After breaking a 21-year-old file at the Department of English Language at the Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy (OAU), Ile-Ife, Kehinde Lawal has emerged the Best Performing MSc scholar, Management and Marketing at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom (UK). She tells ENIOLA OYEMOLADE, on this interview, why she determined to study administration and advertising and marketing, her academic journey up to now and her plans for the future.
You emerged the greatest performing scholar in MSC Management at Birmingham City University. One can say you might be aware of the feeling of being the greatest scholar. But how does this latest feat make you’re feeling?
I really feel fulfilled but additionally challenged to intention for the subsequent massive factor, though this time, my focus can be on my profession.
You studied English Language as an undergraduate, you additionally learnt French at some extent. What then made you study Management and Marketing, a completely completely different course, for your Masters Degree at Birmingham City University?
Marketing had been in the image proper from the second yr of my undergraduate research. I had a part-time job on campus the place I marketed a overseas language course and bought college students to enroll. Although on a comparatively smaller scale, it constructed the basis for my curiosity in advertising and marketing.
My content material writing ability, coupled with my good command of the English language bought me my first full-time job as an online content material author. That specific position launched me into an entire new world of advertising and marketing. It was the first time ever I encountered phrases like search engine optimisation (website positioning), search engine advertising and marketing (SEM) key phrases, and so on.
It was at this level that I realised that there was extra to advertising and marketing past social media content material and sharing advertising and marketing flyers. I began growing myself by taking on-line programs in digital advertising and marketing, content material advertising and marketing, e mail advertising and marketing, search engine optimisation, and tons extra. I additionally began studying easy methods to make use of some digital advertising and marketing instruments. My curiosity led to some thrilling discovery that I’m glad that I pursued.
And sure! You talked about French. I used to be solely eager to study one other language as a result of I knew it could open some doorways for me (it truly did). Before I completed my NYSC, I already acquired an provide to work at an IT agency in Lagos State as a result of I had the further benefit of my French abilities. The agency had growth plans into francophone Africa and additionally wanted a digital advertising and marketing govt. So, it was a win-win for me.
Was this variation in course troublesome or difficult for you at any level?
I wouldn’t say so as a result of I used to be keen study and very fascinated with increasing my abilities past simply being an English graduate. Also, my preliminary ability units as a graduate of English have been considerably complimentary to my newly acquired advertising and marketing abilities. It made me assured with content material growth and advertising and marketing, copywriting, press launch drafting, and the likes.
What would you say you probably did in a different way as regards studying or in every other facet that made you emerge as the greatest performing scholar?
Considering the undeniable fact that I used to be new to the UK educational system, I made connections with PhD college students, lecturers and even some undergraduate college students who have been in a position to share helpful ideas that enabled me to cope properly.
Seeking readability is my forte. My secret to educational excellence, aside from being a critical reader and prayer-warrior, is asking related (and I imply very logical and essential) inquiries to unlock the solutions that I have to cross my assessments.
Would you say you noticed this achievement coming?
I aimed for a Distinction however I didn’t suppose I used to be working so onerous sufficient to complete as the Best Performing scholar for my course. I’m grateful that the onerous work was price it although.
You acquired some awards throughout your commencement. Kindly checklist them
I used to be one of the nominees for Outstanding Student Performance for Dean’s Award and Best Overall module mark for one of my programs—Brands and Marketing Communications.
Was it strictly lecturers for you otherwise you additionally had time to socialize?
I began my graduate research in the center of the pandemic. So, socialising wasn’t even a phrase to suppose of. I did most of my lessons on-line however in direction of the finish of my course, I used to be in class a couple of occasions. During that quick interval, I made pals with my course mates.
You broke a 21-year-old file at the Department of English Language at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) few years again. Do you suppose this prepared you or contributed to you reaching this feat at Birmingham City University too?
I’m sure it prepared me to be robust sufficient for any life state of affairs at all. Great Ife (particularly the Department of English) isn’t for the weak! If you might be robust sufficient to experience by means of the storm excellently, then you definately could be a gem wherever you end up.
How has your academic journey been up to now?
It has been adventurous, thrilling and fulfilling. I switched disciplines however I completely love the undeniable fact that I’m versatile and open-minded with studying.
What did you discover most attention-grabbing about finding out administration and advertising and marketing?
I used to be extraordinarily excited to know some advertising and marketing theories and ideas that underpin most of what I’ve been doing in my earlier roles. Since I didn’t have a advertising and marketing background, my data of the occupation was totally self-taught and learnt on-the-job. Taking a Masters in administration and advertising and marketing hasn’t solely prepared me to be a marketer however one who can carry out brilliantly in management roles.
Academic-wise, what motivates you to be wonderful?
Failure scares me. I do know no person is ideal and I fail at some issues as properly. But relating to conditions that I’ve management over, like lecturers, I strive every thing attainable to not fail. The concern of failure drives me to do every thing I can to be the greatest at what I do.
How simple was it for you to manage and combine with different individuals while you simply moved to the UK?
Please permit me to sound my trumpet right here. I’ve a really amiable persona which makes it simple for me to immerse myself into any new setting.
Having skilled two varieties of academic system, the one right here and abroad, in what methods do you suppose Nigeria can do higher and match up with the system over there?
The Nigerian system prepared me for the rigour {that a} graduate study abroad calls for. However, finding out abroad got here with some perks. I used to be significantly impressed by the wealth of on-line educational sources that I had entry to. This was inclusive of free membership to learn some journals and obtain e-books.
In addition, the evaluation suggestions approach was new to me however extremely useful. I used to be solely used to receiving my total grades with out particular feedback on what I did properly or what I might do to enhance in future. During my graduate research, I utilized formative suggestions from a course to a wholly completely different course evaluation to attain increased.
Best of all, my one-year course completed in due time. I sincerely hope that the Nigerian educational system will someday be purged of the intermittent educational classes attributable to strikes. I had my justifiable share of that too, however I hope {that a} everlasting answer is devised quickly, as the future of younger and proficient Nigerians is at stake.
Now that you’re carried out along with your Masters diploma, what’s the subsequent factor for you?
The subsequent factor is to focus one hundred pc on profession growth. I plan to remain studying, construct related abilities and intention for the high.
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