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 Tosin Ibikunle
General MBA, Leeds University
University previously attended University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Degree obtained BSc in Computer Science
Country of origin Nigeria
Age 32 years
Prior to coming to Leeds, Tosin Ibikunle worked as a systems analyst for Elecrodata Systems Ltd in Nigeria and subsequently at the Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, firstly as a project manager and later as Head of Operations and Branch IT Manager at the Uyo Branch. He played an important role in setting up and managing this branch, from budgetary control to overseeing the employees.
'You will learn from some of the best tutors in the trade in a serious but lively environment where every student is treated as an individual.'
Why did you choose the Leeds MBA programme?
After working for six years in a commercial bank in Nigeria, I decided to change to a career I have always loved ? IT management consulting ? by
drawing on my previous experience and enriching my prospects with the sound management and business principles imparted by an MBA. Leeds
University Business School (LUBS) stood out for its rich curriculum, good reputation and the intensive nature of the Leeds MBA.
What were your first impressions of Leeds?
From the moment I stepped into the School, I was welcomed like an important member of the family. I got the impression they had been waiting for me to arrive as everyone was warm and friendly. As part of the induction week, we were whisked away for an MBA trip, giving us an opportunity to savour the English countryside and get to know each other, as well as learn more about teamwork from the accompanying consultants. I found myself having lunch with MBA students from all parts of the world, including those who were delighted to chat with an African for the first time. I was even able to persuade an Indian colleague to start to teach me Hindi.
What is life like on the Leeds MBA?
Lectures started at the beginning of week three and words like ?surgery? and ?case study? became the order of the day. For the next few months, we moved from one class to another, learning issues ranging from international business, strategic management, change management and organisational behaviour from professors who were thorough, research-driven and who understood how to blend theory with the practical realities of everyday business. We were learning and we knew it. Nicely inserted into our time table every midweek was an enriching Career Wise Programme from which I benefited immensely. I particularly enjoyed sessions on negotiation and personal branding.We learned from experts about career related issues and soft skills plus had the opportunity to network with many business leaders through the School?s Corporate Wisdom Programme and The Financial Times competition. Most of our activities were carried out in groups.
Learning from and sharing with my group members, who were from five different countries, was so enriching. We are now seriously considering implementing a business plan together, which started as a piece of academic work for the MBA.
Leeds is a thriving student city with lots of social activities happening everyday. I found time outside of my tight schedule to let off steam in
pubs, display my singing prowess during karaoke nights, discover football talents and organise trips to places in the Yorkshire region. I have even
found time for my Hindi-language lessons.
What are your future plans?
My year at LUBS has been a rich mixture of learning and fun. I have made friends for life and I am now prepared for a change that will launch my career to a whole new level. The Business School gave me support to tailor my MBA dissertation towards this new career ambition and throughout the programme I could feel myself being shaped for the future.
I recommend LUBS to anyone wishing to work hard to gain the knowledge necessary to be exceptional in today?s business world ? whether it is a career enhancement, change or a desire for entrepreneurship. You will learn from some of the best tutors in the trade in a serious but lively environment where every student is treated as an individual. To any challenges lurking outside after graduation, I say 'bring it on'; LUBS has equipped me with the tools I need in today?s changing world!
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