Oluwabusola Fadipe
My Graduate Story
My name is Oluwabusola and I completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) for Graduates in 2022 and a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Trade Law in 2023 at the University of Birmingham
I currently work as a Development Officer for a global non-profit, One Young World. In addition, I founded my own organisation, InfraSpotlight in the summer before I graduated which was inspired by my dissertation topic, 'The Role of Infrastructure Development in Boosting Regional Trade in Africa.'
A Day in my Life
My typical day at One Young World involves building new relationships and managing existing relationships with partners in governments, global philanthropies and third sector. This includes designing new offerings and youth programmes that are attractive to the partners as well as managing a portfolio of partner-funded programmes for young people across the world.
As the Founder of InfraSpotlight, I provide direction to team members based on the overall organisation's vision and broker partnerships to accelerate our impact as a nonprofit raising awareness in Africa.
My Journey to One Young World
Prior to graduating, I submitted a number of applications to organisations in the development sector which I was really interested in. I also connected with people on LinkedIn working in the development sector to get perspective on what working in this sector entails which helped me to tailor my applications to the organisations I was applying to.
My Birmingham Experience
Studying the LLM International Trade Law helped me to develop insights in trade and development economics which helped me to understand development issues and prepared me for working in the development sector. For instance, I was able to identify various stakeholders in a typical development project and how they contribute value across the value chain. This proved to be very useful during interviews but beyond that in relating with some of these organisations (especially governments and global Foundations) on the programmes I am implementing in my career.
Birmingham's Impact
The Careers Network was very useful during my time on campus especially the CV and Cover Letter workshop which was invaluable in writing winning cover letters. I also used the website a lot during my job search before graduation to find vacancies in the government and non-profit sector.
My Achievements
Attaining my desired grades for both degrees as I finished my undergrad (LLB) with a 1st and my Masters (LLM) with a Distinction. A big moment for me was representing the university at a mooting competition in Strasbourg during my LLB and my biggest achievement remains being the Student Speaker at my LLM graduation.
Advice for Students
My top tip is to keep an open-mind and feel free to explore different options. You might find your career taking a different route from your degree - don't fret! Embrace the opportunity to explore and see how your degree has prepared you for a new challenge.