Hey! My name is Michael Ononye. I was born and raised in London, but I am of Nigerian heritage. Currently, I am in the second of a four-year degree studying BSc Economics. In my third year, I will embark on an exchange year studying abroad. More on that shortly…
Why did you choose to study at UEA?
I chose to study here because of UEA’s distinguished academic reputation. This consideration was paramount to my decision-making process as I sought to study at an institution that guaranteed a venerable education, but also one which could enhance my personal brand. Further I was attracted to its nature-set campus which sits on 320 acres.
Why economics?
I studied economics during my A-levels and enjoyed these studies thoroughly. Further, and reprieve my hubris, I found myself to be particularly adept in the discipline, at this time. For these reasons, and a few others, I was settled on studying the subject at university-level.
Do you have a favourite module, and can you tell us why?
No. I do not have an indisputably favoured module. So far all have contributed immense and unique value in providing me with a far-reaching economic education. However, I found the Introductory Mathematics module of year one to be particularly salutary. Although undeniably tough, the module provided rigorous practice and grounding in mathematical techniques such as differentiation, which is used in economics to solve optimisation problems. Without differentiation it would be difficult for economists to answer pressing questions, such as the amount of consumption that would maximise a citizen’s utility or wellbeing, given their personal income; or the amount of machinery a firm should deploy to minimise its costs, given it may be required to bring a certain quantity of goods to the market at any given time. Further, as someone who had struggled with maths throughout my prior schoolyears, this module enabled me to catch-up with my more numerically gifted course mates. Thanks, Bahar!
What do you enjoy most about the school of economics at UEA?
The multitude of employability events which are ever conferring me greater clarity on my career options and what each may entail.
How did you make friends?
I made many friends through my course. Plenty of modules in economics enjoin groupwork on assignments. Consequently, I meet, spend time and establish rapports with many people. Once these assignments are complete, often relationships develop further quite organically, which is nice!
Have you done any internships or part-time jobs?
Yes. Through the UEA career hub, Career Central, I managed to find and secure an internship with West Suffolk Council, which I undertook during the summer of my first year. Here I worked within the council’s Greenspaces and Heritage team. My main activities were carrying out on-foot site visits, writing site-condition reports, and shadowing the department manager. My fellow interns and I also led and presented a community promotional campaign for an environmental initiative which the council wishes to launch in the future.
Although this internship was not directly related to the subject of my academic studies, I took away much value from the experience. Effectively managing projects, delivering value-adding presentations, and acquiring a practical insight to the indispensability of soft skills – such as clear communication – to success in the workplace, are just three of my many positive takeaways from the placement.
Can you tell us why you chose to study abroad and where you will be going?
I will be studying in the Midwest of the United States at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I chose to embark on UEA’s exchange program as I have an interest in potentially undertaking my career outside of the UK. Naturally then, I perceived this program as a serendipitous benefaction, granting me an insight to opportunities available abroad.
Further, a tripartite degree seemed inadequate to me. I will use the additional year of studies to broaden my economic perspective, with one specific objective of mine, for the year abroad, of developing a sincere understanding of the mechanisms of Northern, and perhaps also, Southern American economies.
Great! What do you do for fun?
When I find spare time, I enjoy exercising and reading.
What are you reading at the moment?
‘The Complete Works of Epictetus’, translated by Robin Waterfield.
Thank you, Michael for your time. It has been fascinating. Can first-year and prospective students contact you for advice?
Yes. My email is M.Ononye@uea.ac.uk. I am happy to answer any questions people may have about studying economics, living in Norwich, or general enquiries pertaining the UEA.