February 17, 2025

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Securing Global Internships: Tips from Mubarakah Adepeju’s Internship Story

By Azeezat Olatunde, Ameerah Juniad, Shalom Jessica N.

One persistent challenge in the labour market is emphasising specific years of experience for job roles. This requirement often discourages skilled and qualified individuals from applying. Even those bold enough to try frequently find themselves passed over for roles due to this rigid standard. While some industries, like tech, have started easing these demands, many others remain stuck in this tradition, with entry-level positions requiring years of experience.

In response, students find innovative ways to meet these evolving demands. Some gain relevant experience by interning during their undergraduate years, and some pursue internships abroad, positioning themselves to thrive in a competitive landscape. Mubarakah Adepeju is one such individual driven by an insatiable hunger for career growth.

The famous saying “every disappointment is a blessing” rings true for Mubarakah Adepeju, a student at the University of Lagos whose path to securing an internship at Bank of America was anything but conventional. Her journey, marked by missed deadlines and moments of self-doubt, culminated in a triumph that now inspires many students.

Adepeju’s story began with hesitation. In her first year, she discovered the opportunity at Bank of America but chose not to apply, doubting her qualifications.

 “I thought to myself, ‘I don’t have what it takes yet,’” she recalled. 

The following year brought another setback—she missed the application deadline. 

“That was my wake-up call. I realised I couldn’t keep watching opportunities slip away,” she shared.

Determined to rewrite her story, Adepeju began researching how to position herself for international internship opportunities. She created a LinkedIn profile, revamped her résumé, and contacted former interns for advice. These connections proved invaluable, offering insights into the rigorous selection process and boosting her confidence. 

“Speaking to people who had walked the path I aspired to gave me clarity and courage,” she said.

By her third year, she was ready to apply. She tailored her application to align with Bank of America’s requirements, and when the invitation for an interview came, Barakat knew the real challenge lay ahead. The process involved multiple rounds of interviews, essay writing, case study assessment, and technical assessments. She prepared meticulously, practising mock interviews and mastering financial concepts to ace the stages. Her efforts paid off. When the offer finally came, Barakat was overwhelmed with joy. 

“I was nervous but determined. I kept reminding myself that I deserved to be there.”

When asked about what she believed contributed to her successful application, she explained,

“I would say that for someone to be successful in an international internship application, you will need a combination of different things. Your grade, skills, and readiness to learn are important because they believe you should apply for the internship, not because you have all the required skills. You must have a thirst for knowledge; this fills the void of not being 100% skilled in the area. As long as the person has shown her willingness to learn and can adapt to the fast-growing industry, things become easy.”

Adepeju also highlighted the university’s support for successful applicants, as the internship was held during the school session.

“I wasn’t the only one who got the offer from UNILAG. We had to write a letter to a lecturer, Dr. Peter Amah, who helped us. We explained that we needed to take some time off school. He wrote a letter to the DVC on our behalf. Eventually, the VC granted us permission to go for the internship, focus on the internship, be fully present for our internship, and then come back later for our exam because we missed the semester exam.”

Now that she has completed her internship, Barakat dreams of a career bridging emerging markets like Nigeria with the global financial world. Reflecting on her journey, she highlights the importance of resilience and strategic networking. 

“Rejections aren’t failures; they’re lessons,” she emphasises. 

She advised other students interested in global internship opportunities to “Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can. ”