From Teaching to Consultancy: Peace’s story

I met with Ekpereka (Peace), who currently resides and studies in London.

Peace, who grew up in Nigeria, is a mature student currently studying for a bachelor's degree in Business Management at London Metropolitan University.

Peace is an inspiring student, radiating positivity with her constant smile, boundless ambition, and genuine passion for her future. Her goals have changed drastically throughout her life. Back in Nigeria, she used to be a teacher, teaching a range of subjects, including English, Social Studies, and Maths, and she would even privately tutor on the side.

Then, one day, she spoke to her aunt, and everything in her life changed…

She decided that she wanted to pursue a course in business.

Her aunt, who runs a business in Nigeria, informed her that with a business degree, you can start your own business and have more control over your income.

Peace notes that in her previous occupations, it had been difficult to feel as if she could make 'real change' and do something of her own, to which her aunt said, “The only way you can make your own decisions is if you become your own boss,” which fuelled Peace with ambition and a thirst for knowledge. This led her to pursue a degree in Business, which led her to London Met.

So far, she’s found her course very engaging, noting, “I just love the lecturers,” and that, “London Met gives you an avenue where you can practise what you are learning.” She is deeply committed to her studies and spends a lot of time in the library, finding her quiet and solitary routines on campus to be highly fulfilling, stating, “Most times I come on my own, I sit at my spot and work on my laptop.”

Her passion for consultancy has grown with her ever-expanding knowledge of the field, and she notes that she'd like to do consultancy or own a consultancy business in the future.

A staff member has enrolled her as a student consultant for the Small Business Clinic and explains how helpful this has been for her, “Because I want to understand how businesses in London work. Imagine you are moving from a different country; it's a different atmosphere, with different people and businesses. You need to know what's going on where you are for you to be able to penetrate the market.”

For Peace, university life at London Met has been nothing but transformative. She reflects, “My experiences. I love them. Yeah, love them. Because, to be honest, I've had a wonderful time in my year at this university.” She always maintains a positive outlook, always looking into her future goals and aspirations, adding: “I remember when I wanted to go for my first degree, my mother said to me, ‘Every student has a goal before coming to university.’” She understood and noted that, “It’s all about that long-term goal, you know.” Her family has influenced and inspired her, and her long-term goals are a source of motivation in everything she does.

It’s about so much more than academics, and for Peace, there is so much joy to be plucked from her time at London Met. She shares, “My experiences, both with my lectures, with my coursework, with my work—experiences like volunteering for a charity or working under the Small Business Clinic, doing some consultation for small businesses, getting involved with the library, you know, meeting some friends, even if it’s a school party—it’s about that.”

It’s heartwarming to hear from a student dedicated to making the most of their time, yearning to have a well-rounded experience and not let anything remain unexplored.

She highlights another positive aspect of living in London: the ease of travelling, stating, “You can easily move around Europe.” Short, simple trips to Europe have helped her remain calm and collected during her studies (while exploring European culture), noting, “At London Met, I have the opportunity to grow and develop myself.”

She wishes to remain in London but will, acknowledging that there is always room to grow and learn. Peace wants to stay in this knowledge hub for as long as she needs. It's necessary for her to collate all the expertise and experience that she can before returning to her family in Nigeria.

She states, “[When] going back to my country, I want to go back with the tools ready.” Her ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on businesses and communities, and she is passionate about promoting change.

As a mature student with extensive life and work experience, Peace has taken to her course, her university, and her new life in London with such bravery and optimism.

Changing your career goals is one thing, but moving to a foreign country to do so is another. Peace’s story demonstrates how your path in life can always change… but a willingness to embrace this change can open doors to opportunities you never expected.