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The Rewards of Determination, Sowing Seeds of Excellence and Embracing a Growth Mindset with Veronica Aina
532 Plays1 year ago
We are overfeeding you this week because... just becauseeeeee... Okay!!! So on this podcast episode, Bukola interviews the one and only Veronica Aina. Drum rolllsssss 🥁🥁🥁. Veronica talks about her journey from the University of Lagos to now marking her 1 year anniversary at Bank of America. She talked about - Finding out about Global Internship Opportunities; Applying to 2 of the biggest Investment Banks in the world and getting both offers, How she prepared for her application process (in details so, grab your pen to learn from the Queen 👸🏽), How she navigated her internship and secured a full time offer, Her quandary of choosing between two juicy offers & the learnings she has had in the last 1 year at her job.
I can't even hammer this enough - DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS EPISODE & GIFT IT TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT ONCE YOU ARE DONE LISTENING
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Note: The Video episode is a shorter version. This is the full episode.
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Transcript
Aspiring for Success: Mentorship and Community
00:00:06
Speaker
And I remember speaking to someone who said, you need to start acting like where you want to be. So if you're thinking, oh, I want to be an associate, then you need to start acting like an associate now. That's super important. You need mentors, you need your peers, you need people around you because class is what they want. And at that time, I was in law school. And my problem was, did I take good manners? Did I take back from America?
00:00:37
Speaker
Hi guys, I hope you're all doing very well.
Veronica's Journey: Education and Career Path
00:00:39
Speaker
It's another episode of the podcast and this episode is one that means a lot to me because I got to sit down with Veronica. I'm sure a lot of people have been itching to hear a story, a journey and how she's been able to navigate and chat a part to where she currently is today.
00:00:56
Speaker
For those of you that are the OGs, I'm sure you had listened to my own episode at the beginning, and you just felt like, oh, we actually also want to hear Veronica's story. So this episode is Veronica's story, and we unpacked so much. Obviously, by just seeing the length of this video, you can tell that there's a lot of gems that we shared. And so I want you to listen to everything with a notepad and a pen,
00:01:22
Speaker
and maybe like wine or juice or whatever it is that makes you cool and jot down every single thing that makes sense and resonates with you. I'm sure this episode will help a lot of people especially those who are still just trying to figure out
00:01:39
Speaker
what they should be doing or how they can go about what they should be doing because she talked about how she had about internship opportunities outside of Nigeria and how she was able to get two great opportunities as the two best, arguably best investment banks in the world and all of the steps, all the things she needed to
Inside the Podcast: Real Stories of Success
00:02:05
Speaker
do
00:02:05
Speaker
to be able to ace those interviews and then convert to full-time offers. This episode is not one that you want to miss out on. It's a lot of beauty in terms of the story that was shared but it's a very nice story and I'm sure a lot of you will be able to relate. So sit back and let's dive in.
00:02:25
Speaker
The growth podcast is a space where we share the real stories behind the stories. We take you behind the scenes of the success stories you read and see online. We lift the wheel and ask the questions that no one else is asking. To expand your mind and break the limits that society and quite frankly yourself have placed on it.
00:02:47
Speaker
And all these is to get you to realize that your version of success is attainable for YouTube. Hi, everyone. I hope you're all doing very well. Welcome again to another episode of The Great Podcast. And this episode is obviously different because we're on video. This is the first time we're doing something like this. And I'm glad that the first video podcast episode is obviously with Veronica.
00:03:14
Speaker
And today's episode is actually very exciting cause I am going to be interviewing the one and only Veronica.
Life Changes and New Beginnings
00:03:21
Speaker
We're going to be going into our journey. Like this episode is actually a long time coming cause we, we had recorded a previous episode at some point, but then other things happened and we just felt it wasn't, it wouldn't make sense to release that episode. So now our girl.
00:03:41
Speaker
who has spent about a year in a job at Bank of America and has posted about the learnings that she's had on the job, will obviously be telling us all that she's been doing so far, lessons learned. So all of those things that we'll be talking about today. But before we go into the meat of the conversation, how have you been? Who have you been up to? Hi. Hi, everyone.
00:04:08
Speaker
I've been good actually, really, really good living my life. I recently moved houses. Yeah. And that has, I think that's the highlight for me because now I'm really close to because my house is literally 15 minutes walk away from house. Yeah, I think it's less than that. Yeah. So it's like really good. And we're just reflecting on how lucky we are actually. Like it's rare for best friends to move countries together. Yes. And end up in the same city.
00:04:35
Speaker
and somehow end up living really close to each other. It's rare. And I was just like, it just shows the friendship was meant to be, because it wasn't planned. It's not like when we were friends, we had any plan at all to even move outside of the country. We just knew that we had big dreams, big goals, and we wanted to be girl bosses together. But we didn't plan this, and it just feels so surreal to see us conquering.
00:05:03
Speaker
and doing all of this together. Right, right, right. 100% I agree with you. It's just God and I'm grateful. And I'm grateful for where I am right now as well. Just reflecting on how I've come from uni days, law school days. And now here, I have spent one year and
00:05:25
Speaker
Now there are like two sets of interns after me. I'm officially not a baby anymore. But yeah, it's really good and I'm happy to be here, happy to be the guest of this podcast.
00:05:44
Speaker
The guest and the co-host. Yeah. I'm sure it's nice because you're always interviewing. So it's nice to be the one being interviewed. Yeah. And I must say, I'm very shy to do this episode. Left to me, this episode will never be released. Why though? Because I'm just shy. Like, how can I be? How can you be talking about me? I'm supposed to be talking about other people. Oh, there are people, right? Yeah. Sometimes like it happens. You're like, I don't want the spotlight. Right. Yeah.
00:06:14
Speaker
Okay, so what have you been up to this weekend, aside moving and outside?
Settling In: Life and Leisure
00:06:20
Speaker
Or at least lately, what's something that has been exciting you or something that has been energizing you? See, I don't know where to start answering from because this weekend or like this generally,
00:06:37
Speaker
This weekend, oh, we had movie nights yesterday and it was the best time. It was nice, but then we started watching something that you didn't like, so it became boring. Oh no, these people, my girls put me up to one show. I want to mention the name of the show. So I don't get constantly... Oh yeah, they put me up to the show and I'm just like, please, my IQ is reducing.
00:07:01
Speaker
They like it. I'm like, okay, let's sit down and watch it. When I saw this show, I still wasn't feeling it. Maybe I'll try again sometime. Yeah, maybe you should try again. Also, I think it's not your stage because you definitely don't really like reality TV. So what's even particularly about that show, it was just... Generally, it's just like...
00:07:20
Speaker
Can we just see a movie or something? And reality TV is not just my thing. But the movie we watched, that was Mind Blow. It was really good. The story was well told. I like the twist. And we gambled on it because...
00:07:37
Speaker
Up until that night, we didn't know what to watch. We were just like, okay, let's just pick anything on where to watch and turn out that we can't boot right. Yeah, we did. And I remember just saying, what's this short box? Don't ever watch a movie with this girl. What is happening? Asking me the question, I'm like, you want to read the story? Bro, just like you, I'm trying to figure it out. How you recommended it, so you should know. I did not recommend it. I suggested it. Okay, yeah, that's right. You said you can go with it.
00:08:06
Speaker
yeah so i don't know why you're asking me oh we did boydag by day we're watching it together oh yeah it was fun it was fun just like figuring out
00:08:21
Speaker
how I'm going to work on my new routine with my new house and everything. It was a bit overwhelming at the beginning, but two weeks in now, I think I'm settling in and warming up to this space. And probably a book like this here is just the best part of it for me. It's like the ice money cake. And it's a nice neighborhood.
00:08:40
Speaker
Yeah, it's very, like where you guys are staying is so beautiful. I think I was actually shocked. Like I didn't know we had something like that here. I did not. I've never been to that area, but it's really nice. It's a lovely space to be, and just seeing kids. No, it's so beautiful, it is. And yesterday we slept 6 a.m. We were supposed to record this podcast episode in the morning. We had booked the Zoom room of my apartment from 9 to 12. We woke up 12 o'clock.
00:09:12
Speaker
We woke up, so woke up, and they were like, we should have booked it for 9 p.m. Not 9 a.m. Not 9 a.m. No, it was, but I enjoyed the conversations we're having and, you know, yeah. Because we don't get to do that a lot. Yeah, to be fair. We just needed it. Yeah. And it was just the perfect time to get together, catch up and all. Yes. Yes.
Navigating Career Opportunities and Networking
00:09:38
Speaker
Okay. So meet up with conversation.
00:09:41
Speaker
Like I said, we're going to be interviewing Veronica and for those who follow Veronica on LinkedIn, and if you're not following on LinkedIn, you should.
00:09:51
Speaker
The link to a LinkedIn is obviously going to be in the description box if you're watching on YouTube or in the show note of this episode, if you're listening to it on podcast platforms. And she posted last week about eating one year milestone on in Bank of America. And it felt so surreal cause when I was reading it, I was like, oh, like it just felt like yesterday when you came in,
00:10:20
Speaker
And now you spent a year and there's been so much lessons, so much learning, network that you've used, the relationship, the skills. Those things are just awesome. And I'm glad that you shared all of those lessons with people. And I'm sure you've got a lot of positive feedback from several people saying, oh, wow, like,
00:10:41
Speaker
You know, you're the OG, you're the elite girl. I want to be like you. Oh, please. Yeah. And in the spirit of being like Veronica, we're like, oh, why not record the broadcast episodes so people can learn more about your journey.
00:10:55
Speaker
So before we go into what she's learned, I think it's important that we take you back to the base and talk about how everything got started. So how does she even get the opportunity at Bank of America and how far the journey has been or how the journey has been so far? So the first question I'll definitely be asking you is take us back to university. When was the first time you heard about opportunities
00:11:25
Speaker
outside Nigeria because I know this story but I want you to I want you to share it because I think it would be helpful to the listeners. Yeah and I'll try to keep it short. I heard about international opportunities first maybe I'll say like 300 level 400 level that's when I say getting exposed to
00:11:48
Speaker
opportunities and knowing that, oh, actually people do, students do bigger things than just interning locally. So, but I didn't know how, the how to, I just knew, oh, that was a thing. And we didn't have many law students doing that because I studied law in best of legal. So we have many law students doing that. So for me, it was like, okay, let's just see how it goes here.
