Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
My name is Oladoyin Adelowotan and I am from Toronto, Canada. I am currently working with Toronto Dominion Bank (TD Bank). I am working on the Agile transformation mandate of the Bank, transforming how we work through one of the largest Agile transformations, accelerating the adoption and continuous improvement of delivery to our customers.
I started my career as an Accountant in London, UK, after completing my undergraduate in Accounting & Finance and obtained my ACCA designation from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?
After completing my undergraduate degree, I started working with the public sector in London as an accountant while I was studying part-time to obtain my accounting designation (ACCA).
Immediately after I completed my ACCA, I wanted to acquire more knowledge and focus on strategic and leadership roles to advance my career, then the thought of an MBA was conceived but the next question was which University.
I had a few friends and colleagues who were Warwick Business School alumni and whenever we spent time together, I saw the passion and love with which they shared their Warwick experiences and also saw how their career trajectory changed upwardly. That was when l made up my mind to explore Warwick Business School (WBS).
Why did you ultimately choose Warwick Business School for your MBA?
I did more research on their academic excellence and rankings. I also read reviews and lastly went on to their website and I was so convinced that WBS was where I belonged. The WBS Core values of curiosity, openness, restlessness, and excellence resonate and align deeply with my values.
I made up my mind to pursue my MBA with a University that speaks to my person and values and I am glad my dream came true.
What elements of the programme did you value the most and why?
The Global Online MBA gives me the flexibility and ability to manage my time and other personal activities while studying. This enables me to multitask and blend all life’s activities so I can be successful without any disruption to my existing personal and professional commitments.
What was it like studying for an MBA?
It is challenging, busy, motivating, stimulating, and I’m constantly wearing multiple hats to self-organise and get through my deadlines. It is also forward-thinking as the MBA sets me daily on the pedestal of life and teaches me how to become a true leader and how dynamic the business environment can be.
I love the fact that the WBS MBA gives a rigorous and balanced MBA curriculum, covering a wide range of business-related modules and topics such as finance, marketing, operations, strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership that will stimulate and expose my business acumen. These comprehensive modules will give me leverage and a wider view of the business environment and help to progress in my career and broaden my strategic thinking and decisions.
Tell us about the community at Warwick Business School.
I enjoy every opportunity to connect with the WBS community. The amazing WBS programme team are always supportive and help clarify any question I may have to make the right decisions on my modules or studies. The teaching community is approachable and available to answer questions about my class work, group work, or individual assignments.
My cohort is a tight-knit community and works together leveraging different platforms provided by Warwick Business School like my.WBS, which houses all the academic materials, the blackboard, information, etc to interact and support each other. Also, outside of the various WBS platforms, I can connect with my cohort individually as a person or group to work on group assignments or brainstorm together.
Overall, the community at WBS is friendly, supportive, and dependable.
Do you have any advice for anyone currently thinking about studying for an MBA?
Be clear on your goals. The first step to making the right decision to study MBA is to identify your personal and career goals and consider how the MBA programme will align with your goals and career trajectory.
Understand your specialism and the macro environment, as this will help shape the specific areas that you might want to focus on and align you with your selected business school programme.
Connect with alumni or MBA students who are currently studying in the business school to get their insights and experiences. Research and identify the business schools and their programme curriculum to ensure that it will give you the specific skills and knowledge needed to meet your goals and career growth.
Be open-minded and ready to explore new opportunities and options to fulfil your goals and dreams.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying for your course at WBS?
I strongly recommend the WBS Global Online MBA programme to anyone thinking about studying an MBA. The programme will enrich your business and leadership skills and acumen. Studying and exploring the WBS MBA will give you a transformative experience, both in life and in career development. The programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and network needed to succeed in life and the business world.
What is the one phrase that sums up your time at WBS?
Forward-thinking. I cannot wait to unpack and relive my WBS experiences, knowledge and skills learnt through my MBA programme. WBS has helped me to become a true leader while I motivate others to become the best version of themselves too.
What is next for you?
Taking all that life has in store for me in my career as I navigate through my current career and explore new career paths, while equally unleashing the leadership power of MBA skills and knowledge acquired to navigate the complex business challenges and environment.