About me

• Group Head, Strategy & Account Planning at SO&U Limited 
• Studied: MSc International Public Relations, 2010
• Contact me on LinkedIn

About my career

I decided on studying in the UK and particularly Manchester Met, because of the city. I did not originally start out as an MS.C in international Public relations student, but rather as a law student. However, things changed. I was offered to switch courses due to my educational background and with the amazing help and guidance of the course directors and Dean at the time.

It took me a while to realize, but it became one the best decisions of my adult life. I am happy I got to stay in the beautiful city of Manchester. The course curriculum, group work and student work experience really laid a solid foundation for me as I returned. It wasn’t hard for my managers to tell that I was bringing so much more to daily job tasks with little experience as a new graduate.

I moved back to Nigeria right after graduating and started work as Knowledge Management Officer for a DFID/USAID project working with one of the state governments. It was a very smooth transition, thanks to some work experience as a student in a PR firm in Manchester.

Having done this for almost 11 years, I now lead the strategy management team in the development of long-range brand strategic plans and objectives through the identification of strategic issues and opportunities that could influence business growth and profitability for client accounts. This is inclusive of competitor benchmarking, marketing program effectiveness, industry intelligence, consumer knowledge and trends, and development of marketing ideas. As the Group Head of Strategy, I lead the department in launching high-priority strategic initiatives, working directly with the business’s leadership, executives, and stakeholders.

Since graduating I have continued my professional development by becoming MCIPR, Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (UK) as well as having other local qualifications from Simon Page Business school and NIPR, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.

My top tip for students is

In the early stages of your career, find something that adds value to your skills and knowledge of the industry you are looking to work in. Make sure to keep a good relationship with colleagues and bosses as you grow through the ranks.

Never neglect learning the very basics, because the basics learned in the classroom sometimes play out to be different from the basics learned in the real world scenario. Also, never turn down a beginner offer or task because it seems rudimentary or similar to what you have studied in uni. The right foundation however simple, is always important for growth.

I’m inspired by

Women in work. I am intrigued and encouraged by other women in top positions defying odds in the workplace and it inspires to do better for myself and my career.

What I loved about my time at Manchester Met

Danny Moss, Mel Powell, The All Saints library and of course my coursemates.

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