00:12:11
Speaker
And then in 400 level, I started getting to know about Goldman Sachs and the fact that they actually recruited from Africa. I was like, ah, okay, that's a good one, but still didn't know how to do it yet. So in 500 level, you plugged me to Bank of America. And Bukola told me how Bank of America was coming to Nigeria and
00:12:37
Speaker
were going to have an event in University of Lagos and I actually signed up, she signed up and they required our CVs. So I signed up for the event and we attended together, we had to start continuing our class for that event and after the event I was like okay that was really insightful because I met people who worked at the bank and I got to learn about the different divisions within the bank and
00:13:01
Speaker
what they did. So it was like, OK, there's actually a lot going on in an investment bank, even though, to be honest, at the time, I still did not know what an investment bank was and like what exactly they did. But I was open to learning more about them and just, you know, networking with people.
00:13:16
Speaker
And I tried to ask the employees who were there as many questions as I could. So that was really good. So that was like the first exposure. And then they had this second event the next day, which I did not sign up for. So it was almost like I could not attend that. And I remember going out and speaking to the organizers of the insights event that I'd like to attend the one for tomorrow. But I didn't sign up. And they were like, oh, you need to register.
00:13:45
Speaker
I was sad because I really wanted to attend that one because that one was going to be like breakout rooms where different individuals would speak about their business. And I wanted to learn more about them and see more employees speak with them. So when they said we will not be able to attend that, to be nourished, I was really sad about it. But somehow something happened and one of them was like, you know what, just show up at the event and we'll let you in. And I remember thinking, this must be a sign.
00:14:15
Speaker
That should be here. Yeah, I was meant to be at this space at the right time. The next day we went for that and we attended that particular session with one division which I will not talk about. But my takeaway from that session was that business wasn't meant for me at that time because
00:14:35
Speaker
All the people there seemed to experience and the students seemed to know a lot more about the investment banking business, global markets business and all of those things. And I seemed lost. But I didn't give up even after that. What my key takeaway was that that particular business at that time with my skill set was exactly the best for me because it would be hard to sell myself as the best candidate for them for that.
00:15:00
Speaker
but then I knew that okay there are people I could connect with and there was a lot of work to be done if I was ever going to secure an opportunity in an investment bank and I was fine with that to be fair.
Interview Preparation and Confidence Building
00:15:13
Speaker
So going forward, I said just networking with people, reading about investment banking and trying to figure out what they do, where I fit in as someone who studied law. Because I studied law and I found out about the compliance division and I realized that, okay, as someone who studied law, it would not be so hard to sell your legal skills, your research skills.
00:15:39
Speaker
for a division like the compliance division. That's how I started thinking about it. That year did not apply. Why actually? Why did that not apply that year? Apart from the fact that I was busy, I still was over the place. I still did not have a map. It still wasn't clear to me how I could
00:16:04
Speaker
do this thing and get it okay so it was just like i mean i could try my best i could apply but it would be the worst application it would be a shabby application and it would not be a well thought out application and i also think i was slightly lazy at that time because if i really wanted it i would i should have been able to fit it into the overall schedule so it was just a thing of i wasn't so clear on it and
00:16:31
Speaker
You know, when you, you know, something exists, but it still feels far from you. It still feels unreachable. That was still the mental mental state I was in at that time. So maybe that's why I didn't apply, but I was just like, okay. And then Bukola took you so seriously, like she kept on like reading about it and trying to apply. She applied.
00:16:55
Speaker
And I know she was like giving people her CV to review. She was carrying me along on that journey. So let's not look like she wasn't carrying me. She was carrying me along, but for me it was just like, okay, okay.
00:17:10
Speaker
Yeah, but I remember that she will always come. She had never heard me come forward. And she comes to my house and I'm like, oh, I just spoke with this person. And they told me how like, even when they resumed in London, they went to New York or something. And I'm just like, okay, like, for me, it still felt like, okay, how can I do this thing? Yeah. Plus I had my academic commencement. It was just an overwhelming period for me. But I still feel like
00:17:37
Speaker
because I did not know someone personally who still felt far from me. Cut the long story short, the next year, no, that year, Bukala now told me that, oh, she did the interview and they gave her an offer. That was when my brain reset. That was the brain resetting moment for me. And it was at that point I realized, actually, I can get this thing. If Bukala can get to them, I can get it.
00:18:04
Speaker
she has we have similar skills and backgrounds so if she can guess if she was able to sell herself to them then it's not far from me anymore so when it looked so clear and I had someone who was close to me that could ask all the questions so
00:18:22
Speaker
It was at that time I now realized, okay, now I need to take my life seriously and apply in the next cycle. And thankfully, I was still within the window where I could apply. And it would have been very sad if that was the last chance. And again,
00:18:41
Speaker
I think, so this is just a personal belief of mine. I believe that when the time is right, God will not just make it happen, but He will also give you the motivation and the drive to make it happen. Because when I was applying, the driver had that time. I don't think
00:18:59
Speaker
since that time I've had that kind of drive to do anything and like the motivation was on another level and something I think was like I have journals from that back then because sometimes I go back to them like wow this is my life yeah like my mental state was like I was on another level of focus
00:19:19
Speaker
I was really, really focused at the time. And sometimes I'm like, give me this energy. But then I think the lesson for me is that when God knows that something is for you, you not only make it happen for you, you also give it the drive. So sometimes when I don't feel like doing something, I'm just like.
00:19:37
Speaker
The motivation comes from God. The drive comes from God. You can try your best. You can say, oh, I'll do this. You can have a plan. But you see, that drive to wake up in the morning, I want to achieve that thing and just go for it. Pa, pa, pa, pa, pa. It's actually grace. It is. It really is. It's grace. Whilst you were talking about just a couple of things that I picked from the conversation, I mean, one thing that struck was having someone that you know do it motivated you to want to do it because
00:20:06
Speaker
And I remember when I was having this podcast episode with Jane, she talked about how seeing someone do things can give you that boost. Like seeing is actually believing many times when people say those things, it seems very banner and cliche.
00:20:21
Speaker
but it's true. And I think honestly, that's one of the fundamental reasons we have a podcast like this, because if we can bring people who are like you, who have your background, your experiences, studied in Nigeria and are doing amazingly well in their different fields, it just shows you that this is not far off. It's not too far for me to actually aspire to. So I like when you mentioned that, because it's very important for people to see
00:20:48
Speaker
people like them do things. I think that motivates them to want to go for it. This is a perfect segue for us to then talk about how that journey was like. So after hearing about the opportunity and then applying, what was the process like?
00:21:07
Speaker
now knowing that because I had gotten the opportunity, I remember going to her house one day at the time. It was sometime in December, and she was already planning for summer internship. What am I going to wear? This is it. For me, my own mental space was, give me the juice. Like, what was your interview like? What did they ask you? What kind of questions did they ask you? Because it was the first time I would actually meet someone who, you know, got this thing. And I kind of, I have like a passport to ask you
00:21:37
Speaker
anything, you know, back check, ask her any question. So I wanted to know like what kind of interview questions you got. It's a bank. So did you have to do like an aptitude test? Did you have to write any exams? What was it like? You said you had a super day or assessment center. So I wanted to know like everything about it. And Bukola, thankfully, she doesn't get kicked. She gave me all the information.
00:22:04
Speaker
told me the kind of questions she got during the interview.
00:22:07
Speaker
what the interviewers were like, how many people were in the room, all those things. So I knew it, so I was like, oh, okay. And then she shared a paper where she wrote different interview questions with me. So I had that, she had prep materials, which she shared with me. I was like, okay, perfect, good. And I know that you had done the CFA Investment Foundation, because we don't need to do by our postponing. We're supposed to do it together, but I think because I had other things doing it. I just said, I'll do data.
00:22:35
Speaker
So I signed up for it and I decided that once I was doing my final exams, that was the next one I was going to take on. So I started preparing for that one as well.
00:22:45
Speaker
And that exam, you had to pass it so that you could have the certification. So I did the CFO Investment Foundation course. And why did I do that course? I did it because my CV was very legal. Everything about my CV had law, law, law. So I needed something to demonstrate my interest in finance, which is why I did that course. And it was very helpful because I was able to use the course to demonstrate
00:23:07
Speaker
my interest in finance, I put in my CV. And we also did those World Bank courses.
Aligning Education with Career Goals
00:23:13
Speaker
We did too much. But it was helpful because I put those things on the achievement section of my CV. And that was like January 2020. Things were still looking good. And when I was done with that, it was low school time. I knew that my time would be limited. I wouldn't really have time to prepare. So I started also
00:23:33
Speaker
thinking about how I would answer my interview questions. And you'll be surprised how much time you actually need to think about how you answer interview questions. Why? Because there are so many situations that they could give you. There are so many scenarios you might need to answer on. And you might actually have experiences that will help you answer those questions well. But you need time to think about what experience best answers this question. What can I use as a story to answer this question?
00:24:02
Speaker
And that was what I started thinking about. And anytime I just remember, tell me about the time when you worked on a team, oh, actually, this story is better than this story that I wanted to use. Instead of putting those things together, set it right in.
00:24:16
Speaker
By the way, I passed the CFP Investment Foundation, so that one, I just went to security in my CV and then headed to Los Couples, started thinking about my interview questions and adding people on LinkedIn who were working in the bank. And I wasn't just focusing on Battle of America, I was also thinking that Goldman Sachs, I was trying to just make sure that everything was in order. And because that we came to the applications season,
00:24:40
Speaker
And the more I said, having clarity as to, you know, what I would want for myself, what I want to apply for and how I was going to approach the application. So, and I think the more prepared you are, the more confident you are. Yeah, that's what I want to see.
00:24:56
Speaker
deliver and you just know that you're most likely going to get this thing. Yeah, yeah. Honestly, preparation gives you so much confidence, so much confidence. And especially when it comes to interviews, it's not really about who is smart, it's who is prepared enough to kill it. 100%. And that was what I had at the back of my mind, knowing that, look, it's the person that can sell themselves the most that's going to get this thing. And I know that
00:25:21
Speaker
From that session we attended, if I was going against those people that we met in that session, I didn't stand a chance, but I knew that they might know it, they might have the technical knowledge, they might be first-class accounting, finance students, but it wasn't about that because I already made me understand that they're not really looking for
00:25:42
Speaker
the first class student, that's not what they're looking for. What they're looking for is so many other things that don't revolve around your academic performance. So that gave me a lot of confidence. And I've already seen a lot of people who did not study.
