Ayi Onikoyi | Faces of FEB
The Faculty of Economics and Business is a faculty with great diversity of people. But who are these people? Within ‘Faces of FEB’ we talk to different students of the faculty and give a little peek into the world of these FEB students. This week: Ayi Onikoyi who works as an intern at Heineken and is part of the inclusivity panel.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am from Nigeria, but the Netherlands has become my permanent residence after my parents moved here to study and work. I grew up in the Netherlands, and I had to repeat three years of high school. After high school, I specialized early by studying business innovation at a university of applied science. I am currently a pre-master student at FEB to gain more theoretical knowledge about business research and technological innovation. On the side, I am also part of the inclusivity panel at FEB and work as an intern at Heineken. In my free time, I am learning from a MOOC via future learn and Coursera to strengthen my technical skills in statistics, programming and finance. If I have enough spare time, I like to test ideas based on a contemporary business model such as SMEs digital marketplace, or I chat with my friends in languages other than Dutch; Yoruba (West African language), German and Chinese. The last two I am still working to speak it on at least an A2 level.
What are you studying?
I am studying the pre-master programme Strategic Innovation Management (SIM). I have learned a lot about basic quantitative business research and innovation courses such as ethics, strategy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. In general, the RUG has a lot of programmes to offer. I have participated in the sustainability challenge, language courses, extra courses of academic writing at the faculty of Fryslan. Next, I am planning to partake in the business research consulting course.
You’re working at Heineken right now; can you tell us about that?
Although I had to stop my internship earlier (5 months instead of 6 months because I was interested in a lot of things at RUG), I managed to gain practical international experience. I started working at Heineken because I want to see how it feels to work for a technology department and see if it matches my expectations. During my internship, I did a lot of data consolidation. I also experienced how part of the procurement processes work within a large multinational company. My colleagues were from a different national background which took some adjustment. I had to work on my communication skills to become aligned and adapt to the different situations as much as possible. I learned about this during the international strategic management course. Based on this experience, I realized how much I would like to work for an international team and which skills I need. Perhaps I have to do an exchange in a different country or find a job that allows me to do job rotation abroad.
You mentioned that you enjoy discussions with the inclusivity panel; can you tell us which topics you’re most passionate about?
I am passionate about sustainability because there are many directions to go in, from individual ability, culture, and work experience. Above all, I am passionate about a student socio-economic background. The discussion around the subject of education started when I moved to the Netherlands, and there were so many discussions about applied science level vs academic level for high school and higher-level education. It is challenging for students, parents, teachers, the government and other institutions to deal with these dynamics. The term first-generation academics has made me understand the different roles that family, social and economic background can play in one’s education, income, and occupation. The first academic generation is someone who is the first in their immediate family, (sometimes extended family) to attend (academic) university. The inclusivity panel is planning on executing an initiative about this topic. If you have any idea, please share via the FEB’s inclusivity page.
How has the past year been for you? Have you been able to manage well during the lockdown?
The lockdown has been difficult because I wonder if I would have performed better at school, not that my performance has been poor. I always like to improve my score, but I have been maintaining my scores this year. The pandemic has affected my immediate family relationships, which is hard to deal with remotely with. However, I am a bit of an introvert, so I enjoy the peace and staying at home after 9 pm but I also miss debating in class and wearing my business suits.
What are you most looking forward to when lockdown ends?
I haven’t had a lecture in that colosseum-shaped lecture room, so I am looking forward to that. Also, to be able to work out in the gym. Maybe to have an excellent educational trip to a country in Asia or South American to gain some international experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
To work for a company that deals with sustainability, i.e., circular economy business model and explore innovative concepts as a CSR employee or project leader. Maybe coach/consult start-ups on the side after gaining some work experience.
| Last modified: | 08 April 2021 4.27 p.m. |