The Journey of a Senior Associate in Consulting

Grace Oluwole holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Lagos, Nigeria. She currently works with one of the Big Four Accounting firm as a Senior Associate where she is able to work with various industry leaders. She is passionate about the potential of the financial industry and what she can contribute to the ever growing industry, loves dancing in her free time, and has a flare for Finance and Accounting. She is also an Associate Accounting Technician as well as an Associate Chartered Accountant and currently running a Master's degree program in Finance from the University of Lagos.

1. Can you tell us about your career journey so far?

My career journey so far is one that I am deeply grateful for, it has been a long ride filled with feelings of immense joy, sadness, inadequacy, accomplishments and most importantly growth. I graduated from the university 4 years ago, did my youth service at a Leasing company here in Lagos and joined my current employer shortly after. I have been with the firm for over two years now and it has been a very great experience for me so far.

2. Have you ever had the feeling of not knowing what to do or what direction to go at any point in your career? If Yes What did you do?

Definitely, I have a couple of times. For me, this feeling comes from a sense of inadequacy or an overwhelming feeling - You know that moment when you even start asking yourself the “what if’s”, you start to doubt yourself, your path, your journey and even sometimes your instinct.?

What has helped me in those times are: running back to my source for help (God), trying as much as I can to maintain a positive outlook and prophesying positive words to myself, speaking to my support system (appreciation goes to my family and bestie), looking back on how far I’ve come and finally taking a deep breath/break/rest and picking it up again.

4. That`s a very detailed list and I've personally noted few I would be trying out. We all agree that the multinational space isn’t one of those firms you can easily get into, what tips can you provide to people looking to move into that space.

Hmmmmm!!! This statement is rather too conclusive, however I’d like to state otherwise, it’s not a passage through the needle’s eye kind of process.

However, I would like to state that landing an offer from any firm as a graduate or professional requires adequate preparation (technically and prayerfully - at least that’s what worked for me). For the technical preparation;

• Do your research about the role and the company, most multinationals would only employ candidates fit for their culture.
• Build your confidence - Absolutely nothing is above you
• Mirror your application to the particular role you are applying for. Helps in the selection process
• Critical thinking is key
• Lastly, be intentional about your application

4. And our final question, you’ve had a couple of progressions at your current firm, what advice will do you have for people trying to grow their career.

A couple of advice I have gotten and still applying are below:

• Hold on to your source: I cannot ever underestimate the hand and grace of God over my life, it has always and will always carry me.
• Put in the work: Don’t join people in complaining about too much work as far as you’re learning, it might just be an opportunity for capacity building.
• Make sure you are growing: If you are not growing, there is no point!
• Always speak up and ask questions: In consulting, there’s always this saying that ‘no question is stupid’. Keep asking, very soon you’d be an expert.

Thank you so much Grace for gracing us with your presence.

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If something is working, someone is working it - Be that Person!

Grace Oluwole