00:25:55
Speaker
and finance related courses get into the bank. So I need that. Okay. The fact that it's a law is not a problem. Yeah, it's not. It's actually not. So I think just take this. If you're interested in coming into an investment bank, you don't need an accounting economics degree. Also, the bank is very diverse. There's so many opportunities, so many divisions.
00:26:15
Speaker
So it's best for you to look at their website or talk to people and know what options are available for you. So don't be scared because you're hearing bank and then automatically means you need to be studying something in accounting. So that's a very good explanation. So now take us into you then apply. What was the process?
00:26:37
Speaker
And I know like your story is very interesting because there's something that you've not shared before on the other opportunities that you've got. So take us through that. Yeah. So that period, like I mentioned earlier, I was focusing on Bank of America and Goldman. In fact, like just as many international opportunities as possible. How many did you apply for? I think I focused a lot on Bank of America and Goldman, but then on this side, I did World Bank. I did a lot of other applications that I don't even remember at this time, but
00:27:04
Speaker
The ones that I knew that had clarity as to the pathway to get in it, and they seemed like the surest for me, were actually Bank of America and Goldman, because
00:27:13
Speaker
In my head at the time, my mental state was, why can't I get this thing? There's no reason why I shouldn't get it. And that was a confidence I took into my application. And I think one important thing that I did differently was also leveraging my connections on LinkedIn, reaching out to people. Hi, my name is This. I'm a student of Nigerian law school, and I'm trying to apply in the next application cycle into Goldman, into Bank of America.
00:27:40
Speaker
Could you please review my application?" And I didn't wait till applications opened before I said anything. My essays were ready even before applications opened. And the reason I wrote them ahead of time is because the questions remained the same. And the more time you give it, the better the quality, basically. So I sent my first draft to people towards the opening of the application. And I remember that the kind of reviews that I caught on that first draft,
00:28:09
Speaker
But they really took their time and effort to help me look at my essays. And so I was doing Goldman on the side because the requirements are different. But I was doing them on like.
00:28:19
Speaker
together but obviously reaching out to different people for the different opportunities. So people working in Goldman for Goldman and people working in Bank of America in the division that I wanted for that application and they were really nice to me. And the fact that I gave it time helped me because people are busy. Some people will take like one month
00:28:40
Speaker
to get back to you but it's not because they are they are proud it's because they are busy and you just need to be patient so having different people and give their input in the essay helps but again you don't have to take everybody's feedback yeah it sounds weird but it's the truth so some people will tell you oh you shouldn't write this in your application it's not you need to be wise about it so if they're saying there's a reason so don't just come from
00:29:09
Speaker
a defensive point of view but try to understand why they're seeing what they're seeing because I remember when someone I put a particular sentence in my essay something around me coming back to Nigeria to use the skills that I learned you know that was just a
00:29:25
Speaker
I've suffered so much. You know, the banking system, my country is born out. And then the President told me points like that, is giving, oh, I want to just use you guys and then go back to my country. Exactly. Like, come on. But we both know that you're lying. Well, for me, that was a killer statement in my application. So how you tell me not to
00:29:50
Speaker
put that in my application. Initially I was, I did not answer them, I put it in my essay, I left it there and then someone else gave me the same feedback. That was when I brought myself sense that actually this people would know better than I do. And I have also met people in the application process, you tell them something and they will go ahead and do their own thing. But then we'll see the results. So as much as you want to, you think you're smart, you think you have all the answers.
00:30:18
Speaker
People who have gone through it know better. Like I said, be wise about what advice you're taking. And when in doubt, just ask for a second opinion as opposed to just, you know, going by what you think is the right thing to do. And go by their books because they know if they've gone through the process, they've gotten it and they know everything that you meant to do for the application process. So the number for Bank of America was 11. 11 people reviewed my essays.
00:30:45
Speaker
really that's a lot of people yeah and i gave it time i said ellie so it was not time to have 11 people reviewing and i also
00:30:56
Speaker
gave me time to submit. So I didn't, as much as people say submit early, even though I had my essay ready on the first day, I waited till like almost one month before I submitted my application. But the application was open for almost three months, so I still submitted early. But the reason I did that was because I wanted to submit the best application. I didn't, I wanted to make sure that there was no reason why my application would not be successful. Same with Goldman, I kept like reviewing and reviewing, giving people to,
00:31:24
Speaker
and review it while also preparing for the higher view. Now, for the higher view interview, I recorded myself answering interview questions, put it in a Google Drive, and sent to people just to look at it and give me feedback. Obviously, me sending you a 45-minutes video, I know that. If someone sends me a 45-minutes video to review, it would take me like one week
00:31:46
Speaker
because I'll be like, you do expect me to sit down for 45 minutes straight up in one day to just watch your video and then be writing my feedback. So I had to give them time. Yeah. Yeah. And just follow up after like one week. So that period of giving them the essay, I didn't wait till my application was successful to find out, start preparing for high review. I said preparing for high review, like right after that. And that really helps because
00:32:12
Speaker
immediately at some time my essay, I just took the high view. By the way, high view interview is a video interview that you do, but there is no one on the other side and the questions are pre-recorded and on the screen there, they will pop up to you and then you just have to answer them by yourself. So I did that on the side while also preparing the application essays and all
00:32:42
Speaker
And then submitted the essays, did the hiring interview. And obviously just help having people review really helped me. I made me confident because with all the back and forth, it was like, these people got nothing on me already. And having the confidence that there are this many people within this bank routine for me. Obviously we help somebody. You'll be routine for them because you put in effort in their application process. It just made me confident that, okay,
00:33:10
Speaker
looks like things are positive here. Yeah, and that's good. And you mentioned that you had 11 people review, obviously, like not everyone will probably have that opportunity to get 11 people to review. But where did you find all of these people on LinkedIn? All on LinkedIn. And what did you tell them that they said yes? Oh, yeah. And I think I
00:33:36
Speaker
politely introduced myself. I probably will find the message by scrolling through, but I politely introduced myself until then I was looking to apply for the next application cycle.
00:33:49
Speaker
and requested their help in reviewing my CV and application essay. So it wasn't just the essays, it was also the CV and the essay they were reviewing together. And it's interesting because I remember it was the 11th person that looked at my CV that spotted something that every other person did not see. I wrote Spee Headed and I spelled it as S-P-E-E-R Headed and like
00:34:16
Speaker
Everybody did not sport it. She just saw it and she was like, this work, you didn't spell it right. Oh, okay. And that's how she sported. That was the only thing she saw, but it took 11 people to see that. I didn't spell that word right.
00:34:35
Speaker
So that's why you can't have so many. You can't have so many. Yeah, you can't have so many. Yeah. And also, I would assume that not all of the people you reached out to respond to. Oh, yeah, definitely. There are people who hate me. And that's fine, because I didn't keep taking them. Some of them, I saw them when I resumed finding them. And I don't forget things like that. I try not to take personally. I'm not holding them, taking them. Some of them are now my friends in Japan.
00:35:01
Speaker
I'm like, you, you heard me. You heard me. The reason I wanted to point that out is so that if you're reaching out to people and you're not getting feedback or response, like, don't let that make you feel, yeah, move on to the next person. Move on to the next person. And actually, some of those people were someone who was like, you know what? I know someone else that you should speak to. For example, I won't mention her name, but she connected me to the other guy that was now very helpful with the application process because she was like,
00:35:31
Speaker
this person should help you. And then she puts in a word for me in person with the person. So when I reached out to him, it was just like, okay. He had no choice but to say it because someone else already told him that, oh, someone's going to reach out to you, please. I need you to help her look at the process. So I think they even looked at it together, like side by side because
00:35:53
Speaker
There was a time when she was like, oh, he mentioned this, but I just want to also reiterate it. I was like, oh, you guys, you won. Because I have collaborated to help me. Amazing. Yeah, yeah. Okay. I just like how you've been very detailed about the process because not so many people know what it takes to get many of these opportunities. Sometimes you just see people on LinkedIn talk about these things, but they don't tell you the behind the scenes, all of the
00:36:23
Speaker
reaching out to people of the area and I'm glad that you shared that. So obviously you moved on to the next stage after the application and the hire view and then you had to do interviews.
Handling Interview Opportunities and Decisions
00:36:35
Speaker
So can you share with us
00:36:37
Speaker
three top tips on how to present yourself in interviews, how to sell yourself because there's really sales. It's funny, I was smiling because before I go to the tips, I actually want to talk about the story of how my high view for Goldman and like the next stage went. So for Goldman, the same thing, some of the application and everything
00:37:00
Speaker
and then my phone memory got full or something. Now at the time I was using a Samsung phone, an Android phone and when your memory gets full, I think you stop getting emails or something or notifications or something. Anyways,
00:37:15
Speaker
I didn't get notification. I didn't see the notification and I had been invited for the hire view like three days ago and you have five days to do it. Really? So let me tell you how it now happened. I went to church on Sunday and I wanted to update the app for the missile that I needed in church. And then I realized, oh, you don't have enough space to update the missile. That's how I now started clearing up my space.
00:37:44
Speaker
and so that I could update my missile. And as I cleared up space to update the missile, the emails spoiled and I saw gold mass asks. And that's all that email I've been sitting there clearing days.
00:37:57
Speaker
And actually, I think that was, that day was the last chance for that. Yeah. Because I remember that that day was actually the last day. I didn't know that. Oh yeah. It was like the last day, it was my last opportunity. I remember that it was just God that made me see that email that day because it was like, Hey, okay. So when I saw the emails like, okay, good. They've sent me to have you, cause for Goldman doesn't come immediately. You have to pass the application of state.
00:38:23
Speaker
to get the higher view invite. So if you get the higher view invite, you've done something right. Or like Bank of America, where regardless of the quality of your application, you could get the higher view, depending on if you meet the basic requirements. So that was how God just helped me get that one. But the point is, always check your emails. Because if I had consciously checked my email, maybe on my laptop or something, I would have seen. Or you always check your emails, check your spam, and then all of those things.
