Onome Tenderlyn Etefia

Profile

As a mother and scholar, Onome’s academic journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. While her primary aim was to achieve strong academic results, Onome is proudly graduating today as a departmental prize winner, a feat well beyond her initial expectations.

Through our Unitemps initiative, Onome has had the opportunity to earn while pursuing her studies. With the help of our University support system, Onome stands as a shining example to our students of the success that can follow finding a balance between family, work, and academic responsibilities.

Find out more about Onome’s inspiring story below.

What programme did you study and why did you choose it?

I studied MSc in Finance and Management because it aligned with my career goals and skill set. With work experience in auditing, consulting, and accounting, I grew in my career from being a young graduate to gaining extensive industry knowledge, which is why I wanted to further develop myself in finance with management. When I was presented with a scholarship from the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF), I was very grateful, as I have always wanted to make more of an impact in my industry. As a PTDF Scholar, my aim was not only to advance my technical expertise but also to gain a global perspective in my field, which Heriot-Watt provided.

What were the key differences you found between studying/living in Nigeria and Scotland?

Studying in Scotland presented new experiences and adjustments compared to Nigeria. Academically, I found a greater emphasis on independent study and research, which encouraged me to think critically and manage my time effectively. The weather, of course, was a big change! However, Scotland’s friendly community, beautiful landscapes, and rich history made it an exciting place to live. The cultural diversity at Heriot-Watt also made me feel more connected, as I met people from all over the world.

How did the University help you balance the demands of motherhood with your studies?

Balancing motherhood and my studies was made easier with the support of my family- my husband provided a great support system, as well as my parents, sibling and granny, who made this whole journey seamless for me. I am especially grateful for the Unitemps initiative, which allowed me to work part-time in roles that fit my schedule and didn’t interfere with my studies.

Can you tell us more about what prize you received and how it feels to be a prize-winning student?

I was awarded the departmental prize, which was a truly humbling and proud moment for me. While my goal was to do my best academically, I never expected such recognition. Winning this prize affirmed all the hard work and dedication I invested, and it motivates me to keep pushing forward in my career. It also represents the support I received from my family and my belief that I can achieve great things, even with added responsibilities.

Did you get any careers or employability support during your time at Heriot-Watt?

Yes, I received valuable employability support from Heriot-Watt, and Unitemps played a significant role in that. Through Unitemps, I found temporary work as a beverage assistant in the hospitality sector. This experience allowed me to earn while studying, which eased some financial pressures and gave me valuable experience in a UK work environment. I appreciated how Unitemps offered roles that were flexible and relevant to students, allowing me to develop my skills without impacting my academic performance.

I also took part in the EBS Consultancy Bootcamp, what was part of our Management Consultancy course. I worked in a two-person team on a project with a real client, Let’s do Engineering (LED). We conducted a targeted market segment analysis and developed a strategic roadmap to help LED focus on the right customers, accelerate growth, and enhance their market value. This hands-on project gave me some fantastic practical experience in consulting.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to apply for a post-study graduate visa, which will allow me to explore job opportunities in the UK and gain industry experience in my field of study. My goal is to secure a role that allows me to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired while contributing to innovative solutions in the financial sector.