Tolulope Peter Oyewole

Why did you apply to the University and why did you choose that course?

After careful consideration of several universities, including Salford University and Teesside University, I ultimately decided to enrol at the University of Bradford. My choice was influenced by the University of Bradford School of Management's exceptional reputation, notably being awarded the ‘Best Business School in 2021’ by Times Higher Education.

My decision to pursue the MSc Financial Technology (FinTech) course at this university is driven by my profound passion for the intersection of technology and finance. With a background in both academia and professional experience in the banking and financial sector, I was convinced that the course will provide me with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in finance-related roles. 

What would you say about the University of Bradford and the city to prospective international students?

The University of Bradford and the city it resides in present an enticing opportunity for prospective international students. The University is known for its academic excellence and commitment to innovation and provides a nurturing environment for personal and intellectual growth. Bradford itself is a diverse and inclusive city, fostering a strong international student community, and it offers affordability in terms of living costs and tuition fees (this was particularly important to me as I sponsored myself).

The university's support services for international students are comprehensive, covering everything from visa applications to academic guidance. Additionally, the city's rich cultural scene, research opportunities, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes make it an alluring destination. Finally, Bradford's strategic location is close to Leeds, one of the major cities in the UK which has excellent transport links ensuring easy access to the broader UK.

What steps did you take to improve your employability whilst at university (and what advice would you give to your fellow international students about improving theirs)?

To enhance my employability during my university years, I embraced a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, I dedicated myself to my studies, actively engaging in coursework, group projects, and assessments. This not only honed my teamwork skills, thanks to collaborative projects, but also improved my presentation and reporting abilities through various assignments.

Recognising the importance of practical skills in today's job market, the modules at the University required learning and applying industry-relevant tools such as Python programming language, Tableau, and SAS. Learning and using these tools for my coursework not only bolstered my technical skills but also demonstrated my ability to apply them in real-world scenarios, thereby enhancing my employability.

Additionally, I sought guidance from Career and Employability Services, scheduling regular sessions with them. These sessions proved invaluable, providing me with tailored advice on resume/CV building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. I strongly recommend fellow students take advantage of these Services and engage in at least 2 to 3 sessions to maximise their career prospects.

In summary, my advice to increase your employability skills is to engage in your studies and booking sessions with Career and Employability Services.

How did Career and Employability Services support you during your time at university?

My experience with the Career and Employability Services at the University has been incredibly beneficial. Right from my orientation week in September 2022, when they introduced their services and shared valuable advice, I recognized the need to engage with them throughout my university journey.

The support I received covered a wide range of areas, starting with an initial CV review and guidance on optimising my LinkedIn profile. The Careers Services team provided invaluable insights during the CV review, helping me refine my CV to meet the UK's high standards.

One standout moment was when I secured an interview opportunity. I promptly scheduled a session with Careers, and their expert guidance equipped me with the confidence and skills necessary to excel during the interview, which I successfully did.

Furthermore, they introduced me to CV360/Interview360, a valuable resource for CV building and interview preparation. These tools proved to be an excellent supplement to the personalised advice I received from the career services team.

Tell us about your current job and what makes you successful in securing the job? Also state which visa option (e.g., Graduate Route, Skilled Worker Route etc.,) applies to you for this specific role?

I have been offered the role as Corporate Internal Auditor at Aramco Overseas Company a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, through the Skilled Worker Route.  The role involves providing independent and objective assurance and consulting services to my organisation. My role in the organisation is to help in achieving the organisation's objectives by evaluating and improving risk management, internal controls, and overall operational efficiency. The job will also involve working across Europe (including the UK) and Asia.

I was successful in this job role firstly because of my experience as an Internal Auditor in my home country. Additionally, I also had relevant certifications such as ACCA for the role. Other things that were key were a good CV and preparation for the Interview.

What advice would you give to current international students wishing to gain employment experience in the UK?

Ensure you book a minimum of 3 appointments with the Careers Services Team as they will help in careers advice, review of CV/CL, LinkedIn optimisation and interview preparation.

The Career Services Team also post jobs (part-time to full-time) on the Handshake platform, organise employability workshops/webinars and career fairs at the University. In addition to engaging with your studies, ensure that you engage with the Career and Employability Services team to increase your chances!