Two minutes with…Aliyya Gbadamosi
After completing three weeks’ work experience here at MRM, student Aliyya Gbadamosi – who took part in our annual education & internship programme – reflects on her time with the business and what she’s learnt along the way.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Aliyya Gbadamosi, I go to Westminster City School and am currently studying Biology, Chemistry and Economics. In the future I would love to study medicine or have an apprenticeship in finance. As you may already tell from my choice in subjects, I like to have a variety of things do – outside of school I manage my own baking business, and I volunteer at Kings College Hospital.
Why did you choose to do your work experience here at MRM?
I chose to complete my work experience at MRM because I wanted to challenge myself and gain exposure to a professional environment. I had not spent a significant amount of time in an office setting and felt this experience would allow me to assess whether such an environment aligns with my future career aspirations.
Additionally, through taking part in the six-week education workshops MRM runs as part of the internship programme, I gained the impression that MRM fosters a friendly and enjoyable working atmosphere. I believed it would be the ideal place to get a preview of how to navigate a professional environment in the future.
What did you take away from your time here at MRM?
During my time at MRM, I have gained a broad spectrum of knowledge, encompassing both practical and financial skills.
One of the key insights I acquired is the importance of treating every task with the utmost care and attention, regardless of its scale. Whether it’s a routine administrative duty or a critical project, each assignment must be approached with the same level of diligence, recognizing that every contribution plays a vital role in the larger picture.
Moreover, this experience has significantly enhanced my time management abilities. Looking back on the past three weeks, I am pleased with how I managed to balance my preparation for Year 13 exams with the demands of my responsibilities at MRM. This balance was achieved through disciplined time allocation and a commitment to working efficiently and with purpose.
Another valuable lesson from my time at MRM was the power of opinion within the organisation. I was particularly impressed by how MRM genuinely values the perspectives of younger voices, including mine. My input, especially on topics related to Young Money and financial services, was not only welcomed but actively encouraged. This openness to diverse viewpoints underscores MRM’s inclusive and progressive culture, and it was incredibly rewarding to contribute to discussions on issues that matter to my generation.
Overall, my experience at MRM has been profoundly enriching, equipping me with skills and insights that will be invaluable as I navigate my future career.
What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
One accomplishment I’m most proud of is the way I was able to get my grade in GCSE mocks from a grade 3 to a grade 7 in the actual GCSEs. This was a very proud moment for me because as you could imagine getting a 3 in your mocks would be very defeating on your mental health, which it was. But due to the help of my family, especially my mum and brother, they reminded me I wouldn’t be able to improve if I do the same thing again and again which changed my mind set and I was able to work hard and persevere.
Do you think it’s important for young people to learn about the importance of money and if so, why?
If there’s one key takeaway from this entire programme, it’s the critical importance of understanding money and the different ways to value it. For young people, financial education is not just beneficial it’s essential. Unfortunately, not all young people are fortunate enough to have access to this kind of knowledge at home or in school, which makes it even more vital to emphasise its importance. Not every young person has the opportunity to learn about money management at home. By making financial education accessible, we can help bridge the gap and provide all young people with the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their background.
Ultimately, understanding the importance of money is a crucial life skill that can have a profound impact on a young person’s future. By prioritising financial education, we’re not just teaching them how to manage money; we’re giving them the foundation for a secure and successful life. This knowledge is a gift that keeps on giving, providing benefits that extend far beyond the balance sheet.
What do you think financial services PR is?
Before this internship I would normally associate PR with make-up brands sending free products to influential people to promote the product. However, after these three weeks I have come to learn that there is so much more to financial PR such as investments, pensions and communications which was very different to me further expanding my knowledge of financial services and how diverse it is.
What are your future life/career goals?
No matter what profession I end up going into my goal would forever be to have an impact on people no matter how small or big.