00:38:51
Speaker
But before you share the tips, I just wanted to say just for clarity, she was applying for Bank of America and then she was also applying for Goldman Sachs. So those were the two opportunities that she was working on. Yeah, so it just happened that the cycle happened around the same time. So I was just preparing simultaneously for the two applications. So top three tips for interviews.
00:39:14
Speaker
prepare prepare prepare like if if you're prepared you'll be confident yeah so the more you prepare the more you know that this interview got nothing on me so my advice is to always prepare and how do you prepare prepare by writing out those questions knowing the kind of questions
00:39:33
Speaker
you could get anticipating them and then trying to figure out how best to answer it. And obviously you should know this star technique, the situation, task, action and results. And I like to add lessons to mine to learn this star technique, watch YouTube videos on how to answer investment banking interview questions, because I did that a lot. Any YouTuber who was putting our content on
00:40:00
Speaker
investment banking application. I was there. I was always watching their videos, what kind of questions, hire view interviews and full time like assessment day interviews. Some companies call it super day regardless of what it's called. I just was consuming all of those content. I was also staying commercially aware and it's also part of preparation, staying commercially aware because I know that there's no way you do that interview without questions about macroeconomics and just general
00:40:30
Speaker
commercial awareness related questions. So I was preparing for all of those things and also preparing my presentation. So if you go to my laptop also today, I still have not brought myself to
00:40:45
Speaker
to play out those files, because I have some weird videos where I was just... Put it on your hard drive, don't play it, don't put it on actual... I have a hard drive, I should use it. Anyways, I have those videos where I was just recording myself, answering interview questions, tell me about yourself.
00:41:05
Speaker
Yeah, and then I'll ask myself the question and then I'll answer it just so that I could rehearse and rehearse and rehearse and I never got tired of preparing for the interview question. So the top tip is prepare and preparation is also part of preparation is also reaching out to people for more interviews. So if you know someone who
00:41:26
Speaker
has gone through the process or it doesn't even have to be someone who has gone through the process. It can even be your friend. But preferably someone who has gone through the process because they know what to expect and they know they have an idea of what the interviewers are looking for. So it's always nice to have someone just sit on the other end and listen to you. And like I did, if you know that they probably don't have time for a one-on-one session where you record yourself, send it to them.
00:41:54
Speaker
watch it in their own time and give you feedback. And it was very helpful for me. That's a very good tip because I've not heard anyone share that. I didn't even do anyone like recording myself and sharing with people. But it's true because not everyone would be available at the same time you aren't. When you send that to them, they will check you out their own time and give you feedback.
00:42:14
Speaker
And my interviews were virtual, so the preparation was slightly different. I think now the world is moving to in-person interviews again, but because of COVID, those interviews were virtual. So you want to make sure that you have good lighting, a quiet environment. You know, I had
00:42:34
Speaker
a board in front of me and it had sticky notes on it. And those sticky notes had pointers for me. So I had all prompts for every single question. And I knew where they were on the board such that the camera is here, the board is there. And if I needed to juggle my memory or something,
00:42:55
Speaker
I had prompts everywhere to just remind me. And that was really helpful because I also had documents opened on my laptop just in case I could switch between tabs. I mean, it's not like I was reading off my laptop. One weird thing I did also was to type out the answers to all my interview questions. And that came through for me because
00:43:15
Speaker
The day before my Goldman interview, I was supposed to have a one-on-one session with someone, and she was like, okay, we scheduled it and everything, but she said something came up at work. She can't speak with me. By any chance, Veronica, do you have these answers written out somewhere? And I'm like, yeah, it was random, but it happened that I had it written out somewhere.
00:43:37
Speaker
And then I sent her the document and she just made corrections to my answers and sent it back to me. So, I mean, there was no way I could have started typing it because it was a lot, but she read everything and gave me feedback on that. But she couldn't do it in person. She did it in writing, which was still useful for me. So you want to have
00:43:59
Speaker
your questions and answers in your documentation, just so that you can always even edit your answers and look at it. It helps you with your preparation and rehearsal process. And then, actually, I did something weird also. So because we're virtual interviews and we're virtual interviews, you just need to make sure that you look nice from here. But I was fully dressed and I wore heels. And before every interview, I used to drink coffee.
00:44:29
Speaker
and so that my energy level will be good and I'll sound enthusiastic.
00:44:33
Speaker
And I used to listen to a really good song that would motivate me. I used to listen to, I was born to be the best, number one and nothing less. Like that was what I was listening to right before the interview, just so I can be in that mode because you need to sound enthusiastic. You can't be doing an interview and then you're sounding like you're listening to. And then you're just like, you're just, your energy level is blue because you've been working all night or something and now you're tired. One MD.
00:45:03
Speaker
She had that. She used to take alcohol before I interviewed her. So that she's like, no, she said actually that I had natural mood disease. She's too excited. So she takes her clothes to get super because it helps her become so like, okay, whatever works for you. Whatever works for you. I would never do that because I don't, you don't want to be drunk in an interview. The point is,
00:45:27
Speaker
be prepared and do just make sure you bring good energy to the interview yeah and make sure you sound confident as well like sound confident have questions ready for your interviewers have good good questions ready for them be commercially aware and even prepare for the questions that i think some can know they cannot ask me see they ask me questions that i've never imagined that they could ask me but i was prepared for them anyways i remember being asked a question i will mention which of the interviews they asked me but they asked me
00:45:57
Speaker
What does success mean to you? I'm like, okay. But I was ready for that. Thankfully at the time I was reading this, what's this guy? John Maxwell's Roadmap to Success. I was reading that book. So it was just perfect. I guess they give the
00:46:12
Speaker
because it's a joke. I always say I didn't answer my question like that, but I gave it a really philosophical answer that you're like, hmm, hmm, hmm. We stoned, we stoned. So yeah, yeah, you just need to, preparation is like the key. Yeah, yeah. So you said prepare, prepare questions for your interviewers as well. Be very confident, because at the end of the day, you might be prepared, but if you're not confident enough to land your message, you just seem so anxious and nervous and you'll give it to the next person who seems more confident.
00:46:41
Speaker
And you said that to even be confident, it takes a lot of preparation as well. And preparation might not just be about spending time working on your interview, but also listening to music that will keep you in a good spirit. Exactly. I know for someone that I talked to, he said before an interview, you'd go to the gym.
00:47:04
Speaker
just so that his energy is up especially if you're doing virtual interviews because you're at home normally when you are home your energy is not as high as it would be if you like walk down to the train station so going to the gym keeps you in a very good energy state so like you said whatever works for you I just remember something actually
00:47:23
Speaker
I always did my HIV interviews in the midnights. And I did Goldman and I did Back from America. I did both of them in the midnight. Why? Because that's when my house is most quiet. That's when the internet is working best. And at the time I was sure that we always had light in the midnight in my house. So electricity was short. Internet was short. And then even though electricity was short, I used my power bands to power my ring light.
00:47:49
Speaker
So in case the lights in the room goes off, the ring light is on. So just little things like that. Because you don't, and I remember during the actual interview for Bank of America, I think I, okay, I relied on electricity. And if you live in Nigeria, you know that electricity in Nigeria is erratic and anything that happens at any time. And my laptop
00:48:09
Speaker
few days into the interview became a television such that without connection to power, it's going to go off. I was so upset about it and it was during COVID. So it wasn't the one that you could just run to a store and fix it. Everyone was locked. So I had to just rely on it. And then I couldn't make a case for turning on generator.
00:48:27
Speaker
to my parents because it's like there's lights. So how can you say you want to use the generator because you have an interview and you want to be sure that power will be. So I just had to rely on it and I prayed that I'd go that big. Don't let them take this because my app would literally go off. But what did I do? I had, my phone was back up in case I was signed in on my phone, I was signed in on my laptop. That in case anything happens,
00:48:53
Speaker
the interview continued on the other device. When I joined the interview, I told them I'm signing on two devices and this is why I'm signing on two devices. Thankfully, I didn't have to use the second device. Internet-wise, I had the backup as well. In case my internet went off, I had my dad's phone. I literally collected his phone from here. I told him I need to use it as hotspot in case something happens to my own internet. And he was fine with it. And
00:49:20
Speaker
And then five minutes after the interview, he took it. I was like, wow. After I was done, no, I was done. But he took it, I was like, wow.
00:49:33
Speaker
I would have explained myself because the latter could have just gone off, you know, but then I had it back up. So try as much as possible to make preparation for on for seeing circumstances because the Asian people do usually try their best. They do, especially in Nigeria, you just need to make preparations for all of those things. It's important. So you've done all of the preparations, the interviews that you needed to do for Bo Goldman and Bank of America. So what was the outcome of Bo?
00:50:03
Speaker
Um, the outcome was positive for both. But yeah, I did the interview for Goldman. Actually, I did it during Insights. Oh, really? Yeah. So every, and it was, it was very challenging because everywhere, everyone was focused on these, but then I had this big interview coming up and unfortunately I just had to like push aside everything happening around me.
00:50:27
Speaker
and focus on my interview. I was off the internet. I didn't want to know anything happening anywhere. I told my family members, I didn't want to know about it. Not because I didn't care about because I needed to focus on this. But yeah, it was helpful because there was curfew, which made everywhere quiet, which I needed for the interview. So that was the positives I did. So the curfew helped me have the quiet environment that I needed for that interview. And then I did the interview, everything, and waited for two months.
00:50:58
Speaker
It happened in October. The interview happened on the 21st of October 2020.
00:51:06
Speaker
one yeah October 2020 yeah so it was 2020 or yeah it was 2020 yeah yeah it was 2020 yeah that the answers happened the interview was on 21st of October the whole thing happened on 20th of October the whole kidding me back here so I was during that period I did it but then those people made me go through a lot because I waited for two full months to hear back from there and I kept sending emails but I didn't want to seem like that kind of deal that was too desperate if you see me
00:51:36
Speaker
doing Google searches on how long should you wait? What does it mean if they've not reached out? Does that mean they reject you? And then I emailed them and they said they're still considering my application. Oh my. You know, this is not helping matters. At the time, I'd also completed my back home America Stage 1 application. I was also waiting to hear back to yours. It period of wait and it was very, very stressful for me.
