I initially struggled to understand the UK hiring process and adapt my CV to employer expectations. There are opportunities in the UK, but you need patience, persistence, and a strategy to win. From my research, I discovered that recruitment could take two to three months, so I began applying for jobs halfway through my dissertation, ensuring I would at least secure interviews soon after completing my program. There were moments of self-doubt, especially after receiving rejection emails. But I refused to allow setbacks to define me. I strongly believe that a closed door is not a rejection but a redirection to something greater. And guess what? I secured three interviews and landed my current job at Leicester City Council just two months after finishing my programme.

A key lesson I learned was the importance of having the right mindset. I kept reminding myself: I am the value. I am worth it. Like a salesperson who believes in their product, I knew I had to sell myself confidently. I saw every application and interview as an opportunity to sell my skills, experience, and the unique value I could bring to the organisation. If I don’t believe in myself, why should anyone else?

The next thing is skill mapping. I assessed my current skill set, past work experience, and the industries I had worked in, constantly asking: How do my existing skills apply here? Understanding how my expertise aligned with job requirements helped me position myself effectively in the market.

Another crucial factor was seeking support. Speaking to a career coach/mentor and utilising every available resource on campus helped refine my job search strategy. UWS offers extensive career resources, including CV-writing sessions and mentorship programme, which I took full advantage of.

Beyond technical skills, my time at UWS London prepared me to succeed in a fast-paced and diverse workplace. The critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills I developed have enabled me to adapt quickly, take initiative, and add value to my team at Leicester City Council.

Looking ahead, I see massive opportunities for growth. I am actively expanding my skill set, networking with professionals, and positioning myself for future leadership roles. Watch out for me!