Efua Taylor

Efua Taylor

MSc Engineering Management 2021

1. Tell us about yourself.
I am Efua Taylor, from Ghana and I currently work for BT as a Network Designer. I enjoy travelling and seeing new places and sometimes, I really like high octane activities with skydiving on my list as the next thing to try. I like to eat and sleep a lot, I enjoy music and dancing and I do love a nice walk along routes with lovely views on a nice day.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
Covid hit during my time at ARU, which meant I spent most of that period studying virtually. However, right before the pandemic hit, I remember attending the annual International Cultural Day, which was a day for people from all over the world to showcase their culture. I attended the event held in the Lord Ashcroft building on the Chelmsford campus and I remember having a lecture that day too. I attempted to try every single food from all the different stands, and in that attempt, I was late to the lecture, although not too late! I snuck in and right when I thought the job was done, Mr Oshodi, my lecturer, threw a question at me and I had absolutely no idea what was going on. It was a bit of a laugh. I went back to the event immediately after class and really do hold that day fondly because I got to eat so much food, danced with my friends which was so fun, and really got to experience the other side of my peers outside the classroom!

3. What has been your favourite job?
My current job at BT is my favourite job. Maybe because I hadn’t really done a lot of jobs prior to this other than some internships here and there. This job challenges me all the time time and I constantly have to learn to keep up with new technologies, which keeps me on my toes.

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Diverse.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
Aside from the obvious studying and receiving a degree certificate from that, I also made friends and built connections which still stand to now. I really benefited from participating in the mentorship programme, and it was through this that I found my mentor, whom has been very instrumental in my career journey up to now.

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
I loved the practical management aspect of my course. I liked the mathematical bits too, but the practical management side involved modules that I could relate to like cost and financial management, project management systems and management theory.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
Firstly, immerse yourself in extracurricular activities outside the classroom. More importantly, I’d say believe in yourselves and start applying for jobs even before you reach graduation. Graduate roles are a good way to enter the market as they afford you the room to learn, develop and grow in a business. Life out of school is a jungle, so you must be adaptable and open minded to survive.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
Life after school isn’t really a checkbox of passing all the modules in school with good grades. I wish I had known earlier to undertake more internships and research to put my learned knowledge to practice and deepen my understanding. I wish I had taken more time whilst studying to just explore ideas that resonated with me.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
My mentor was as she pushed me to apply for jobs, even when I didn’t think I was ready to, and she helped me navigate the process.

10. What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to not be too comfortable and to take more chances in all facets of life really. Also, to travel more and enjoy life!

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
Most people think I’m very outgoing and loud, but in reality, I’m very shy and do like my quiet space.

12. What’s next?
The world really is my oyster. I’m currently looking to do some more advanced certifications which will help me get into leadership roles either at BT or elsewhere.