OLUROPO OLUGBEMI

After the completion of his Bachelor in Accounting and two years of professional experience, Oluropo Olugbemi, Nigerian, EDHEC-2020 decided to join EDHEC’s MSc in Finance to further his education in the field. After graduation, he plans to work in investment banks in London or Paris.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND PRIOR TO EDHEC?

I studied for my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting at Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria, my home country. I went on to do a civic service in an investment bank and in January 2019, got an offer for a full-time job at United Capital PLC at Lagos as Project Finance Analyst. These experiences made me realise I needed to broaden my field of expertise in finance.   

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE EDHEC?

I decided to join EDHEC because it’s one of the best schools for finance. Also, coming to Europe, especially France is something I had in mind. I really want to learn French.

HOW HAS BEEN YOUR JOURNEY AT EDHEC SO FAR?

Great! The welcome days and integration games helped me make new friends while having fun!

I volunteered to become a class rep. I want to contribute to campus life and also, bring the African perspectives of things. Africa remains a goldmine of resources, talents and business opportunities. I try to seize every opportunity to share my knowledge of Africa, especially Nigeria with my colleagues as this increases their awareness while also helping me to understand the differences in the European culture through my conversations. Also, there is usually a natural inclination of an individual to surround himself with people of similar backgrounds, however, I believe my role as a class rep will help me with interacting with individuals with diverse backgrounds which is a step out of my comfort zone.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SKILLS YOU WANT TO ACQUIRE?

I have already been able to benefit from the Career Centre services. The TI&CD helped me identify my skills. For instance, during the competency interview coaching session, my coach was particularly impressed with my achievements during my role as President of the Accounting Students Association at my home university. She then advised me to highlight these leadership traits going forward. We met Alumni, attended a dedicated career fair. We receive job opportunities to apply for. The Career Centre also provides personal coaching to help us build on our strengths. And it’s finance-focused. Just what I was looking for.

At EDHEC, we have a lot of teamwork. It helped develop my ability to collaborate, to work in a diverse and multicultural environment, to be flexible. With students coming from different backgrounds, you need to listen and understand the various perspectives.

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE COMING STEPS? WHAT ARE YOUR JOB ASPIRATIONS?

I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of finance, building a healthy network with individuals from different parts of the work and I also hope to get a couple of offers from investment banks in Paris and London.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE ABROAD STUDENTS?

Arrive with a list of basic words to help you settle in Nice. Communication skills are important.

Send your CV for review during the summer before arriving at EDHEC, you will receive more personalised feedback. And finally, be open-minded. There are many things to learn, people to meet.

HAVE YOU BROUGHT SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM NIGERIA WITH YOU?

Yes, I did. I brought my cultural attire. This is called an Agbada and it is often worn with a native cap to compliment the attire. The Agbada is identified with the Yoruba culture of Nigeria. Also, I have brought some particular spices that are not available here so I can cook some Nigerian dishes such as Jollof rice, Okra soup, and Egusi soup. The soups usually accompany starch (cassava, wheat, yam flour…) food.