00:51:59
Speaker
Then December came 18th, I did my interview back in America on 16th of December. And it was a full day. I did the interview on case study and presentation, which I had to do. And then
00:52:13
Speaker
I remember yesterday where we had to look for Banjo America's logo because you have to create slides and yeah that part was intense I can't remember life but yeah it was it paid off in the end because two days after they called me and told me that I got the offer I was like yay I mean gold man whatever I like even though I do at this point I don't care anymore because I've gotten this good one here and for gold man I'm also applying for my internship and then
00:52:43
Speaker
I got an email, actually I got a call five days after I got back from America OFA from them. And then they were like, congratulations, you got a full time OFA.
00:52:57
Speaker
I was like, wait, what? Full-time, I have been for so many times, but I like getting full-time offer. You heard back from them in December. Yeah. Yeah. It was two days after, it was two days before Christmas, rather. Yeah. So I was like, you see, I was very, very happy. Because when they full-time offer, so now it was, ah, okay. I've been for so many times, these people gave me full-time. Full-time. That's really good, you know? And then it was, which one?
00:53:26
Speaker
Which all would I take? I think we'll have, I don't know. And that became a problem, good problem. I promise you it was my darling, that was the biggest problem of my life. And at that time I was in law school, and my problem was, should I take good man or should I take bad man for America? But I ended up taking bad man for America.
00:53:45
Speaker
Why? Because that's the conversation for another day. Another day. But I chose the American opportunity. And you all think it doesn't make sense because you go full-time, but then chose an internship. I actually did that as a boot at the time and then waited to see what would happen before now. Okay, I now go back to America full-time. So it was, I had two full-time offers.
00:54:08
Speaker
on my hands. And I'm happy that the fact that I had a full time with another investment bank didn't affect my performance during the internship. Yes. And that was because I had done my research and at the time I already had an idea of what decision I was going to make. So getting the Bank of America full time was a serious business for me because I wanted to get it and pick the Bank of America opportunity. But we're going to do reason later. Yeah, maybe not on this episode.
00:54:36
Speaker
But here, like, amazing. Again, that's why you're a star girl. And that's why we all want to be like you. You got in for Goldman and Bank of America. So at this point, you did your summer internship, obviously, at Bank of America. I'd like you to share with us some of the things that you, now just looking back, think you did that made you successful at the internship and got you the full time offer.
Virtual Internship Experiences
00:55:01
Speaker
Oh, the summer internship was
00:55:07
Speaker
virtual and it was challenging because it was virtual and you had to just rely on what people were telling you. You couldn't read the room because there was no room to read. You couldn't read the bio cues, non-vibile cues and all those things. You just had to rely on whatever they told you and you could only try your best.
00:55:32
Speaker
So I had to first prepare for the internship and make sure that I was well set up for it. Thankfully, I was done with school already, so I didn't have to juggle that with school. And I just made sure that in terms of my work from home set up, everything was perfect. I had good internets, reliable internet. I bought a Wi-Fi and I also had my hotspot as backup. I always have backup internets. That's very important.
00:56:00
Speaker
And then we just did it trying our best. Well, in terms of what helped me through the process, I think staying curious is very important. And this is like a mantra in Latin America, being intellectually curious. So as an intern, you need to be that person who always ask questions. Now, as much as possible, try not to ask, just for the sake of asking. Try to let your questions reflect the quality of your thoughts.
00:56:27
Speaker
make sure your questions are well thought out. And if you genuinely do not have a question, then you don't have to ask any question. But I tried to stay curious and make sure that the quality of the work that I produced, no matter how little the project was, was good. And then I tried to be proactive as well, just doing things even when they did not tell you to do, not because I was trying to be forward, but just being proactive, supporting the little problem,
00:56:56
Speaker
and offering volunteering to fix it, volunteering to speak at something, speaking up when you think, or actually this needs to be addressed, but no one wants to raise their hands to do it. Just speaking up and being that person that is always ready to do things and be active in activities like if they have a session and they need someone to help them do something, put up your hands to do it.
00:57:26
Speaker
The way you introduce yourself also matters. So I noticed that some interns just are like, you know, what am I an intern? I shouldn't speak here. It's not my place. Or they just, you know, speak without introducing themselves. It's actually important that you introduce yourself. I mentioned that.
00:57:41
Speaker
I'm an intern because the way they perceive it is different because they're like, oh, it's a person who's an intern and is doing this. And because they know that you're trying to get an offer, they will see that as an opportunity for them to put in a good word for you, to the people that matter. And yeah, just make sure that you are doing everything right as much as you can, because even though these days the retention rate is now better, don't take it for granted that you will be retained because
00:58:10
Speaker
at the end of the day your internship offer is not a guarantee of a full-time offer so you want to make sure that
00:58:18
Speaker
when at the end of the internship, you will not look back and say, oh, maybe I should have done this better. That simply that you had done your best and just leave the rest. And just the two things, like the kind of emails you send, typographical errors, little things like that, that will make them see you differently. Make sure you don't make those silly mistakes. Don't come in late. Or don't dress near, set in without. Don't dress shabby.
00:58:44
Speaker
or don't dress in a way that shows that oh this one is getting too comfortable here because those things they are looking at it and you know they're evaluating you and also don't isolate yourself network as much as you can not just with your fellow interns but also with other people within the bank at different levels so the way I did it was to work my way up network with analysts associates and then
00:59:09
Speaker
up until the director's MDs. I might let them work my way up so that I could get useful tips that will help with those big networks. So you don't want to just, you don't want to work until you catch up with an MD and just be unprepared. You want to arm yourself with information about them, things that would show that, oh, this person has actually done their research on me and what I do. So they're not just coming here to ask the intern questions. So what do you do? I want to learn my math.
00:59:39
Speaker
I want to be here for 20 years. You want your questions to be very smart and intelligent. I mean, some kids ask about them because you can't know everything just by asking people. But you want to do at least some research. For example, you can just by looking at their LinkedIn can know how many years they've been at the bar. Exactly.
00:59:57
Speaker
Just saying that, or starting a question which you've been at bank for 20 years and this is, you already know that, oh, this person did their meeting. Yeah. So something as simple as that. How long have you been here? Exactly. Like, oh, please, you mean you set out, you moved 30 minutes from my calendar to ask me how long I've been here. So yeah, just make sure that you're prepared for all your catch-ups. Network is as many people as possible. So my intentions are not
01:00:22
Speaker
a joke because they're actually very intense. Sometimes I see like the shadow of some of my intent and I'm like, these people are trying. I was looking at the list of people I networked with during my intent and I'm like,
01:00:35
Speaker
Did I really know about this? I suppose it was a lot of people. I saw a lot of people. But it's important. You need to speak with them and let them know you. You don't want your intention to end, and they're talking about you. And someone who is important, they're making that decision and saying, who is that? And I was having a catch-up with someone in the bank who is an associate. And I just mentioned, oh, there's a summer intern that I know is in your team.
01:01:03
Speaker
Do you know him? Like, who's that? So you guys are actually the first to hear this on International Youth Day, 12th of August. Gradients is going to be bringing you an event. And the theme of the event is building bridges for exponential impacts. We have a lineup of amazing speakers that are going to be sharing their journeys.
01:01:23
Speaker
on how they were able to get the opportunities, building network, the skills, all of the things that they actually did to get the opportunities that they have today. And especially if you're a young person, this is not an event that you want to miss out on. So keep your eyes peeled on our social media platforms, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram.
01:01:45
Speaker
And once the registration link is open, you get to see it on any of these platforms. I will obviously update you in our next episode on how you can sign up for this event. So for now, just tell your friend, prepare yourself and know that you're about to have a swell time at the event. Back to the episode. And, and I'm like, Oh my God.
01:02:08
Speaker
Like how do you not know the associates on the team that you are doing your internship? That's why you need to make sure that you have those names and just use the analysts among you. So people, I think they feel like analysts don't know anything.
01:02:24
Speaker
And those are actually people that you should rely on to help you disturb them. Those are the people you learn to disturb because if they like they should judge you but their judgment doesn't matter. And also they are the people that have just freshly done it. Exactly. So they know everything there is to know about it. The other ones are not the people that oh my god you should definitely speak to this person. Something as simple as who is this person? Like what do they do in this bank? Like because sometimes you can see someone will be hearing a name
01:02:49
Speaker
We're like, we don't know who they are. Or something as simple as how do I set up a catch-up with someone? What's the best approach? So some people will just put it in their calendar. Or some people will reach out first to ask them, oh, is this a good time to set up a catch-up with you? This is a small thing, but it actually makes a difference, your approach, because it shows that you respect your time
01:03:11
Speaker
Yeah, and speaking about catch-ups, they are very important things in corporate world. You cannot, like you said, you can't just work in isolation. You need to actively catch up with people. Because as much as your work is important, how you're connecting, forming relationships, matter a lot. Those are the things they actually look out for to see whether or not they converge. So it's important that when you're going in, as much as you're preparing to deliver a good job,
01:03:39
Speaker
you're also ensuring that you're working towards building your people skills, like speak to people. At the end of the day, like it can be very uncomfortable. It can be so uncomfortable. The more you do it, the more comfortable you get. And I like how you said, start from the people at the bottom. When you start with the analysts, with the associates,
01:03:59
Speaker
You use them as a launchpad to prepare yourself. So by the time you get to the managing directors, you're not stuttering, you know what to say. So yeah, it's great that you mentioned that. Now you did your internship. How was the outcome? Obviously, like we know you got the offer, but what was the process to getting the offer?
01:04:22
Speaker
Oh yeah, so I've completed my internship. I did a project and worked on the team as a member of that team. And then this has to be called on the last day to inform us that, to inform me. I don't know why I said it was, but it was a one-on-one call. Just me on the call with my manager and HR. And they told me, congratulations, you got the offer. I'm like, okay girl, I did a thing there.
01:04:52
Speaker
Yeah, it was the best video ever. Did you scream like what? You're not an opera. Thanks for letting me know what I already knew. I like the energy. I mean, don't mind me, I actually contacted all the people that I needed to tell. I think that was what I just thought, oh, these people have helped me. In fact, I already had the list and immediately I got the opera.
