Kolade Adegunloye

Coming to Leeds

I knew I was going to move to the northern part of the UK, so I started searching for the best school that could provide me with a globally competitive business education. I found a few results and the University of Leeds was top of that list. The city where the University is located is popular and very beautiful. I had visited for photographic walks in the past and it is such a beautiful environment to be in, especially during summer.

Top choice for business education

Choosing LUBS was easy. Initially, I wasn't sure if it was an option I would embrace, but I decided to do further research, which included checking the official website and going through social media to see what students were saying. Additionally, I reached out to some MBA alumni on LinkedIn to inquire about the quality of the academic experience, relevance of the curriculum, practicality of the course, and value for money. After interacting with these alumni, one consistent theme emerged: LUBS exceeded its reputation and was considered one of the best-kept secrets in business education in the whole of the UK. Additionally, LUBS has a stellar reputation which is quite evident in its consistency in ranking really high among schools in the UK and steadily maintaining its triple accreditations from AMBA, which further assured me of the quality of education it can potentially provide. All of these put together made the decision an easy one for me.

Learning from tutors and peers

Studying at Leeds is a very rewarding and transformative experience. The MBA program is an intensive course, which demands focus and time due to its fast-paced one-year timeline. The faculty is excellent, and the other staff members are equally kind and supportive across all the touch points of interaction with the academic system. The cohort is well-bonded, with everyone bringing diverse experiences from various industries to the classroom, especially during our seminars. I learned a lot from my peers, who were willing to help and support me throughout the journey. 

Additionally, Leeds is a vibrant city with many attractive destinations for residents, students, and visitors alike. It is home to the Leeds United Football Club, which has a passionate fanbase. Leeds also boasts one of the largest city parks in the UK, offering scenic walks, lakes, and gardens. The commercial character of the city is also very admirable, with many high street fashion stores at the Leeds city centre.

Making music and telling stories

In terms of extracurricular activities, I'm a photographer and a music enthusiast. I play the piano; there are a couple of upright pianos in Leeds city centre that I sometimes play when I’m passing. Using my photography skills, I enjoy telling compelling stories about my experiences. When the MBA program started, I undertook a personal project to document the entire journey of the MBA, which has since received significant recognition both offline and online.

Support for your home away from home

The support received during the onboarding process at LUBS was invaluable. I deeply appreciate the assistance provided regarding accommodation. Unlike many international students, as I was already living in the UK but at a distance from LUBS, which initially meant I would have to commute daily to attend classes. Fortunately, I secured reasonably priced accommodation at Lupton residence in Headingley – managed by the University – and was offered a very convenient payment plan that I couldn't have found with other options available at the time. On my first day on campus, we were given a tour, attended information sessions, and were introduced to key facilities. These activities were instrumental in helping me navigate the campus and understand the resources available to me.

Representing the University of Leeds 

I have numerous significant achievements during my time at the University of Leeds, but one I am particularly grateful for is the opportunity to serve. I served as a course representative for the MBA class and as a student representative for the Business School. It has been an honor to serve my MBA cohort, the Business School, and the University as a whole.

Development through diversity

The class is remarkably diverse, and I was able to mine the value of this diversity during our group projects. I participated in multiple group projects simultaneously, and each interaction provided new insights from members who shared perspectives from various industries. Beyond their professional benefits, these interactions offered me a broader perspective on the collective thinking of people from various nationalities. This is truly invaluable.

A range of support for your future career

Career Farm is one of the cardinal supports I got at LUBS. What’s great about the Career Farm team is their willingness to support at any request. They provided personalised guidance on crafting my CV and cover letter, ensuring they highlighted my skills and experiences effectively for potential employers. Moreover, the Business School offered a series of workshops focused on essential skills, such as interview techniques, negotiation strategies, and personal branding. These workshops were incredibly beneficial in boosting my confidence and preparing me for the job market.

Thinking beyond the MBA

I'm a UX professional with aspirations to take on a management position in the UX and Service Design industry. The MBA program has been instrumental in deepening my understanding of the broader business and management context in a global business environment.

My experience at LUBS has been exciting and rewarding. In addition to gaining a leadership mindset, the ability to analyse complex business situations, make data-driven decisions, and find innovative solutions, I've also formed lasting relationships with my cohort, industry professionals, professors, and alumni. These connections are ones I believe will endure for a lifetime.