Gloria Stanley-Ngada
What subject did you study during your time at NTU?
Economics and Financial Services.
What is your current job?
My current job is in Strategy Consulting and my role is that of a Strategy and Operations Associate with a Management Consulting firm.
What was your most memorable moment during your time at NTU that helped you with your career development?
There were several memorable moments through my stay at NTU, but it wasn’t until my final year that I fully embraced focusing on a career in Economics.
Initially I leaned more towards Financial Services but in my final year a couple of modules, such as Financial Risk Management and Derivatives, Investment and Portfolio Management, opened me up to other options and how best to maximize a career in Economics, Finance and Business.
What did you find most challenging about graduating in 2008 (e.g. effects of recession on career plans)?
I graduated in 2008, the most comparable year in our lifetime to now. The economy was in shambles, even worse than it is now. The job market was equally as bad - 2008 was a less ideal year to enter the workforce, but that was no excuse for me.
I remember writing my Dissertation on the “Economic Impact of Oil Price Changes with a Case Study on Nigeria”. From my analysis, I realized that there were macroeconomic shocks that had been caused by the rapid decline in oil prices. This was going to cause a rise in global inflation, increase in interest rates, unemployment and layoffs which would require a long period of time for recovery.
My early career plan was designed towards the oil and gas industry – and this was one of the largest hit industries. My second choice was the banking and finance industry – another of the worst hit areas. This stifled my career plans, but I returned to the drawing board to redesign and redefine my plans.
Do you have any advice for current students or new graduates to improve their employability prospects?
For 2020 graduates my first advice is to think outside the box (i.e your field of study). Being open-minded will enable you to adapt to the twists and turns that the job market will throw at you. Take unconventional jobs, don’t just focus on one dream job - pivot into new areas and utilize your core transferable skills learnt at university. This will help you gain new skills that you never thought about. You have the rest of your life ahead of you, but what you do now, after graduation, will lay the foundation for it all.
My top tip for the Class of 2020:
To Class of 2020, remain:
- Resolute to your career development goals!
- Resilient in the face of rejection and delay!
- Respond to the events of life post-graduation with a great attitude and the right mindset to succeed!