Logo close icon

Ikenna Okike

Ikenna OkikeHead, Human Resources, GUS Consulting Limited

MA Human Resource Management, 2010


What made you choose Middlesex University?

I chose Middlesex due to recommendations I had received from former students about the Human Resources course and Business School in general.

What attracted you to your course and made you apply?

My quest to find out how to get the best out of employees. In particular, I wanted to understand why some employees perform better and gain insight into how to keep these employees.

What aspects of your course did you enjoy most?

Strategic People Management and Development.

What is your fondest memory of life at Middlesex?

The tutorial week as this provided a platform for one-to-one discussions with lecturers about modules we had covered and any areas where I was having issues. I also really enjoyed the group work because it allowed me to interact more with other course students from other cultures. The whole diversity of culture at Middlesex was great.

What one piece of advice would you give to a prospective student interested in studying at Middlesex?

I would recommend anyone who is interested in going to Middlesex to go as the university provides an excellent studying environment with a rich cultural mix allowing you to appreciate people from a variety of backgrounds, and tutors who willingly go the extra mile to make sure you don't just participate, but actually acquire the required knowledge.

How did your course and time at Middlesex help you to get where you are professionally today?

The course at Middlesex University helped shape my career. Through my student placement, I was able to secure my first job in a Human Resources department. As a result of my placement, I was offered the job before my course had even finished and started as soon as I had completed my dissertation.

What made you choose the industry you work in and what are its pros and cons?

The main pro is that you can practice HR in any industry.

How did you get your foot on the career ladder post university?

As a result of my student placement at Middlesex, I was offered a job before the end of my course and started as soon as I completed my dissertation.

What has been your defining career break or highlight to date?

Being the head of our Human Resources department in my organisation as this gives me the opportunity to make strategic decisions and have a closer relationship with the top management.

What does the future hold for you?

The future is definitely bright! I am looking forward to developing my expertise further and to taking more professional development courses. I hope that if I can find a sponsor, I will be able to return to Middlesex University to study a PhD degree.

What are the top three career tips you would give to current students and recent graduates?

Always participate during group work as this helps you to learn how to work as part of a team which is really important when you start out on your chosen career path. Always have focus, set achievable goals and evaluate those goals. Always be a good ambassador of Middlesex University.

In this section

Back to top