As I embark on my final year of BSc in Accounting, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that has brought me here. It’s been a path filled with valuable experiences, growth opportunities, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact in both my career and the world. In this article, I want to share my career success story so far, one that is rooted in networking, entrepreneurship, and a passion for giving back.

The Summer Internship at Nationwide Building Society: Unlocking the Power of Networking

One pivotal moment in my journey was the two-month summer internship I completed at Nationwide Building Society, where I joined the Financial Reporting team. This experience taught me the true power of networking. During my time there, I had the privilege of connecting with professionals from various departments, learning from their experiences, and building lasting relationships. I discovered that networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about forging genuine connections that can open doors and offer valuable insights.

Moreover, my internship at Nationwide provided me with deep insights into the finance industry. I had the opportunity to work on real financial reports, witnessing first-hand the intricate workings of a large financial institution. It was here that I honed my skills, gained a better understanding of financial reporting, and developed a keen eye for detail. The experience was invaluable, and it solidified my passion for pursuing a career in finance. Furthermore this experience has equipped me with vital skills and industry insights, providing a significant advantage when applying for graduate roles in the finance sector.

Launching and Growing My Hair Business: An Entrepreneurial Endeavor

Beyond my academic pursuits and internship, I’ve also been deeply involved in entrepreneurship. I relaunched my hair business (Monarq Hair est. 2020) in May 2023, implementing a comprehensive rebranding strategy that propelled my venture to new heights. It was a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I learned critical lessons in marketing, customer engagement, and business strategy. Today, my hair business is thriving more than ever before.

However, my ambitions for my hair business extend beyond profitability. My larger goal is to provide free wigs and hair extensions to individuals suffering from hair loss, for whatever reason; This was inspired from my own personal experiences of hair loss and motivated me to start this business and reinforce the idea that we are beautiful no matter what and anything we do to our appearance is just in addition to our beauty – hence the slogan “All you Add is Beauty”, because I believe it’s the customer that makes the product look good. This vision drives me to work harder and smarter every day. I want to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need, and my business is a means to achieve that.

Joining Business Communities and Networking Events: Building Connections

In addition to my entrepreneurial endeavours, I recognized the importance of continuously expanding my horizons. I actively participated in networking events and joined various business communities that share my goals and values. These experiences exposed me to diverse perspectives, fostering personal and professional growth. I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors and peers who have shared their own success stories and insights, further enriching my journey. Simple conversations have ended up in long term friendships and financial opportunities which I will forever be grateful for.

The Birth of the “Success Secrets” Society: Leaving an Impact

As I’ve accumulated experiences and knowledge, I’ve come to understand the profound significance of sharing and giving back. That’s why I’m excited to announce my new initiative, the “Success Secrets” Society, at our university. This society aims to bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about personal and professional growth. I believe in the power of collective wisdom and intend to create a platform where we can learn, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on our university community.

In conclusion, my journey towards career success has been marked by learning, growth, and a deep commitment to making a positive difference. From my eye-opening internship to the growth of my hair business, and now the creation of the “Success Secrets” Society, I’ve come to appreciate the value of networking, entrepreneurship, and giving back. As I enter my final year of BSc in Accounting, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next and how I can continue leaving an indelible mark on the world around me.

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Thank you to Queen Fashina, one of our final year BSc Accounting students, for writing this blog!

About Queen: Aspiring chartered accountant in their final year of BSc Accounting, equally passionate about entrepreneurship. Also the proud owner of a hair business (Monarq Hair // @monarqhair on Instagram).