01:05:16
Speaker
I was grateful to God and I just said texting all the people that I needed to tell that, oh, finally this got converted to a full-time offer. Thank you for your effort and for your help. And that's actually very important. Remember the people that helped you in the process. It's so important. Please remember them and
01:05:33
Speaker
keep them their flowers and appreciate them. And when you come back full time, don't forget that these people, they're actually instrumental in getting this opportunity because they don't need to do that. It's good that you've mentioned that. Yeah, because people are quick to just move on to the next thing. Like, no, some people helped you. Oh, they come to the bank, I realise.
01:05:55
Speaker
And then now we are both analogies, so we're on the same level. We don't have the same title, rather. So it's like, your analogies are analogies, so you forget to accord your respect. And actually what I did in my vision for that was to set up catch-ups with all of them and then tell them, thank you, that I couldn't have been here without you. Thank you. It reminds me of the story in the Bible of the leper. The one that came back to Jesus.
01:06:25
Speaker
Oh my goodness. Okay, so moving on, you got the offer, you moved to the United Kingdom in 2022, around June period.
Transition to Corporate Life in a New Country
01:06:36
Speaker
And then you had to start working. So what was the transition like? Oh yeah, it was challenging. Yeah, I moved, I got into the UK on 1st of July, 2022. And yeah, just trying to figure out everything and realizing you had to do lots of things.
01:06:52
Speaker
like opening bank accounts, understand the training system. I just wanted to come and just, you know, relax. I don't know what I was expecting, but I didn't expect this stressful moving period. And it was just annoying because you had to figure a lot of things out and you had no training to figure it out. Okay. Something that's simple as what bank should I use? I mean, you could decide to use any bank, but then you don't know the benefits that comes with using another bank already.
01:07:21
Speaker
basic research and then everyone was all about me about getting me credit card. I'm like, bruh, I can't be an onigbessi. Onigbessi in your right language means someone who always owes money. In that talk basically,
01:07:34
Speaker
So it's like, how do you tell them to get a credit card and then I'm spending someone else's money in there and tell them, yeah, there's a month after. So for me, it was like, oh God, like it was, it was actually a bit of a lot. No, but credit cards are important, but. Yeah, but like, I have to feel you're rushing to, you have to know what you're getting into. Exactly, exactly. And those, those serious research that you had to do, not because you moved countries and more, and just trying to make sure that you're not, you're making the most of the opportunities
01:08:03
Speaker
trying to find a house to be fed that was easy for me but like I know the challenges that came with that and then the small issues here and there and then starting into the workplace and you know working finally in the big office as big as that and trying to know who is who you know and then consciously trying to meet people
01:08:23
Speaker
remember them. And then it was challenging because like, you meet so many people, it's not everybody you meet you remember, or you meet them, you know you've met them, or you don't know what your name is. So just those little challenges. But then I think I just finished it all in the end. And I gave myself grace to, you know, calm down and
01:08:45
Speaker
figure things out. And in the end it worked out, especially the job part of it, because I had to do lots of learnings. I joined a different team than when I interned. So it was like, okay, now this is something new, this is different. And I had to figure things out. And you don't want to come in and be enthusiastic, but at the same time, your enthusiasm is like, maybe it's when you know what you're doing, that you're enthusiastic.
01:09:11
Speaker
It was balancing being curious with making sure you're not taking too long to figure things out. Well, I'm grateful for the people at Bank of America because they're patient. No one ever made me feel like growing or wasting time. It was a smooth transition into the team to be fair. And you find that it's actually a perfect place to start your career because you have so much opportunities to learn and no one is just rushing you
01:09:41
Speaker
they will give you all of the things that you need to start, so they'll body you up with someone who is probably an analyst and has done it before. So you have so much opportunities, network, to start yourself properly. And I think also one question I wanted to ask was, because it can be quite
01:10:06
Speaker
not uncomfortable, that's not the word I want to use, but it feels like a very big change from the university to the corporate life. So how have you been able to excel at it? Because I feel like you have a lot of structures and structures, routines has helped you. So what are the things that you've done to be able to make that change and that move? Yeah.
01:10:35
Speaker
You rightly said that it's very different from a university where you know when you have your lectures and you just go for your lectures and then every other thing you do is like in your own time.
01:10:46
Speaker
In the workspace, some things are in your own time, or some things that you had to do at the right time. In university, you could procrastinate as much as you want, even though you'd be depressed when it's time for an exam. But in the workplace, if you procrastinate it, it will come back to haunt you and bite you, and to reflect in people's image of you. So these are some of the differences. And obviously, it's just a whole different ballgame. In university, I'm trying to pass your exams.
01:11:14
Speaker
You need to know your goals. And you're trying to impress people as well. You're trying to impress people, you're trying to get the job done well. So it was very different. The process and the whole thing was quite a transition for me. Like you mentioned, I like structure. I like to have a routine that helps me function properly. And I said, thinking about the little things I could do well and
01:11:44
Speaker
If I do those things, then every other thing will be easier for me. Something as simple as what time do I get into the office? It's basic, but if you train yourself as a discomer and you start off that way, then the image that people have of you is like, oh, you saw in the discomer, a serious person, disorganized. If someone is a discomer, then in my head, I think they are disorganized because
01:12:08
Speaker
why didn't you, you know, fix up early and come in? I mean, one off lateness is not bad. But since I came, I've never even been late, like never for once been late. So the office was things as simple as like, how, what am I doing today? Like structuring your day. So I personally like to put it on my calendar because if it's not there, I might forget. So just little things like that, having a section where you write like your to-do list for the day,
01:12:34
Speaker
and putting it together and making sure that we get this thing done. And even reminding myself to follow up with people or things like that. And then my approach to my work also is around
01:12:47
Speaker
making sure that I deliver before I said I would deliver. So if this thing is due, if the person says submit it by end of day or Monday, I'll give it to them on Friday. Just so that, you know, it just makes them feel like this person is reliable. And there are days when I will now, by end of day Friday, I realize actually there's no way I can get this thing over today.
01:13:10
Speaker
But imagine I didn't give myself that end of day Friday and I said, let me waste your Monday. That Monday would not have been possible if I didn't give myself that extra time. But sometimes just making sure that you keep them good impression because at the end of the day in the corporate world, I've realized somewhere that
01:13:28
Speaker
As much as it's good to be a star employee, but the perception of youth matters a lot. The way you even present yourself to the office. And some people just rest anyhow, but I'm that person that puts in effort into my dressing. I don't joke with it.
01:13:46
Speaker
And it also reflects in the way people perceive you and the way you speak, the way you carry yourself, the kind of thing in conversations you engage in. Remember you're in the workspace, you're in the work environment and you should not double into certain conversations.
01:14:02
Speaker
And there were times when I would reflect and be like, okay, now I'm getting too comfortable here because there are too many people that my age mates here. So like, we're now getting too comfortable and we're thinking that we're an alpha, that's how. And I'll just think about how I can make changes to avoid blurring out the lines between being in the office and, you know,
01:14:23
Speaker
having like a personal relationship with people that you work with. And I like when you just mentioned there's a lot about impressions, perception matters a lot, incorporates and the moment someone has formed one perception about it's very hard for you to rewrite that story. So when you're coming in, say for your internship or you have a full-time opportunity
01:14:47
Speaker
Many of the things that you do during the first few weeks, first few months, they get stuck in people's memory about how they will then continue to approach you. So it's important that you form those impressions at the beginning and then consistently keep at it. So like you said, those things just make them perceive you as someone that is reliable and is as little as coming to work early, the kind of conversations that you're having, the way you speak, how you send your emails, those things
01:15:16
Speaker
Do you know that some people like I heard the story of someone who just like every email is a joke like there's always a joke in every email I'm messing with my aunts I'm like like you're not even you've not got it to the level where every email can be a joke because some people will not take you well while other people are fine with it I mean if I see a joke I actually appreciated when someone is not being too serious in their emails at all
01:15:44
Speaker
Well, that's me. Someone else who sits and be like, bro, I'm not your mate. Like, literally, yes, he's a hit on me. So as an analyst, you want to, as much as you don't want to be too careful because it will cage you. But at the same time,
01:16:00
Speaker
And I feel like, like you said, as an analyst, you get to a point where nobody really cares. Also, like if you're making those jokes, they know, oh, yeah, it's just jokes. Or if that's the first thing I'm getting to know about you, I'll just take you like a clown. You're just on series. Even though you're putting in a good work, and you know, we're talking about in this module, was it yesterday night? It's not really about the work you're
01:16:21
Speaker
doing or honestly like those impressions, those things that you're doing, those very, these very minute things that you don't even know. Maybe you had a conversation with someone and you came off rude. You don't know who that person is. That person is already going to talk to that, oh that girl is actually very rude. I don't like her. So it's so important. Actually there's something I started doing and it really helps me and according to them set me apart was sending agendas for
01:16:47
Speaker
meetings that were important, like catch-up suite, like MDs and important people. I won't go to that catch-up without sending you an agenda ahead of time. And it just made me feel like, okay, this person gave some thought into this meeting and
01:17:03
Speaker
you know, came correct, basically. So as simple as that, someone actually gave my manager feedback about like me being like prepared for that meeting and all. And they just, oh, by the way, I spoke to this girl on your team. She was like really good. And, you know, yeah. And for me, if I hear that kind of feedback, my days made me.
01:17:25
Speaker
Yeah, I love that. Okay, so moving on to lessons that you've learned so far since working for the last year. What are some of the things that you would share? I know you have a lot like you actually sent me a list of things.
01:17:42
Speaker
So let's run through that. We probably have talked about some, but... I know, right. And please, just go and read my LinkedIn post because it has everything. Okay, so going into the lessons that you've learned in the last one here, and I'm glad that you actually shared this on LinkedIn. You're just a very great sharer.
01:18:02
Speaker
because i feel like there's one thing to be doing something good and enjoying the benefits of it by people talking about how good you're doing that work but it's also another thing to share with people because a lot of people give keep this information they give keep success and
01:18:18
Speaker
Veronica is sharing all of this with us so you guys need to enter a DM and thank her.
