Case study: Deborah Igunma
What was your first meeting with your mentor like?
She was extremely friendly and welcoming. We talked about everything from my ideas for the business challenge, which the programme leads up to, to the traits needed for a career in the financial industry. I came away with the impression that she didn’t just take up the position as a mentor because she had spare time (she was actually extremely busy!) but because she genuinely cared about the personal and career development of women in the workplace.
What surprised you most about the experience of being mentored?
The fact that I could decide the agenda. This surprised me because I had thought that this was something my mentor, as the more senior figure, would control. However, this approach empowered me and helped me to identify the topics I wanted to speak about.
What is your proudest moment from the mentoring programme?
Delivering my presentation as part of the business challenge final. As the date approached, I was very anxious. However, when I was up there, my fears vanished. It made realise that confidence grows as you do something, not before. I was amazed when I was named one of the two winners! This has led to an internship at Citi which I will complete this summer.
Tell us what you are up to now…
I’m excited to have secured a graduate position at Citi as a capital markets origination analyst. I look forward to starting that next summer (2019), once I’ve completed my studies in Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.
I’m also working on turning the idea I had for the Momentum business challenge into a reality. My idea is for a social network for entrepreneurs. I’m on the look out for keen, charismatic individuals to join my team – so if you’re interested drop me a line via LinkedIn.
Find out about another of our mentees, Simran Chana.
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