Oyinloluwa Akeredolu

Oyinloluwa is now the founder of Honeysville Communications - a digital agency offering cut-through digital marketing communication services to enable businesses of every strata, reach their desired goals.

How did you hear about Leeds University Business School and why did you choose to study here?
I did personal research and checked UK rankings. I also checked a UK Postgraduate magazine, then word of mouth from friends of family.

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to study here?
I have always been interested in the fascinating world of advertising throughout my school years, hence my undergraduate study of Mass Communications at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Deciding to further my studies at Leeds University Business School was a no-brainer as the MA Advertising and Marketing course captured the entirety of my career path. The modules of this course are broken down into bits that form meaningful ‘wholes’ after each semester. Advertising is fun, helps you think creatively and yet strategically, so that the ideas created can generate revenue or equity in whatever form desired.

Did you receive a scholarship to study here? If yes, why did you apply for the scholarship and why do you think you were successful? What did it mean to you to receive it and how did it help you?
My parents sponsored my tuition and every other fee required, however I was also awarded the Masters in Marketing Global Scholarship 2015/2016 which was £1,500 towards the cost of my tuition fees. Getting the scholarship was good news for me and made me enthusiastic about coming to the UK to study. 

What has been the best part of your studies – what have you enjoyed the most?
The best part would be the fun ways that each lecturer devises to make the message stick, especially during seminars. Some lecturers provide incentives to make students think - like a pack of chocolate, etc. The aesthetics of the Business School and the library, and the way our lecture notes were structured, really contributed to the learning process for me. I have also enjoyed the opportunities to receive lectures from employers and field trips.

What are your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you’ve gained here so far have helped you in your career plans? In what way?
Hopefully I will work with an organisation that has brand values that are in sync with my ideals or probably an advertising agency with solutions for different clients. Yes, the skills I have garnered so far will certainly be helpful in my future; especially improved confidence and the ability to think critically. 

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the Business School that you can tell us about? e.g. prizes, highest scores etc. 
I came third in the annual Strategic Thinker competition and received a certificate. I now have contacts for references whenever I require them.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the University offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice? 
I found the transition quite easy. The orientation and welcome packs were very useful.

What has been your experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the city of Leeds and the Yorkshire region? 
Leeds is a really cool place to be - it's really calm and at the same time social. The staff, especially Business School staff, are very helpful and pay attention to even the silliest questions. The facilities are top-notch and would make you want to study - maximum access to computers, internet services at school and school residences. My peers are from different parts of the world which made it feel like a global experience.

Are there any experiences outside of your studies that you have particularly enjoyed? e.g. participation in extra-curricular activities or groups, nightlife, the region’s historic places of interest. 
I always enjoy visiting the city centre, with all of its rows of stores, whether to actually shop or just window-shop. There are many cool restaurants to try out. There was a party at The Box at the end of semester one that was really fun, even our lecturers came along. Another really cool activity was the invitation of a notable Nigerian who is an alumnus of the University of Leeds – Professor Wole Soyinka, to give a talk. Also seasonal events such as the annual switching on of the Christmas lights throughout the city, Bonfire Night in November, etc. Also, taking a day off to visit Hope Pastures, an animal farm in Leeds with horses and donkeys, which was really soothing for me.

Would you recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here? 
Yes I would. The Business School offers quality in the most fun and engaging way possible.