Written by Omidosu Adeniran Idowu
My career path has been anything but linear. My undergraduate study was in chemical engineering, but I was never one to stay in a single lane. I love trying new things, exploring new spaces, and challenging myself. That curiosity led me into the world of financial markets. What began as an interest soon grew into a passion, and after graduating, I built a career as a trader.
Trading opened doors into entrepreneurship and partnerships with companies in different industries, giving me valuable experiences across diverse business landscapes. As much as I enjoyed the work, I realised that to thrive in global markets, I needed broader perspectives and deeper business knowledge. That’s when persuing an MBA came into focus.
For me, the MBA carried a dual purpose: it was both an opportunity to strengthen my business acumen and a pathway to earning a recognised academic qualification. With that in mind, I began my MBA search, looking for a top-tier university offering global experience and exposure; an inclusive environment free of discrimination and reflective of national values; and an experiential program where learning goes beyond theory and into practice. The University of Sydney Business School, and the Australian lifestyle, checked all boxes.
My MBA Experience
The experience so far has been both challenging and transformative. The cohort is intentionally small with fewer than 50 students, but remains incredibly diverse, with close to 20 nationalities represented. This diversity has reshaped the way I approach leadership, teamwork, and collaboration. I’ve gained new perspectives on how to work effectively across geographic and cultural boundaries, and I’m immensely grateful for the network the MBA (Leadership and Enterprise) has provided me.
The MBA (L&E) itself has been demanding, but every challenge has been an opportunity for reflection and growth. It’s not just an academic pursuit for me, it has become a journey of personal transformation, sharpening qualities like resilience, adaptability, and empathy.
Beyond Myself: Giving Back
My drive has always extended beyond personal success. Passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation, I channelled that passion into impact through philanthropy and mentorship. This commitment led me to GRAB, a global startup advisory founded by our MBA alumni. I represent GRAB in West Africa as the Regional Director, helping connect emerging entrepreneurs with resources, networks, and the opportunity to scale their ideas, all at no cost to them.
Looking Ahead
As I approach the conclusion of my MBA program, I’m energised by what lies ahead. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned on both local and global scales, helping the businesses I’m already involved with grow, building new partnerships, and supporting entrepreneurs to scale. For me, the MBA (L&E) is more than a qualification; it’s a bridge between my diverse past experiences and the impact I hope to make in the future.