About Tomilola: Tomilola is from Lagos, Nigeria. She has a bachelor’s degree in international relations. Prior to Anderson, Tomilola spent 5 years working in customer relationship and human resources management as a Global Talent Acquisition Specialist for Access Bank, Africa’s largest retail bank. Working with such a diverse range of organizations at Access Bank sparked Tomilola’s interest in Consulting, so she decided to pursue an MBA at Anderson to pivot into this space as well as to refine her leadership skills. Tomilola is passionate about helping people who are in need and giving back to her community. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with loved ones. 

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Embarking on the MBA journey as an African student at UCLA is a remarkable experience, one filled with both challenges and opportunities. As I reflect on my own path, I am reminded of the diverse perspectives and unique contributions that students from Africa bring to the table.

Guidance for Prospective Students

When advising prospective students, I always stress the significance of applying during round 1 of the application cycle. It’s crucial to ensure all necessary steps are completed to meet this deadline. Early preparation is key; research program requirements, including standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT, and English proficiency tests if required. Aim to submit your application early to allow ample time for test preparation, essay writing, and securing recommendation letters. Applying in round 1 also provides sufficient time to initiate the visa application process once admission offers are received. This extra time is advantageous, as visa processing can be time-consuming. Once admitted, promptly begin the visa application process if not already started.

Transitioning into a demanding academic program requires mental and physical preparation. Upon receiving admission, celebrate the achievement! Whether in round 1 or later rounds, securing admission is significant. Before starting the program, prioritize taking time to rest and prepare mentally for the academic challenges ahead. Arriving on campus feeling refreshed and focused will set you up for success from the outset.

Cultural Adjustment

Adjusting to a new cultural and academic environment can feel like stepping into a whole new world. For me, coming from Nigeria to UCLA for my MBA, it was like entering a whirlwind of new experiences. One of the first things that struck me was the diversity of cultures represented on campus. People from all corners of the globe gathered together, each bringing their own customs, languages, and traditions.

The food was one aspect that really stood out to me. Coming from Nigeria, I was used to local famous dishes, like jollof rice and pounded yam. On arriving in LA, I encountered a whole new array of flavors and dishes from around the world: sushi, tacos, pizza – the options seemed endless! It was a delightful adventure for my taste buds, but also a reminder of how food can be a bridge between cultures, connecting us through shared meals and culinary traditions.

Navigating the academic landscape was another challenge altogether. In Nigeria, the education system is completely different, with its own set of rules and expectations. At UCLA, I’ve had to adapt to new teaching styles, classroom dynamics, and academic standards. Group projects, class discussions, and presentations are all part of the learning experience, requiring me to step out of my comfort zone and engage with my peers in new ways.

But amidst the whirlwind of cultural differences and academic challenges, I’ve found moments of connection and camaraderie that have helped me feel at home. Whether bonding over shared experiences with fellow international students or finding common ground with my professors, I’ve discovered that resilience and adaptability are key to navigating this new chapter of my life

Networking with a Global Perspective

Networking with a global perspective has been an enlightening part of my MBA journey. As an African student, I’ve encountered a different style of networking in the United States that initially felt strange to me. At first, I found it odd to see everyone talking at the same time during networking events. It was overwhelming, and I often wanted to leave after just one or two conversations. However, I soon realized that this bustling style of networking is common in America. Even though it felt uncomfortable, I knew I had to adapt to succeed. So, I made an effort to get used to it. I pushed myself to engage with multiple people at once, even when it was challenging.

Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with this approach. I’ve learned to navigate crowded conversations, listen attentively, and share my own insights. This has helped me expand my network and gain confidence in my communication skills. Today, I see networking as a valuable opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and learn from their experiences. While it was unfamiliar at first, embracing this style of networking has been a rewarding part of my MBA journey.

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• Student Blogger: Oluwatomilola Oke ’25
• Undergrad: Covenant University in Nigeria ’16
• Pre-MBA: Global Talent Acquisition Specialist at Access Bank Plc
• Leadership@Anderson: EDI Director, Admissions Ambassador Corps; Director of Intersectionality & Inclusion, Women’s Business Connection; Director of Admission, Black Business Students Association
• Instagram: @tomilolaoke_