We speak with Joanne Oguntimehin (BA English Literature 2015) who is currently working as a Qualitative Researcher at The Nursery.
What did you enjoy most about studying English at Royal Holloway?
I enjoyed the combination of the introductory grounding to Literature we got in first year (Shakespeare, Introduction to the Novel) to the freedom and quirkiness of the modules in third year. Particularly the ability to create your own essay titles in 3rd year - I found this intellectually challenging. I remember writing an essay on water for my American Literature module and cities for my Postcolonial module, you end up dissecting and deducing some fascinating stuff!
How did Royal Holloway help you to discover opportunities and prepare you for life after university?
I don’t think anything can fully prepare you to find your purpose in life, but Royal Holloway definitely embedded some key skills that has helped me along the way. Balancing working in the post room and studying taught me about prioritising and time management. Being the Communications Officer of the African and Caribbean Society taught me teamwork and patience. Seminars helped me build my confidence and discuss and evidence my opinions and think on my feet. Most tangibly, Royal Holloway introduced me to the world of Teach First.
How did your experience at Royal Holloway enable you to discover your passions / help you to grow as an individual?
Royal Holloway helped me grow as an individual through by exposing me to lots of different types of people, allowing me to learn how to find commonalities and build strong relationships
Tell us about your career journey since graduating and what you are doing now.
2015 – 2017: Completed the Teach First Leadership Development Programme - Secondary school English Teacher.
2017/2018: Travelled a little, experienced fun employment and then became a freelance writer and content creator for an education start up.
Summer 2018: Tried my hand at curating events - Tate Britain internship in their community and events team.
2019: Dabbled my feet into the advertising world - Account Executive at Grey London followed by an internship in their Planning and Strategy department.
2019 - present: Researcher at a research and planning agency working with brands and helping them understand the consumer’s view as well as how they can grow their brand. Involves speaking to people, leading focus groups and workshops, analysis, problem solving, client management and solid presentation skills (I wish I knew this was a thing as soon as I finished university).
What advice would you give to students thinking about a career in your sector?
Hmmm…try it out and see if you like it. Portfolio careers are becoming the norm so don’t be afraid of dipping your feet in here, having a taste over there. Just be mindful and intentional about the things and skills you are learning along the way. For a Qualitative Researcher, it is important that you are a good listener and are able to decipher between what people say and what they mean. But yes, there’s no magic wand, just get out there do some (PAID!) internships and see if it’s for you.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Surviving and eventually thriving as an English teacher on the Teach First programme. Hardest thing I have done to date, but so rewarding looking back at the obstacles I overcome, relationships I built with students and the mere fact that I didn’t give up. (Plus passing my driving test late last year)!
