Ekpereka Peace Obikobe graduated with a BA in Business management from London Met. She talks about her experience as a London Met student and setting up a start-up as part of her degree.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in Nnewi, the busiest city and lucrative business hub in the eastern part of Nigeria. My parents were both small business owners. All my life has been centred around Nnewi, where I was born and spent my first 18 years. I love the city because it offers the possibility of achieving excellence in any business venture.
What brought you to London Met?
What drew me to London Met was its unique blend of academic excellence and vibrant student life. I was particularly fascinated by the prospect of studying business in a city where innovative business ideas are born.
What did studying at London Met mean to you?
London Met was not just a place of learning for me, it was a supportive environment that fostered my growth. The warm-hearted lecturers, the conducive learning environment, and the friendships I made all contributed to a sense of belonging and confidence in my abilities.
Tell us about your current role if you’re working now.
Currently, I work as a student consultant for Islington Music Festival. I also joined the University’s Small Business Clinic, a consulting firm run by Barry. I also work in a customer service position at Notes Coffees and Bar.
What is your biggest passion in life, and where did that passion come from?
To succeed, this is what my mum planted in me. I remember when I was small, and she would tell my sisters and me that we were born to be great.
What drives you?
My curiosity and desire to help people.
What’s the proudest moment in your life?
When my teachers praised me in front of the school during our morning assembly. I had just finished reading the news report for the week, and my principal made me an example to other students. (Secondary School days)
Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of uni and why they are important to you.
Going out with friends and watching the flowers. I describe myself as an outgoing person and would trade anything to leave the house. Also, I enjoy the glories of the flowers.
What is next in your career?
I want to work for a consulting firm, where I can enhance my skills and learn all the consulting tactics before I establish my own.
Do you have any advice for anyone else considering studying at London Met?
Make that decision now and be proud of yourself.
How were the other students and the teaching staff on the course? Are you still in touch?
My friends and course mates were friendly. I value relationships and I’m in touch with my lecturers and friends.
Did you do any work experience as part of the course? Can you tell us more and what the challenges and highlights were?
As part of my work placement, I worked for a start-up cosmetic business in Nigeria. It was an excellent opportunity to understand the business environment. My task was to identify the target audience for the products, build a marketing proposal, and pitch the price the customers are willing to pay. This was a challenge because it was my first time working with a business. With the support of my tutor, Kate, I used Business Model Canvas to identify the assumptions and conduct the hypothesis.
Can you explain more about your final project?
For my final project I did a consultancy project rather than a dissertation. I worked with clients as a student trainee consultant to identify challenges my client’s company was facing to provide a well-researched recommendation to them. I worked in pairs to analyse the problems using McKinsey's seven-step Problem-solving framework.
What surprised you about London Met?
The relationship between the teaching staff and the students. Unlike in my country, where there is a wide bridge between them, I was surprised that the staff is remarkably close to their students.
What is your favourite piece of Uni equipment or your favourite space at London Met and why?
London Met’s Library, floor 1, is my hideout for studies. I love working with the desktop. Its wide screen helps me see clearly and multitask.
If you could sum up your experience at London Met in one word, what would it be?
Awesome.
What’s your favourite place in London and why?
St James Park, because of the flowers.
