Chibuzo Doris Ikeh

My name is Chibuzo Doris Ikeh, and I am proud to share my journey as a Nigerian who embraced the challenge of moving to the United Kingdom to pursue my dreams.

In January 2021, I arrived in this vibrant country to begin my master’s degree in project management at the University of the West of Scotland’s London campus. Through the support and resources offered by UWS, my life took a transformative turn that shaped my future.

When I stepped onto the UWS campus, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and potential. The academic foundation provided by the university was nothing short of exceptional. The curriculum was robust, immersed me in project management principles, and equipped me with the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive environment. The supportive faculty members were always willing to lend a helping hand, guided me through the complexities of my studies, and encouraged me to believe in my capabilities.

Beyond academics, the cultural experience of studying in London was treasured. Immersed in a diverse city, I learned to steer different perspectives and developed a global mindset, which has become a crucial asset in my professional life.

During my time at the university, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in several live projects assigned by our lecturers. These practical experiences were instrumental in that they allowed me to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. Working on these projects deepened my understanding of project management principles and enhanced my problem-solving abilities. Each project pushed me to think critically and work collaboratively, qualities that are essential in my role today.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was my initial fear of public speaking. However, the supportive environment at UWS encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. Presenting our projects in front of my peers and faculty played a crucial role in overcoming this fear. I learned how to convey my ideas, an essential skill for a project manager who must communicate effectively with clients and team members.

In April 2022, I proudly graduated with my master’s degree, a testament to my hard work and the unwavering support of my university. But my journey did not end there.

Following my graduation, I actively sought opportunities to apply my newfound knowledge. This was when I discovered the Association for Project Management (APM). Eager to connect with the professional community, I became an Associate member without hesitation. This allowed me to attend various networking events where I met industry professionals. Engaging with those professionals and participating in discussions on current trends in project management equipped me with a solid understanding of what UK employers look for in candidates. The blend of hands-on experiences and professional exposure created a unique skill set that made me a strong candidate in the job market. With a well-crafted CV in hand, I launched into my job search. My efforts paid off as I secured several interviews, and after one year of several interviews, I landed my current job.

My achievements thus far have been rewarding and transformative. As a full-time project manager with R J Emmanuel, work has become not just a job but a passion. The company’s commitment to innovation and excellence perfectly aligns with my aspirations.

In addition to my role at R J Emmanuel, I am volunteering with APM as the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead (EDI) for the APM London Regional Network. This role has been particularly fulfilling as it resonates deeply with my values. Advocating for a more inclusive project management community. I’m proud to be at the forefront of these initiatives by planning networking events. In celebration of Black History Month, I took the opportunity to write a blog titled “The Importance of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Project Management,” which was featured across all the APM’s social media platforms. This created a wonderful ripple effect, allowing the message of EDI’s significance in project management to reach a broader audience. You can check out the blog here.

Furthermore, I am also a member of the APM Women in Project Management (WiPM) Interest Network, which has opened doors to a vibrant community of women who uplift and inspire each other. As I help organize events and the award-winning WiPM conferences with over 850 project professionals attendees from various sectors and career levels to network, learn, and discuss key topics impacting women in the profession, it’s gratifying to see the positive impact these gatherings have on women in the industry. I participated in a podcast called “Diverse Routes into Project Management.” The episode aimed to inspire upcoming project professionals by sharing diverse experiences and pathways into the field, emphasizing the incredible value that varied backgrounds bring to project management. You can listen to the podcast here.

I was also featured in the APM Winter Project Journal 2023, where I shared my biggest lessons from 2023 and what the past year has taught me about my work and career.

Looking back on my journey, I realize how crucial my time at UWS London was to my success. The professors there not only imparted knowledge but also instilled a sense of confidence. Their mentorship encouraged me to push my boundaries and pursue initiatives that seemed daunting at first. Graduating from UWS was not just an academic milestone, it was the foundation on which my professional journey was built