Continuous Learning and Mentorship
01:18:23
Speaker
So we're going to be running through some of the lessons that she's mentioned that she's learnt in the last one year and the first one is embracing a group's mindset so talk about that more. Yeah I think it's just all about you making sure that you think about your future and think about the don't be complacent basically like
01:18:45
Speaker
Just make sure that you embrace every opportunity you have to learn. And if you work in a big company, then most likely they have pathways for you to learn. Also, different tasks given to you by your manager or your teammates are opportunities for growth. And that's an opportunity for you to try something new. And when you see that, just take it on, take it on. Like right now,
01:19:12
Speaker
There's a project I'm working on and I have no idea how I'm going to do it. Loki, I'm having panic attacks on that because they're like, who sent me to volunteer to do this? Because the other people I'm working with are like VPs and directors. So it's like, God, when am I the only analyst on this team? But I'm just like, you know what, it's a challenge and I'm going to do it and just get it done. And thankfully, I have a good manager who recognizes
01:19:37
Speaker
and good work. So just make sure that you're trying to learn something new every day. Yeah. And one thing that you mentioned here and seeking new experiences. Yeah. It's very important because I feel actually in the corporate space, there's one, I think I was talking about this because yesterday we're talking about how forces Nigerians, right?
01:20:02
Speaker
we've always just known and been around people who look like us. And so when we're in corporate space, we're kind of just very drawn to other people that are like us in terms of being black and all of that. But it's very important for you to understand that you're working with a diverse group of people. So you have to expand your mindset and look for not just black mentors, look for white mentors, look for people who are actually good and align yourself. Yeah, my mentor is actually a white man.
01:20:31
Speaker
And I thought my favorite people in the office are like, yeah, just diverse. And yeah, I 100% agree with you because we, if you only interact with people with similar backgrounds, then it will drop off on you because it's just like, there's nothing new you're doing. You guys are thinking similarly because you have similar backgrounds, so you need to like interact with other people. And it's really helpful because you learn new things, seek new experiences.
01:20:55
Speaker
talk about stuff with them and before you know it, you're being like a British person like me. And you're now staying in LA with me. Yeah, I've done it. I talk with Cheers now. Cheers! Someone opens it up for me. I'm like, Cheers! Cheers! Who are you, girl? Oh my goodness! Okay, so the next thing is continuous feedback. Oh yeah. So I'll just share a brief story. So after every catch up with my manager, I always ask him for feedback and
01:21:23
Speaker
he gave me feedback that that's a really good thing to do because like we meet almost
01:21:29
Speaker
every two weeks. And it's nice that every two weeks I'm telling him, please, I need feedback. I'm not waiting until the official review time to get feedback. So I want him to tell me what I'm not doing right, what he thinks I can do better. And they've all been positive, thankfully. But it's actually good that you're putting yourself in that uncomfortable position to ask for feedback because it's uncomfortable. Imagine asking someone to basically giving them the license to call you out
01:21:59
Speaker
It's uncomfortable, but it doesn't always have to be in that uncomfortable way. As simple as you working up for someone on something and just asking them, oh, what do you think about what I told me? Don't just tell me, thank you. I want to know what I did. Did I do what you asked me to do?
01:22:20
Speaker
probably made a mistake or did not understand what they actually do. So just ask for feedback. Just then put yourself in that uncomfortable situation to ask for feedback. And it always helps because it helps you grow. It's uncomfortable, but it always helps you grow. One thing I like about feedback also is if my manager, for instance, during the feedback sessions, you've been giving me glowing feedback and
01:22:46
Speaker
maybe we're having media reviews, start saying things that are opposite to what you've been saying. And I'm like, why didn't you say that out? So don't wait until those big feedback sessions for you to start hearing the things that you could have improved on if you had been hearing or getting feedback over time and building on it. So it's very important. Now, building strong relationships. Building strong relationships, yeah.
01:23:15
Speaker
That's like super important. You need like mentors, you need your peers, you need people around you because you can't succeed in one. And that's just, and if you work in an investment bank, that one is even, you just need to, you need people to grow. You need people to get to the next level. You need someone to be a sponsor. You need someone to be, you need a mentor because
01:23:40
Speaker
It's the journey can get overwhelming and you need someone who has gone through the process to know that's okay.
01:23:48
Speaker
you are to just validate your thought process and your approach to situations and also to push you. Do you know how many times I will speak with my mentor and I'll just go back and I'll not do anything about the conversation. Then I remember that, oh, actually I need to give feedback and give updates in the next meeting. And that's the only reason I'll just go and get those things done so that
01:24:11
Speaker
at least next meeting I won't come back and say actually I've not done anything since the last time we spoke. So it actually helps because because of that relationship that we have and because I know that this person I need to meet them in two weeks time to update them on the last conversation we had I need to come correct and have something for them. So that pushes me to do all the things they've encouraged me to do and it's been a really good good relationship that really helps me
01:24:36
Speaker
and just, you know, knowing people because that's where you get information and that's how you grow. Yeah, speaking about mentorship, sponsorship, how do you go about these things? How do you get mentors, sponsors? It's funny because the person I officially called my mentor within the bank, there was like an official set up for that where you, they would just give you anything. But I signed up to be the person
01:25:02
Speaker
to help drive that project. So I got to choose my mentor. So every other person, I assigned a mentor there. Well, my mentor, I was like, I'm going to give myself this person because this is who I want and why. I had spoken to MDs and there's always one question I ask those MDs. I ask them of all the previous grads, who is that one person that is a model grad?
01:25:26
Speaker
And then do mention his name, mention his name. Everybody mention that guy's name. I need to have this person in my corner. And that was how I gave him a moment. And thankfully it worked out that we now connected and it was in an awkward relationship. But sometimes you
01:25:44
Speaker
think you want the person to be a mentor, but it's just not... Yeah, it might not just be good for you. You guys just don't connect or there's no connection there, but thankfully for us, it worked out really well. And then there are other people that we've not defined the relationship as a mentorship relationship, but they are like mentors to me because they are my corner. These are people that know they have my back. I can tell them what I'm really thinking without just
01:26:10
Speaker
You know, sometimes I just need to put up an act, but these are people that I can actually tell what I'm thinking, ask for their advice on how to approach stuff from things by them, important things like, oh, I'm about to submit this.
01:26:23
Speaker
Would you please look at it for me? There are people like that. And those people are also like mentors. So you just need to have like relationships with people. And you form this relationship by attending events, by setting up catch-ups with people. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable because it's like, the person doesn't know me from anywhere. And I want to take out 30 minutes from their time just to use them.
01:26:45
Speaker
It has to be worth it. I always tell myself, oh, this catch up has to be worth it because I'm taking out time from their calendar. So you need to prepare for the catch up and make sure that you come correct, have the right questions and introduce yourself well and have a clear purpose for that meeting. Even if that clear purpose is just to introduce yourself and let them know more about you or you wanting to learn about them.
01:27:11
Speaker
That's good. Masterclass. We've actually broken down a lot today, but we would run through all of these lessons because they're very helpful. Next one is continuous skill development. How do you go about that?
01:27:26
Speaker
by learning and learning and also seeking new experiences. So like I said, if you work in a big company, you probably have platforms that help you learn. So it's important that you learn. Now I understood the gaps in my knowledge before I joined the bank. I knew that these were areas I needed to improve on. And thankfully we have the structure around career development. So I set my development goals for the year. I knew the skills I wanted to build on and then put my action steps there.
01:27:54
Speaker
So for example, my communication skills, I wanted an opportunity
01:27:58
Speaker
to speak to the crowd and speak to senior people. And I told my manager this is what I want. And he gave me the opportunity. He said, okay, in this meeting, I'm going to talk about this. In this meeting, I'm going to do this. Or, you know, there was a time I did a presentation and told my manager to join the call so that he could give me feedback. Just things like that should that, okay, this person is actually, apart from just showing him that I'm working on my skills, but I was also trying to develop myself and knowing that, okay, this presentation is going to be assessed by my manager.
01:28:26
Speaker
I knew that I had to prepare well for it, taking courses on those things. I also needed to build my Excel skills and then I put my hand up for a project that required data analysis. Data analysis I had no idea how to do. But I put my hand up for that project and thankfully I have a teammate who is so sweet but he helps like me things like that and he's always happy to answer all my stupid questions. So sometimes it's good to have people like that so that your friends literally like with that kind of person I can I can be
01:28:56
Speaker
can unfortunately be stupid like I can say you know what everything you just said I don't understand and I don't understand what you just said there's some people that you know that comfortable with because you know that you feel like I don't think I'm very stupid you know what I'll just tell you like and thankfully this person is someone that can break things down and because I personally prefer learning like by doing so I had to put myself in that situation and then right now I'm also taking courses
01:29:22
Speaker
that would help me build those skills that I want. So you always need to just continue learning because as much as the skills you had before I brought you here, you should start thinking about the skills you need to take you to the next level you want to be. And I remember speaking to someone who said
01:29:38
Speaker
you need to start acting like where you want to be. So if you're thinking, oh, I want to be an associate, then you start acting like an associate now. And for me, like I always take that advice. Like any time I think about, any time I want to evaluate myself and I say, this is what I want. I start thinking, am I acting the part already? Or am I waiting for them to just hand it over to me? No one is going to hand this over to you. You need to take your skill development seriously because now you're no longer in uni where you had to learn those courses, whether you liked it or not. Now,
01:30:06
Speaker
It's all in your hands. Well, that was good. I liked when you mentioned the act like where you want to be. So you're an analyst. Don't think you should always act like an analyst, same way as an intern. Don't think
01:30:23
Speaker
Or if you want to get an analyst opportunity as an intern, you need to start acting at that level. Same with being an analyst and you want to move on to the next level. Start acting like an associate. Access yourself the same way you should if you are going to be an associate. So it's very important. I love that. I really love that.
01:30:42
Speaker
No, actually, learning is very good. I know a lot of people don't learn these days. All we just do is watch TikTok. And I'm not saying you shouldn't, but investing your learning is so important. Actually, not my colleague Austin Yaba. He says he consumes Excel TikTok. Like, that's the only reason he's on TikTok. Like, he's such a nerd. But he's like, actually, so some people are like, that's like, Excel TikTok is their own. I mean, I would take it. Entertainment? I mean, learn, however,
01:31:11
Speaker
works best for you. Just make sure you don't stop learning. Yeah, don't stop learning. Amazing. The power of resilience. Oh, yeah. Just within one year in this bank, they've changed a lot of things. And yeah, and even, you know, how I was supposed to like move to another team.
