From Football Scholar to Full-Time Professional: My Journey from the Pitch to a Career with Toyota & Lexus GB

A recent University of Essex graduate shares how the football scholarship programme helped him secure an internship and eventually a full-time role at Toyota & Lexus GB. 

Introducing... Daniel Oduleye

Football Scholar to Career Success

Being part of the football scholarship program at Essex was instrumental in securing my internship with Toyota and Lexus GB. The camaraderie and teamwork during training sessions, alongside learning to work with different personalities on the field, really sharpened my social and interpersonal skills. These abilities translated well into the workplace when I started my internship, enabling me to make an immediate impact. Having the scholarship experience on my CV also caught the attention of my employer. It highlighted my organisational skills, showcasing my ability to balance essentially full-time football with my academic responsibilities and career development.

Academic Preparation

Studying Economics and Computing at Essex allowed me to benefit from both worlds. I developed a solid understanding of economic issues and honed my technical skills by working with programming languages like Java, Python, and SQL. This combination of analytical and technical expertise provided me with diverse experiences and a strong drive to achieve. I was fortunate enough to earn a first-class degree, excelling in my dissertation, which further bolstered my academic standing and prepared me for a competitive job market.

Balancing Sports and Studies

Maintaining the balance between BUCS Tier 1 football and academic excellence required a proactive approach. There are sacrifices - such as staying late in the library or seeking out extra help from lecturers - but with motivation and time management, it’s possible to succeed in both areas. Personally, I found joy in balancing the pressures of academia with the physical outlet of football. That balance helped me stay grounded, and it was an incredible experience to be named on the Dean’s List of Excellence. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing and would happily do it all over again!

Advice for Future Scholars

To any future scholars, my advice would be to stay motivated and set clear, achievable goals each term. Keep track of what you want to accomplish and treat your time at Essex as an investment in your future. The key is to stay disciplined and committed to your goals, both in sports and academics, as they are deeply connected to your personal and professional growth.

Support for Student-Athletes

Essex’s support services for student-athletes were invaluable during my time there. From pre-season accommodation to the student bursary, the university ensured I had everything I needed to perform at my best. These services, including financial support for proper nutrition, allowed me to focus on both my athletic performance and academic goals without unnecessary distractions.

Path to Your Current Role

One of the most important things for me was gaining practical experience to determine my career path. During my undergraduate studies, I completed internships in the finance and technology sectors, which helped me identify where my skills would be most valuable. After completing my degree, I secured a summer internship at the Toyota and Lexus GB head office. I performed well, which led to a full-time role with the company, where I’ve also been offered the opportunity to pursue a funded master’s degree. The combination of academic success, athletic discipline, and real-world experience shaped the career trajectory I’m on today.

Huge congratulations to Daniel on his achievements so far. We hope to welcome him back to hear more about his journey and advice for current students looking to progress their professional careers. 

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