Aisha Raheem

Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford

Home City and Country: Lagos, Nigeria

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Chief Executive Officer, Farmz2u

How has studying business in the United Kingdom enriched your learning experience? Studying for an MBA in the UK has exposed me to a global perspective on finance and entrepreneurship, enriched by the diversity of my peers and access to world-class faculty and industry networks. The focus on case-based learning has helped me directly apply knowledge to real-world challenges, and I often have my company’s strategy document open in most classes.

What has been the toughest transition to living in the United Kingdom so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty? After 12 years of living in England, I relocated to Nigeria in 2019 to pursue my entrepreneurship goals. Adjusting to the slower pace of relationship-building compared to Nigeria was initially tough. However, through networking clubs (like OBNs at Oxford) and proactively attending events, I am fostering new connections more organically over time.

What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in the United Kingdom? How has it helped you adapt? The Oxford Africa Alliance and the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship have been instrumental. They provided a supportive community, tailored workshops, and networking opportunities that helped me connect with like-minded peers and mentors, easing my transition and advancing my entrepreneurial goals.

What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in the United Kingdom? Why has this struck you? The British approach to communication—indirect but polite—continues to stand out to me. It contrasts with the directness I am used to in Nigeria and has taught me the importance of adapting my style for clearer collaboration. As I advance in my academic and professional experiences, soft skills are increasingly more important than technical skills.

Are you seeking a Visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them? Having naturalized as a British citizen following my early education and early career in finance, I don’t have this need. That said, I am familiar with the challenge of the nuanced application process, which can significantly impact career options.

What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school? I’ve embraced cultural events, shared meals, and joined student organizations, which have created informal opportunities to connect across diverse backgrounds and build genuine friendships.

What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a UK graduate business program? Be open-minded and proactive. Attend events, leverage school resources, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your unique background is a strength and sharing it will enrich both your experience and that of your peers.

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