August 28, 2025
Allen Adebayo, an alumnus of UWS’s MSc Project Management program, has leveraged his master’s degree to land a successful role as a Project Manager at Leicester City Council.
We caught up with Allen to discuss his journey, his time at UWS, and how his studies prepared him for a rewarding career.
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.
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.
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 secured three interviews and landed my current job at Leicester City Council just two months after finishing my program.
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.
Another crucial factor was seeking support.
Tip: Speaking to a career coach and utilizing every available resource on campus helped refine my job search strategy.
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.
To all students starting this journey, don’t just go through the motions—maximize the moment. Time doesn’t just fly when you’re having fun; it flies when you’re studying here.
Stay ahead of the game by reviewing your course materials before class and make the most of student support services for your academic success—you will thank me later.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. The journey may be intense, but the rewards will make it all worthwhile.
With over a decade of experience as a London resident, she offers a unique global perspective on professional life in the UK. She holds an MA in Marketing Communications from the University of Westminster and a BA (Hons) in Business Administration from PUCCAMP.
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