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For many ambitious students around the world, the dream of studying at a prestigious institution abroad often seems distant due to financial and logistical barriers. For Eniola Adaramola, a determined and talented Nigerian undergraduate, that dream became a reality through the Merage for Africa Scholarship. Today, she is a first-year MBA student at the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, where she is embracing new opportunities, expanding her network, and redefining her career path.

From Nigeria to California: The Journey Begins

Eniola's journey to the Merage School of Business was shaped by her background in accounting and her passion for business innovation. She completed her undergraduate studies in accounting at Redeemer’s University in Nigeria before earning her Chartered Accountant designation. After working in accounting for a few years, she realized her true passion lay in creativity and marketing.

“I wanted to make a pivot because I had some interest in creativity and marketing,” she shared. “I joined the company I worked in prior to coming to business school as the product manager and content marketing director. For some years, we built Nigeria’s first platform for African beauty businesses, a B2B platform to help them manage their businesses seamlessly.”

Determined to enhance her business acumen and propel her career forward, Eniola started researching business schools. She sought institutions that aligned with her career aspirations and offered strong recruitment and career opportunities. It was during this search that she discovered UC Irvine.

“I realized that UCI was strong in my career focus, and also, the location—California, the weather—everything just drew me,” she recalled.

Discovering the Merage for Africa Scholarship

While considering UC Irvine, Eniola attended a webinar hosted by an MBA community for African students called City of Blaine. This event piqued her interest in the Merage School of Business and prompted her to apply. Shortly after, through another platform called GMAT Club, she received an email about a full tuition scholarship available to African students.

“We had to submit a recorded video stating how we had been leaders in the past and how we intended to be ambassadors for UCI Merage,” she explained. “I decided to apply, and luckily for me, I got it.”

Receiving the scholarship was a turning point, allowing her to take this significant step without financial constraints.

Life at the Merage School of Business

Since arriving in August, Eniola’s experience at Merage has been nothing short of transformative. She appreciates the small class size, which fosters close interactions with professors, career service staff, and peers.

“It’s been a great experience so far. It’s not a move I regret taking,” she said. “The small class size allows you to interact with your professor and career service office one-on-one. You can also build genuine connections with your classmates.”

Among the various courses offered, one that has stood out to her is the Organizational Leadership class. “I find the course very relatable and very helpful because it’s something I know I can apply in real life,” she said. “There are some lessons that I wish I had known earlier, and I know I will continue to learn valuable skills.”

Beyond academics, UC Irvine provides a wealth of resources, including mentorship programs that connect students with alumni. Eniola is currently being mentored by someone working at one of her dream companies, an opportunity she deeply values.

“The Career Center is doing a fantastic job, especially in advising us on our recruiting process,” she added.

Looking Ahead: The Future After Graduation

As she progresses through her MBA program, Eniola is actively pursuing a career in marketing. Having transitioned from accounting to product management and content marketing, she is determined to fully establish herself in the marketing field.

“I am currently recruiting for internships in marketing, and that’s the career I’m trying to pursue,” she shared.

When asked whether she plans to stay in the United States or return to Nigeria after graduation, she remains open to various possibilities.

“As an international student, I’m currently open to opportunities,” she said. “I’m not going to limit myself because the opportunities are different for local students. It depends on where the opportunities find me.”

The Importance of Networking and Advice for Future Students

Reflecting on her journey so far, Eniola emphasizes the importance of networking and taking advantage of every opportunity business school offers.

“There are events here and there for networking and meeting people. My advice—and this is something I need to take more seriously myself—is to be more intentional about building your network instead of shying away from attending events,” she advised. “Networking shouldn’t be limited to just people who are like you or from your background. That’s something we learned recently in Organizational Leadership.”

Her experience at the Merage School of Business has reinforced the idea that business school is not just about academics but also about the connections and experiences that shape a student’s future.

A Transformative Experience

From Nigeria to California, from accounting to marketing, Eniola Adaramola’s journey has been one of transformation, growth, and seizing opportunities. Thanks to the Merage for Africa Scholarship, she has been able to pursue her ambitions without financial barriers, making the most of her time at the Merage School of Business.

With her drive, adaptability, and openness to new experiences, Eniola is well on her way to achieving her goals. Her story is a testament to the power of education, opportunity, and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone to create a better future.