My family loves Politics. Our morning discussions centre around Nigerian politics so when he said it didn't appeal to him, I knew that as he didn't grow up in England, it was very normal that he would have to feign interest until he found real passion.
I completely relate to what he is experiencing. Whilst applying for summer internships, I realised that I wasn't sure what it was I wanted to do career wise. I was applying for jobs in the engineering industry but I knew I didn't want to work in that sector. When I moved on to applying to the big Investment banks, whilst my friends were applying for front office roles like Sales/Trading and Investment banking, I was going for the back office roles like Internal Audit. I'm driven by passion so I knew that I wouldn't be happy in that role. I needed to find a role that was an intersection of all or most of my interests.
I was walking to school one morning and I walked past a professional services firm. I'd walked past this firm every weekday in the school year for 2 years and for the first time, I had a curiosity surge. I rushed to the library, got a computer and searched for what they did. I learnt then that the Audit Commission had called on big firms to bid for Public Sector contracts and this firm had been the biggest benefactor. I had my epiphany then. For the first time, I felt like I knew what I wanted to do. If I got a job in public sector audit, I'd get the chance to (even though minutely) influence governance by giving advice to public sector bodies on better ways to maximise their allocation and resources. I'd get to scrutinise their accounts and make sure there were no discrepancies, literally make sure tax payers' money was being spent on the right things in the right way and finally, I'd get a professional qualification. As my interests range from good governance and accountability in the public sector to Maths and Science, I was ecstatic! I still am.
I scored my internship and enjoyed greatly my time at the firm. I learnt a lot but I kept wishing I was doing work for the local government councils, hospitals and police bodies back home. I kept imagining how exciting it'd be to see familiar names on the statement of accounts or query workers about issues I was very familiar with.
I've lived in England for only 5 years and I still actively follow Nigerian politics and lifestyle. I still feel like I have to give back to my people. I keep wondering if my flame would burn hotter if I was playing 'Miss Fix-it' or 'Madam due process', if my passion would thrive more if I was actively involved in reforming the Nigerian public sector.
It's very exciting that I have these quandaries to ponder on. They keep me going. I am grateful for the experience working in England is providing me with. I'm ecstatic that I am now not limited to writing essays on what I think the problem with Nigeria is; I am acquiring skills that will enable me become a reformer.
This is my dream taking full shape.
Love,
Onyi
