From Engineering to MBA: How I'm championing diversity within the MBA and wider industry

Full-time MBA candidate Ehinomen Okaiwele embarked on his studies with a commitment to broadening his horizons and championing diversity. Here, Ehinomen discusses embracing Warwick Business School's Change Maker values, and shares his advice for those aspiring to apply for the Black in Business scholarship. 

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Ehinomen, fondly called Ehi by close friends and family, and I come from Southern Nigeria. I am a Mechanical Engineer with about 12 years professional experience across facility operations, maintenance, and project management in the Nigerian upstream oil & gas industry. I am currently a member of the Association of Project Management and a chartered engineer in Nigeria (and working towards same in UK).

Having spent most of my professional career in very technical roles, I decided to embark on a learning journey to broaden my horizon. In particular, I wanted to understand business from the lens of the C-suite and do so in a truly diverse and international institution, and that began my journey to the prestigious Warwick Business School (WBS).

What motivated you to apply for a scholarship?

My MBA is self-sponsored and my reason for applying for a scholarship was financial. As part of my research prior to and during my MBA application, I had developed a rough estimate of the total cost and how to fund it, or so I thought. However, before my resumption, the 2023 Nigerian elections came with some political changes that had severe economic consequences, among which was the devaluation of our currency. This led to a significant gap in my funding plans.

Consequently, I had to make a decision on how or if to proceed. I reached out to the WBS admissions team and I was advised to consider the available scholarships and apply. A few weeks later, I received an email from WBS that my application was successful, and I was awarded a scholarship, and this was the extra boost I needed to pursue my ambitions.

How have you been Championing Diversity, both in industry and within your MBA? 

As someone from a minority group within the MBA, I am committed to speaking up and championing diversity within my network. While researching possible MBA institutions and preparing my application, I recall being put in touch with the previous Black in Business Club president for WBS and how supportive he was during my application process. The impact of this kind of support lasts forever, and I feel it is my responsibility to pay it forward. I am a member of the current Black in Business executives and committed to supporting our network and championing our cause both within the MBA and in the wider industry.

How have you been embodying Warwick Business School’s Change Maker values and having an impact on your sector/society during your MBA?

Founded in 2021, the WBS Black in Business serves as a support network that fosters a sense of belonging and shared ambition among black students, allies, and alumni ofWBS. While most of our members are from black ethnic backgrounds, we welcome allies from other backgrounds as we serve to promote our representation and advancement in WBS and the industry in general. As a current executive member, I strive to live these values and seek to strengthen and increase our network. I believe it is important that blacks and other minority groups are properly represented at the table such that the benefits of diversity, equality and inclusion can be truly realised in society.

Do you have any advice to other considering applying for a scholarship?

To those who are considering applying for a scholarship, my advice is to network with your peers and prepare a strong application as scholarships can be quite competitive but fair. The school has several clubs and a strong alumni base that proves a very supportive network of ambassadors. The WBS website is another great resource as it has up to date information on the scholarship options and how to apply. For further information, applicants can also reach out to WBS staff because they are very supportive and are available to support you with any queries you may have.