Lucia Okafor

Lucia is a strategy consultant by profession, and wanted to continue her professional development with an MBA qualification. However with personal and work pressures a full-time MBA programme wasn't an option. Lucia was keen on a more blended format which would fit around her life, but without compromising on quality of learning or experience. The Imperial Global Online MBA offered her that chance. 

Your time at Imperial College Business School

Why did you choose to study your programme and why specifically at Imperial College Business School?  

As a strategy consultant by profession, I always knew I needed an MBA to sort of give me the ‘stamp of authority’. However, personal and work pressures had prevented me from pursuing a full-time MBA. As I started to seriously consider MBA programmes, I wanted a flexible affordable programme from a very reputable institution. Specifically, I was looking for a blended programme which would allow me combine online learning and in-person classes (I saw the post-COVID future!). I also wanted a rigorous programme because online programmes were considered less rigorous than physical programmes. I also knew Imperial would not compromise on quality. Finally, I was looking for a school whose name could open doors and had an active alumni community.

The Imperial Global Online MBA programme ticked all the boxes for me and the digital elective modules particularly the exchange programme in Tel Aviv, Israel were the icing on the cake.

What was the most important learning point you took with you from the Business School? And the most surprising thing about the programme?

Knowing that I could do anything I set my mind to achieve was the most important thing I took from the Business School. At the beginning, the programme seemed daunting but with perseverance and an amazing support system, I made it. The most surprising thing about the programme for me was how much content it had.

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering studying the same programme as you?

Do not underestimate the amount of time and commitment you would need to dedicate to the programme, but it is worth it at the end.

Tell us about your current job

How has your programme contributed to your career success?

The programme gave my career a massive boost. Now when I speak about digital, I have more knowledge than pre-MBA.  

How do you plan to use the skills and knowledge you gained during the programme within your career going forward?

As I interact and work with clients, I use concepts and principles learned during the programme. In fact, over 18 months since completing the programme, I sometimes refer to some programme materials for some definitions when preparing for a client meeting.

What do you enjoy most about your current work?

I get the chance to be a part and lead very important and impactful projects which affects the lives of many people especially in this COVID times.

I would say the most difficult challenge is helping our clients who look to us for support to navigate the difficult times and respond to the changes brought on by COVID. It is exciting watching how we respond by evolving our business model and service offerings.

My proudest achievement in the job so far has been seeing how some of my projects solve important problems and positively impact lives.

Alumni community

In what way is remaining connected to your alumni network important to you?

The alumni network provides many opportunities for networking and many valuable resources. Staying connected to the Imperial alumni network enables me to expand my professional network and access these resources.

I currently volunteer as a student mentor and an alumni interviewer. I love the fact that Imperial College Business School provides many opportunities to volunteer your time and experience. For me, volunteering keeps me close to the Business School and gives me the opportunity to continuously develop myself.