Damilola Opayinka: From legal landmarks to global strategy

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA? 

My decision to pursue the Cambridge MBA stems from my desire to bridge the gulf between my current legal expertise and my aspirational career goal to work in a management/strategy consulting firm. While selecting a business school, I was looking for a programme that would enhance my academic business knowledge and provide practical business experience. The Cambridge MBA curriculum, with its combination of core courses, electives and the opportunity to participate in the Cambridge Venture Project and Global Consulting Project, was the deciding factor. Additionally, the class profile at Cambridge Judge is truly international, bringing together students from a wide range of cultural, professional and academic backgrounds. I hope to meet and learn from each of my classmates. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far? 

My greatest accomplishment is having the privilege to have advised, as lead associate on the transaction, Citigroup Global Capital Markets Inc., the Sole Global Coordinator, in connection with the offering of approximately 2.28 billion ordinary shares of Guaranty Trust Holding Company PLC (GTCO) and the successful admission of those shares to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). GTCO is the first Nigerian financial institution to have its ordinary shares listed on the LSE under the equity shares category. 

The success of this landmark deal required extensive legal research, effective teamwork and collaboration with all professional parties working on the transaction. It not only enhanced my expertise in the capital markets but was a fitting close to the chapter of my pre-MBA career. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship? 

Being awarded the Scholarship for Global Impact is an incredible honor which would support me in pursuing my dreams at Cambridge. Coming from a non-traditional background, this scholarship also affirms the value of the unique perspectives that I will bring to the programme. 

I am truly grateful for the support and confidence that this scholarship signifies and I am excited to maximise this opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to the vibrant Cambridge Judge Business School community.  

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year? 

I aim to deepen my strategic leadership skills, gain a comprehensive understanding of global business practices, take advantage of Cambridge MBA curriculum, which is rich and practice-oriented and leverage Cambridge’s expertise and relationships on the financial and consulting landscapes to build my personal and professional network. I am also very interested in joining the Cambridge Africa Business Network and the Consulting Club. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career? 

I expect that the Cambridge MBA will provide me with a solid foundation in business knowledge and a new perspective on how to approach, structure and solve problems, which will be essential skills needed for a global consulting career, where I can advise businesses on strategy and business management.  

What does Cambridge mean to you? 

Cambridge, as a brand, represents academic excellence and I am immensely grateful to be part of a collaborative, diverse and intellectually stimulating environment where ground-breaking ideas are created, born and nurtured. It’s a place where I can challenge myself, expand my horizons and connect with brilliant minds from across the globe. 

Something that few people may know about you… 

My abiding love for architecture. In an alternate life, I would be exceptional at maths and design architectural sketches.