Wamide Animashaun - A.G. Leventis Foundation Scholarship
In Her Opportunity Story, Wamide Animashaun shares her insights and experiences as a recipient of the A.G. Leventis Foundation Scholarship. Applications for the A.G. Leventis Foundation Scholarship open between 1st and 31st of March every year.
Wamide Animashaun
Wamide Animashaun is currently a VP at a tech startup, a career pivot coach, and the co-founder of CAWSTEM, a social enterprise bridging the STEM gender gap. She excels in driving strategic initiatives, managing partnerships, and scaling business operations for medium to large organizations in emerging markets. She holds an MBA from the American College of Greece and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Covenant University. Her driving force is to inspire change and create impact through meaningful content, coaching, and community.
Before the Scholarship
Can you share your academic and professional background before joining the MBA program?
I got my Bachelors (B.Eng in Computer Engineering) from Covenant University in 2012, and graduated with a First Class Honors and was one of the top two students to do so in my set.
Before joining the Alba MBA program in 2017, I had garnered about five years of work experience in both consulting and technology. I had worked as a Consultant at PwC, where I managed technology-driven projects across various industries. Before my time at PwC, I worked at Jumia as a front-end developer, where I gained hands-on experience in e-commerce and digital business operations.
What motivated you to apply to the MBA program at Alba Graduate Business School at the American College of Greece and pursue the A.G. Leventis Foundation Scholarship?
When I finished my bachelors,I had been considering a degree in Engineering Management, but decided to get some work experience before going for my masters.
While working at PwC, I was on an enterprise-wide transformation project for a Tier 1 investment bank and I was so intrigued by the business side of things. I was working from the client site for almost 2 years, and got exposed to a lot. I was part of meetings where key business decisions were made, not just at a technology level, but also at a strategic and financial level.
This experience/exposure sparked my interest in understanding how businesses operate beyond the tech layer. I was drawn to gaining a broader business and leadership skill set, and I believed an MBA would help me bridge that gap. So I applied to several schools including Alba. Alba stood out in particular because of the A.G. Leventis Foundation Scholarship (a full scholarship) which provided the perfect opportunity to pursue this goal without the financial burden.
How did you navigate the application process for both the MBA program and the scholarship? Were there any specific strategies that helped you stand out?
I was fortunate to have strong mentorship and guidance throughout my application process. Three previous Leventis Foundation Scholarship recipients were in my network, including my own sister. This made it easier for me to envision myself in the program and gain insights into the application process. I focused on crafting a strong and authentic application - highlighting my academic achievements, work experience, and aspirations. I remember submitting my online application and sending my completed application package via DHL to the Leventis Foundation office in Abuja.
While Alba was not the only school I applied to, having access to past scholars helped me understand what makes an application stand out. Additionally, my First Class degree provided a strong academic foundation, giving me an edge in the selection process.
What challenges did you face during the application process, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was self-doubt. I often second-guessed whether I was qualified enough, particularly in terms of age and years of experience at that time. However, I overcame this by leaning on my support system, seeking guidance from my former managers at PwC, and reminding myself of my experiences and achievements. Recognizing the value I brought to the table helped me build the confidence needed to move forward.
For applicants with limited work experience, what key elements can they emphasize to craft a strong and competitive application for the MBA program and scholarship?
Every experience counts - whether paid or voluntary. If you have limited formal work experience, emphasize your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, volunteer work, and academic achievements. Show how these experiences have shaped your skills in leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Looking back, what do you wish you had known before applying for an MBA?
I wish I had learned how to tell my story even better. I also wish I had been more confident in applying to more opportunities, rather than letting fear and self-doubt hold me back. I first considered graduate school in 2014, but at the time, I was more focused on pursuing engineering roles. By 2016/2017, I became more serious about an MBA and applied to schools like Alba, Stanford, and IE Business School. While I was admitted to IE Business School with a 40% scholarship, I ultimately declined because I was committed to pursuing my studies debt-free. Unfortunately, I wasn’t accepted into Stanford, but the entire process reinforced the importance of early planning, persistence, and believing in myself when pursuing big opportunities.
During the Scholarship
How would you describe your academic and professional experience as an MBA student at the American College of Greece?
It was an intense yet deeply rewarding experience. The program exposed me to diverse perspectives in business, leadership, and entrepreneurship, broadening my understanding beyond my previous work experience.
While the broader community was predominantly Greek-speaking, all classes were conducted in English, which made it easier to integrate. The small class sizes fostered personalized learning and close interactions with both faculty and classmates, creating a supportive and engaging academic environment.
Additionally, all classes were delivered in the evenings (allowing part-time MBA students to balance work and studies effectively), and this provided a lot of flexibility even for me as a full-time student. I used my mornings and afternoons to tour the city, catch up on assignments and manage my academic workload, ensuring I stayed on top of my studies while making the most of the beautiful country I was in. This made the learning experience even more enriching. I have so many precious memories I still hold dearly.
What steps did you take to successfully transition into university life after receiving the scholarship, and what advice would you give to new scholars?
