Maureen Ilonuba

• Year of graduation: 2024
• Current job title: Digital Transformation/Business Process Re-engineering Consultant

My journey from placement to full-time consultancy

I worked as a Business Analyst during my MBA placement year, where I identified key gaps in business processes, provided strategic recommendations, and successfully led implementation efforts. My contributions were well recognised, which led to an offer for a part-time consultancy role within the company.

One of the biggest challenges I initially faced was securing a placement role with a Nigerian company that could meet the minimum wage requirement approved by the University. Initially, this seemed difficult, but after demonstrating the value I could bring and the return on investment (ROI) for the company, I was able to negotiate and secure the required salary. By showcasing measurable results from my placement experience, I was able to secure a full-time consulting role in my current organisation. My ability to demonstrate impact played a crucial role in this.

While networking and referrals remain the most effective way to land a job, I also leveraged online job platforms to explore opportunities which helped me secure multiple job offers from different companies. I subscribed to Visa Jobs HQ, which provided regular updates on visa-sponsored job opportunities relevant to my profile. While these resources are worth trying, in my experience the quickest and most effective way to secure a job is through referrals – putting yourself out there, networking, and building strong professional relationships can open doors in ways that job boards can’t.

How did you find about this role and what was the application process like?

This role was truly crafted around my skills and potential. After an insightful conversation with the CEO of the company, he recognised the need for a Business Analyst within the organisation – a role that didn’t initially exist. At the time, business analysis wasn’t my primary area of expertise, but one of the key advantages of being an MBA student is the ability to adapt and apply knowledge across various functions. Instead of seeing this as a limitation, I took a proactive approach – I leveraged the University’s resources to access LinkedIn Learning and engaged in self-directed study. I also prepared extensively for the interview, ensuring I could bring fresh insights to the role, and completed a Project Management and Business Analysis certification, applying my real-world experiences to my training and vice versa.

The onboarding process was complex as it was the company’s first time hiring an international employee. However, they later expressed that it was a worthwhile decision, and since then, they have hired two more overseas employees – a testament to the success of their decision.

This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and it highlights the importance of being adaptable, continuously learning, and stepping outside of predefined roles to seize new opportunities.

How did you find the placement and what support from UON did you use to secure it?

Before joining UON, I’d earned two degrees from another UK university. This prior experience gave me an edge in understanding the cultural dynamics of the UK but, during that period, I had no reason to actively pursue job applications. Coming to UON was a different experience, as I had the opportunity to actively engage in the job search process. The Career Futures module played a pivotal role in preparing me for this, as it’s designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete for and secure a placement. The module covers key areas such as self-awareness and career planning, recruitment trends and job market insights, strategic career development skills, and self-presentation and interview techniques.

A defining factor for me was the emphasis on aligning personal values with career choices. This helped shape my search for an organisation that resonated with my professional goals, and I was able to leverage networking opportunities effectively. At one event, I met the CEO of my placement organisation, where I applied the elevator pitch technique taught in the Career Futures module. This brief but impactful conversation captured his interest, leading to a placement offer. UON’s structured career support, particularly the Career Futures module, was instrumental in securing my placement and preparing me for the professional world.

What advice would you give to other MBA students looking to secure a placement year?

I’ve written about my placement experience and my top tips for placement success on My Journey from Placement to Full-time Consultancy blogpost.

What is the subject of your PhD and how are you managing it alongside working?

My PhD research focuses on Addressing Wilful Blindness in the Energy Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Multinational and Privately-Owned Companies. The study aims to explore how intentional ignorance in decision-making affects not just business outcomes but also has wider implications across industries.

Given my background and career aspirations, this research is a natural progression in my journey toward understanding leadership, ethical decision-making, and corporate accountability in the energy sector. I’ve chosen to defer my PhD programme start date to October for personal reasons, but I’ve already begun planning how to balance work and study effectively. My strategy is to reduce work commitments by 30% during my first and second years to focus on delivering a high-quality research output. I also plan to leverage my current role to integrate my research into real-world business scenarios and maintain flexible work arrangements – as a consultant, I have control over my workload and schedule, which will help me balance both responsibilities effectively.

Why this PhD matters to me

Pursuing a PhD has been a long-term goal, serving as a foundation for my future leadership aspirations. Understanding how wilful blindness influences decision-making is crucial, especially in an industry as impactful as energy. The consequences extend beyond decision-makers, affecting entire sectors, economies, and communities.

Also, having worked with exceptional tutors during my MBA, I’m confident that UON provides the academic support, resources, and expertise necessary for my success. I look forward to this next phase of my journey, where I can contribute meaningful insights to an area of leadership and governance that has long been overlooked.