2010s

Omolara Oyedeji

Senior Analyst | StepStone Group

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I started looking for jobs after completing my degree in Mining Geology at the University of Exeter. I was focusing on geology-related roles, and I thought it would be easy getting a job with a degree – but it wasn’t at all. I ended up going to a Job Centre to get some additional help with my job search. While I was there, one of the staff members told me I should contact Making The Leap, since they have a track record of helping people like me. I had nothing to lose, so I called the number he gave me.

Gareth was the first person I spoke to. He was super inviting and friendly – he asked me what my ambitions were, and told me exactly how Making The Leap could help me. I immediately felt really comfortable, and I joined the ACE Programme in March 2019. I confess – I was surprised at how structured and detailed it was. I thought it would just be a bit of help with your CV, but it was three weeks of exceptional training!

I gained so much from the workshop. It gave me structure and a routine, which I’d lost after finishing university. It also boosted my confidence, which had really taken a knock from all the rejections I’d had when applying for jobs. And it opened my eyes to so many career paths that I’d never considered. The sense of community during the workshop was so important to me – knowing that you’re not alone, you’re in it together, and everyone’s cheering each other on as you go.

After the workshop, Marlene invited me to attend a Corporate Insight Day at StepStone along with a group of Making The Leap’s Fellows. We learned all about private markets, investing, what StepStone does – and it really sparked something in me. I kept in touch with some of the StepStone employees I met on the day, and I was soon invited to complete a one-week internship. Things really just grew from there. Thanks to the combination of my hard work, the hours I was putting in, and an internal sponsor who really took me under her wing, my internship was increased to two months, and then I was offered a one-year contract. As that came to an end, I was offered a longer-term position, and since joining the firm on a permanent basis, I’ve been promoted to Senior Analyst.

I’ve gained so much through Making The Leap. On top of the direct introduction to StepStone, I’ve gained a whole new community. I’m still close to Marlene and Krupa, and I keep in touch with my workshop cohort too. We talk regularly and still help each other out – someone in the group is looking for a job at the moment, so we’re offering advice and keeping an eye out for opportunities for them. I’m really excited to be part of the new Fellows Board, which will help me to inspire and positively impact more young people’s lives.

You can learn more about Omolara’s career via her LinkedIn profile.