Oluwasola Adesulu is currently studying the LPC at our Manchester campus. We spoke to him about his goals for Corporate Governance and Higher Education, as well as his experiences as an international student and support offered by the university when he started.
By Elsa Tatam. Published 6 September 2024.
When I look forwards to the future, I hope to be working within the corporate aspect of Law, in Organisational/Corporate Governance or within Higher Education (HE) in Skills Development and Employability. I’m drawn to Corporate Governance as I have always been fascinated by how people, systems and groups come together to achieve complex objectives successfully - I believe it all comes down to good governance. My inspiration to begin working within HE is that the ability to do a job well is dependent on skills and competence; I am interested in finding opportunities for students to develop practical skills that can be easily and seamlessly transferred into a work environment.
I decided I wanted to go to university because education, specifically higher education, has always been an item of value within my family; it is considered one of the highest windows of opportunity. What drove me to The University of Law specifically is that the name attracts anyone interested in pursuing a legal career. I had put in applications to various HE institutions, The University of Law was the first to come back to me and they sent me a lovely 'thank you for applying' pack in the post. It contained some tea and other miscellaneous items - I felt so seen and cared for already, I was sold.
My first year at the University was challenging. Various personal issues arose simultaneously that forced a lot of demand on my time and mental focus. I was able to overcome many of these because of my Student Journey Advisor and the student Wellbeing team. I had a number of sessions with them and they were able to guide me towards taking steps that would help me overcome my issues and progress on my student journey.
My decision to study abroad was influenced by the idea of experiencing a broader culture beyond the shores of my home country and to contribute to a country that values diversity. The UK also has a reputation worldwide for delivering exceptional education through its institutions. Finally, the common law system was developed in England and there was something about coming to pursue a legal career in the birthplace of the English common law system that swayed my decision.
The Student Union team have been great pillars of support throughout my journey with the University. They have seriously assisted with projects, initiatives and activities that have enhanced my student experience while at the University. I also have to mention the Pro Vice-Chancellor: Diversity, Inclusion and Students Patrick Johnson. He has given us a platform to raise international students' concerns and issues and he has supported us in resolving these issues at all levels.
I felt excited on my first day at university. I was looking forward to all of the different experiences and I have not been disappointed. I've had many opportunities to take part in various activities, events and functions that have given me quite a broad and unique range of experiences whilst studying.
I read a publication from Universities UK about the value international students' intake contributes to the UK economy within an academic year. This was the first time I had seen it in figures. I wasn't necessarily surprised, but it changed the way I pay attention and respond to national student movement campaigns to support various international students' needs within the UK.
In five years, I see myself at the forefront of building a progressing career in either the corporate legal industry or within the HE space/the UK students' movement.
Find out more about what student life is like on our Live Prospectus or check out our postgraduate course pages if you’re interested in studying the LPC like Oluwasola.
