Enyioma Kennedy Ojukwu

What have you been doing since finishing your studies? 

I have been in the construction business via my own construction firm in Nigeria.

What company are you working for, what is your role and what does it involve?

I work for Linghcon Nigeria Limited, a contracting company that majors in building construction from designing to construction. I’m a major shareholder and run position of the Managing Director. I oversee the operations of the company and report to the company Directors though in some projects, I occupy the position of Project Engineer due to my expertise as a Structural Engineer where I oversee all engineering applications on the project at site. 

What experiences at Leeds do you think have particularly helped with your career?

My experience at Leeds is immeasurable. To put it simply, after my study, I had the confidence to start up and run my own company which I was not sure if I should prior to my study at Leeds. 

Looking back, why did you choose to study your particular course and why did you choose the University of Leeds?

Leeds was my preferred choice due to the course outline that satisfied my quest to improve knowledge and experience in structural engineering. My first degree was in Civil Engineering and I wanted to pursue a career in that line. I have a passion for the built environment which made my choice of study easy adding to the fact that University of Leeds provided that opportunity with its track record and of course its location and environment. 

What was the best aspect of the course/the University and why? 

The exposure to architectural engineering was the best aspect, it was a new area for me and was worth it. My dissertation was also very interesting because it presented the most challenge to me.

What other activities outside of your studies were you involved in?

Though time was very limited due to the demands of my course of study, I was able to engage in some leisurely activities such as playing football, going to the gym, going on excursion trips, partying and hanging out with really nice people I met at Leeds. The student’s union was always a place to be around and I also attended the international students’ meetings.

What would you say to students thinking about studying the same course at Leeds/thinking about the same career?

The University of Leeds is the best thing that can happen to your career path. The academics and life at Leeds is simply a life giving experience. I was able to convince a friend who had studied for her masters at UCL to go and study for her PhD at University of Leeds, which she did and is in her final year now at Leeds. University of Leeds will always be my preferred choice.