Alba’s admissions team had a well-structured student integration program, which made the transition smoother. During the first week, we had orientation sessions, team bonding sessions and received language packs to help us navigate the city. Before moving to Greece, I took several steps to ensure a smooth transition - I connected with the other two Nigerian scholars that had also been admitted into Alba (one of them was also a PwC alumni and we eventually became housemates).
I researched the culture to understand local customs and expectations, printed a hard copy of commonly used Greek words so I could practice basic communication, connected with alumni (on LinkedIn) to gain insights into life at Alba and Greece in general, and mentally prepared myself for the transition by setting realistic academic expectations.Additionally, I made a conscious effort to be open-minded and proactive in engaging with my peers and professors.
My advice to new scholars is to embrace the experience fully, step out of their comfort zones, and build meaningful relationships-it makes all the difference. Ultimately, preparation and open-mindedness is key.
What were the most defining moments or achievements of your MBA journey, and how did they shape your experience?
One of the most defining moments of my MBA journey was working on case studies where I got to apply what I was learning particularly in strategy, organizational behaviour, and leadership. These hands-on experiences didn’t just sharpen my skills - they also boosted my confidence in building and scaling businesses.
Being in Europe for the first time was another really cool part of the experience. Living and learning in a new culture expanded my worldview and laid the foundation for many of the choices I’ve made since. It was at Alba that I discovered my deep interest in building and strategy - and where I first felt confident enough to pursue opportunities in the startup world, which is something I absolutely love today.
Alba also taught me how to integrate cross-culturally. It was the first time I was in an environment where my name, surname, or status didn’t define me, and I learned to see and value people differently. That shift in perspective has stayed with me ever since.
How did you navigate cultural and language differences while settling into Greece, and what strategies helped you build meaningful relationships?
Living in Greece was a cultural adjustment, but I embraced the experience with curiosity and openness. I made a conscious effort to engage with locals and classmates, learn basic Greek phrases to navigate daily life, and keep an open mind while respecting different perspectives. I even kept a blog on WordPress to document and reflect on my experiences along the way.
Building meaningful relationships was key. I attended networking events, participated in group activities, and collaborated on class projects - and it was through one of those group activities that a classmate recommended I volunteer at an event her company was hosting.
That one opportunity led to a chance meeting with someone who would later recommend me to my former boss. I ended up landing a role as a General Manager, just two weeks after returning home. The company provided 50% of my accommodation, my salary doubled, and I got hands-on experience in both building and failing - which was instrumental to my growth.
I worked there for 3 years and 3 months before stepping into a new direction, but it all started with showing up, being kind, staying curious, and being open to opportunities outside the classroom.
What were the biggest challenges you faced during your MBA, and how did you adapt or overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my MBA was balancing the rigorous coursework with networking and personal projects - I actually started building my nonprofit, CAWSTEM, during the program.
There were also a few classes I genuinely didn’t enjoy, which made it even more difficult to grasp some of the concepts. But I overcame these challenges by:
Seeking support from classmates and professors when I needed clarity
Prioritizing tasks and managing my time intentionally
Staying focused on the bigger picture, reminding myself why I was there: to learn, grow, and prepare for what was next
It wasn’t always easy, but learning to push through those moments helped me become more resilient and intentional in how I showed up.
In your experience, what separates a highly successful MBA student from one who simply goes through the program?
A successful MBA student is proactive, curious, resilient, and a strong networker (build meaningful connections that hopefully last beyond the MBA).
After the Scholarship
How did the MBA program at the American College of Greece shape your career trajectory, and what specific skills or opportunities had the biggest impact on your next steps?
The MBA provided me with a solid business foundation that complemented my technical background. It helped me transition into leadership roles, strategic decision-making, and entrepreneurship. Some of the most valuable takeaways were critical thinking and problem-solving skills that I apply in business decisions.
My biggest standout moment has to be landing a job through a volunteer opportunity. I had applied to over 30 jobs with only one interview to show for it. So getting a job offer through a chance connection at a volunteer event was nothing short of a big-time win. It’s my constant reminder that while qualifications matter, being present, showing up, and saying yes to opportunities outside our typical environment can be just as impactful. That moment was a turning point and set the tone for everything that came next in my career.
Reflecting on your MBA experience, is there anything you would have approached differently - academically, professionally, or personally?
If I could do it again, I would network more strategically and build deeper relationships, document my experiences more intentionally (especially on social media). So much happened in that year, and I wish I had captured more of it. But more importantly, I wish more people knew about this opportunity and took advantage of it.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Start early. Research scholarships and prepare your application well in advance.
Tell your story authentically. Show how your background and aspirations align with the program’s values.
Believe in yourself. Don’t let fear or self-doubt hold you back.
Most importantly, make the most of the experience - academically, professionally, and personally. The MBA is a stepping stone to greater opportunities, so approach it with curiosity, purpose, and grace.
Social Media Links
Twitter (@wamide_a)
Instagram (@wamide.a)
Her Opportunity Story spotlights Nigerian women who have landed transformative opportunities and provides detailed insights for other Nigerian women who would be applying for those opportunities.
Previous Edition of Her Opportunity Story: Read Anita Nchat Kevin’s journey to becoming a participant of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme here.