01:31:33
Speaker
A lot of things change and some of those changes are quite abrupt. And, you know, even with the economic situation, you're also seeing how, like, things are just changing. And today, one thing is like this, tomorrow, the policy is this way, tomorrow, interest rates, hikes and everything. But you just have to embrace it and be resilient and take it on. It's difficult because sometimes, like, I planned everything this way and I literally had all the interviews, I told you now,
01:32:03
Speaker
And then I realized, oh, actually those things I did, sorry, it's really interesting. But like, okay, I just, I just took it down. Like, it's part of life, you know? And it's actually part of what you have to face in the corporate world. If you're, if you're going to be there and even, even outside corporate ways, the same thing changes.
01:32:25
Speaker
constant and it's how you, it's residents that all set you apart specifically. You cannot let every like punches that turn at you keep you down. It's so important that you start thinking and figuring out how to work with it.
01:32:43
Speaker
So many things can just happen and appear without your planning of it. So it's important. Resilience is just a big skill. It's a good skill that we should embrace. A lot of young people are actually not resilient because just one thing you're feeling, why is the world? But yeah, you need to be resilient. Great.
Maintaining Balance and Resilience
01:33:03
Speaker
Work-life integration. Oh yeah, that's what some people call work-life balance.
01:33:09
Speaker
I don't know if you can ever really balance it, but just make sure that you try as much as possible to...
01:33:16
Speaker
make one thing work and make the other work at the same time. Yeah. And that involves setting boundaries, prioritizing your self-care, and actually taking your work seriously. So I realized that work-life balance is actually a choice. And I did that one and I realized that everyone is anxious. I had to leave the office by 5.30 p.m. without note I liked it because I had a class to get to which I was already paid for that could not be my class.
01:33:40
Speaker
which was my swimming class. Swimming, okay. And I was doing it and I realized the days I was staying in the office till like 7pm, 9pm, it was a choice because I wasn't even required to do that anyways. But like, on days when I knew that, no matter what, I had to leave this office early. The kind of lazy focus that, oh my god, I was so serious and focused and I didn't
01:34:06
Speaker
So my work didn't suffer because I was now prioritizing self-care and I realized, okay, actually, this can work. So it's important to set the boundary and make sure you have a healthy work environment. Just make sure that you are taking care of yourself and prioritizing your self-care and also making sure that
01:34:27
Speaker
It's not affecting your work, but I think if you have a good plan, then you'll be able to balance it out. I know that some people's work are very demanding than other people's work, but you need to strike that line. You need to have something that you want to come home to. You need to have something that makes you happy that's outside of your work. Your life doesn't have to be centered around you.
01:34:48
Speaker
the work you do. If not, you spend all your young age working and working and realize, okay, what did I do? And then you have children and now you have to get out of them. At that point, you have no choice but to work because you know that you have children involved. Yeah, I think that's very important.
01:35:08
Speaker
I like when you said prioritizing as well, because many times you find that you might be working, but you're actually not working. So you're just busy, actually not doing the things that are moving the needle forward for your work.
01:35:21
Speaker
prioritize properly, plan, have good systems. Yeah, it really helps you. And for you, you're a very organized, structured facility. I've never seen anyone as organized. Like, she knows the time when she's cooking for the food she will eat the next day. And when she's supposed to wake up and then go to the office, like, everything is aligned. And you know that this place is not a city, she's just doing it for the sake of it. She always just does it. So, yeah. I know what I'm going to take to the office draw next week.
01:35:50
Speaker
she just packed it already in the fridge yeah literally packed like i just need to bring it out put it in my lunch bag and it's like proper home cooked food so it's not like this just sandwich or something those things you know even having systems save you time yeah and also it helps you make sure that it's part of self-care because now i'm eating like what i want to eat and i'm eating good food
01:36:10
Speaker
Because a lot of people that are eating, they're not eating their home cooked food. I'm not really happy with what they're eating. It's really difficult because they struggle with finding something they actually like to eat. So you need to find a way to balance it. And my colleagues still today, I say like,
01:36:23
Speaker
God, how does she do it? Because the things I bring, I don't eat basic food. I bring in salad, and then I have my chicken, and I say I still have my fruit, sometimes I'm with my puffy, or smoothie, and they're like, you did this before you came to your office, and you still have makeup on. So I was asking me for my skincare return. I was describing it to them for like, which,
01:36:48
Speaker
You mean you do all this? How long does your skincare routine take? I said 30 minutes. You have 30 minutes in the morning to do skincare routine. I'm still doing it. I'm like, yeah, because I have to do it. Yeah, it's all about planning. Yes, it's important to me, like my skin has to, you know, give. No, it's important. Embracing diversity and inclusion.
01:37:12
Speaker
Oh yeah, that was something actually I won't say struggled with but it was so surprising to me the amount of diversity in the workplace and even in London generally or something else.
01:37:24
Speaker
care, like so many people with different backgrounds, people that had different belief within the system than me. It was like, wow, people are very different and just embracing it. And actually it's good because it's beautiful. You see, you just appreciate things from other people's perspective and it's actually
01:37:44
Speaker
changes the quality of work somehow because people are bringing different opinions and thoughts and ideas into the room and it just is beautiful. And the more you can just embrace it, the better for you because it would definitely show. Studies have shown that a more diverse team is better than. Amazing. Emotional intelligence.
Building a Professional Identity Beyond the Job
01:38:13
Speaker
Emotional intelligence is basically just reading the room. Yes, don't be an idiot. Understanding the motivations behind people's actions and, you know, trying to act accordingly. You know, people are different and people have different backgrounds. It's still kind of connected to diversity and inclusion to understand that doing something, see something is different from you.
01:38:36
Speaker
And instead of reacting to what you think is their action, what you should be doing is trying to understand why they acted in that way and also controlling your response to that, responding as opposed to reacting and understanding that whatever they have done is coming from a place and you need to understand it and just make sure that you're not just acting out and giving everybody back to back because
01:39:02
Speaker
But as boys know, they open anyway. And it still comes back to impressions as well. Exactly, yeah. Perfect. Finally, cultivating a personal brand. Oh, yeah. It's important that you have a personal brand, that you have a clear professional identity, what people can see and say, oh,
01:39:27
Speaker
When you think about you, what was the first thing you think of? Reliable. Yes, like you want to be that person that has like a pretty good personal brand. And I think I ended up went with the line that your personal brand doesn't have to be entirely hinged on your nine to five, which is like super important because like me now, I think in the office, like there are some things that I'm known for and it's good because like I have a personal brand and that girl that
01:39:54
Speaker
all issues of I'm that girl that never did I'm that girl that is never that always comes correct that always looks good and speaks up for herself I'm that girl that always asks questions trust me like
01:40:08
Speaker
You know, like just these, I'm that girl that's always curious. I'm that girl that there's no dull momentum because I bring my full self to work. I bring my authentic self to work. And that also involves my chatty self sometimes. I want to know what happened in the weekend. Oh, you told me you held out with your dad yesterday. I want to know how that went. And I'm sometimes making it joke about, oh, you, you went to your parents' facility and that's how you do that.
01:40:32
Speaker
wear your best cloak. There's just something like that, like it's part of who I am because that's what I would just do now. And British people love a good chance too. Of course, so I think that one is even fitting me. But also having a brand outside of your work as well. So if I want to introduce myself outside,
01:40:51
Speaker
do I want the first in everybody to know about me is that I work at Bank of America. So like, why are you outside of your job? You need to have like a personal brand outside of what you do for your night to five. And that's ingredients for me. And
01:41:07
Speaker
Like for me, I still have my gradients life going on. And then vacationing for you. And then vacationing as well. And just like having my old Instagram life separate, you know, it's important that you have like something else outside of your work because in the end, like you want to live a full life and make sure that you're making the most of like every opportunity you get.
01:41:31
Speaker
And I think like that's actually a perfect message to hand on living a full life because at the end of the day, you don't want to look back and feel like you should have done certain things. Yeah. Yeah. It's so important. Yeah. I think.
01:41:47
Speaker
Because for me that I die tomorrow, I think I'll be happy with myself. Yeah. Yes, definitely. Good. Definitely. But you're not dying. You're not going anywhere. Actually, I've been talking about me dying a lot. No. Yesterday, I mentioned that I was doing my organs and I got it. It was because of the movie we watched. It was because of the movie. Yeah. Yeah. So I think to wrap this up, finally,
01:42:11
Speaker
What other thing, like what note do you want to end on? What advice do you want the young people out there who want to be Veronica? You can be Veronica, you can only be you girl. You can only be you but what advice do I have for people?
01:42:27
Speaker
Be you and chase any opportunity that you think you deserve. So don't think that because maybe you made some mistakes before, then you can't change that anymore. There are some things that you cannot change, but just don't let your previous mistakes hold you back from being who you want. I just say just be you, you can't be someone else. And if you've made mistakes before, I think you should
01:42:57
Speaker
not think so much about them because there are people who have made mistakes and they think it will stop them from or it prevents them from doing other things that they want to do. So if you're that person who's made mistakes in the past, some things you cannot change, but you definitely can change your story by just going for what you really want. And if there's something that you're really interested in, then
01:43:20
Speaker
start asking questions, start networking with people and before you know it, you're in the shoes that you really want to be in or even you get something better.
01:43:29
Speaker
Yeah, I think that's valid advice, because mistakes can really hold people back. There's this thing that I always say, don't let one moment in time, one mistake, one period, define your entire life. Because you have so much years ahead of you. God willing, you leave for a very long time. You can just say that one thing that happened when you were in university or in high school to then define your future. You have to move on from it.
01:43:58
Speaker
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom. Thank you so much for just being so great at telling your story because I feel it's one thing to experience life, it's another thing to reflect on it and not just doing that for yourself but also putting it out there for people who are coming up and are trying to make it in for themselves
01:44:22
Speaker
and you've done an amazing thing today. I really appreciate you for sharing, going back to the times in university and just walking forward to now that you're in an amazing company and an amazing job. I know a lot of people would take so much from your story today and I'm glad that you did this. Thank you too for being the best host.
01:44:47
Speaker
We try. Thank you guys so much for listening to the podcast. Obviously another one is going to be coming out next week. I hope you enjoyed this one. See you later. Bye. Don't forget to like. Don't forget to subscribe. Don't forget to share with your friends and follow gradients. Bye. Bye.