This week, we welcomed back alumnus Ayo Onabolu, a final-year student at Warwick University, to speak to Economics Society about ‘Navigating a complex and challenging recruitment market.’ Ayo (Class of 2020) talked about leaving Trinity, studying for his degree, and how landing an internship at JP Morgan has led to a full-time job offer for 2024.
After completing his year abroad in the French-speaking Caribbean island of Martinique, Ayo returned to the UK with a fresh perspective and a determination to make the most of his university experience. His pivotal moment came when he secured an internship at JP Morgan, a global financial powerhouse. The competition for such opportunities is fierce, with over 60,000 applicants vying for just 450 roles at the firm. Ayo’s ability to secure this coveted position not only showcases his credentials but also highlights his tenacity and dedication.
During his talk, Ayo generously shared advice with the group of 40 students on how to position themselves for success in the demanding world of graduate recruitment. Key takeaways from his speech included:
In addition to his personal journey, Ayo provided students with valuable insights into the graduate recruitment market. He highlighted the ten universities that are frequently targeted by top graduate employers, giving the students a sense of the competitive landscape they will face.
He also discussed various student programmes available, ranging from work experience and insight days for current sixth form students to internships, Spring weeks for undergraduates, and graduate schemes for final-year students.
The impact of Ayo’s talk was evident in the long queues of students waiting to ask him questions after his presentation. His insights and personal anecdotes resonated with our current students, leaving them inspired and motivated to take charge of their own career paths.
Upper Sixth student Samuel Adebajo said, “I thoroughly enjoyed Ayo’s talk and it was good to have a younger alumnus that I could relate to. In my case, Ayo is a family friend who I was able to see in Sixth Form when I was about 14/15. It was motivating seeing where he has ended up, only a few years after leaving Trinity, as it shows I can follow in his footsteps and become a successful individual.”
Economics and Business Society is a super-curricular society to prepare Sixth Form students interested in studying economics. It aims to ignite students’ passion for understanding and navigating the intricate world of economics and business by fostering intellectual growth, promoting interdisciplinary discussions and connecting students with industry professionals.
With thanks to Mrs Lewis, Alumni Relations & Services Manager, for providing the write-up.
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