Class of 2025: Beulah Okeke

For Nigerian student Beulah Okeke, university has never been just about getting a degree, it’s been about growth and supporting the growth of others. Inspired by a dream to make a difference, she’s taken every opportunity to develop her leadership skills for her ambitious future and is graduating with a BSc Economics.

Beulah chose economics to learn more about “how incentives, costs and benefits influence decisions on both a personal and systemic level”, but she wanted to learn more than just the theory.

Essex stood out for its student support and diverse student community but what really attracted Beulah was “the chance to engage in real-world learning through career fairs, employability talks and even the opportunity to learn a new language.”

“It’s a place that truly encourages growth in a collaborative and innovative setting,” she said.

Having been nominated by the Department of Economics, she was awarded a Western Union Scholarship in her second year, which not only provides financial support but also “an opportunity to be recognised as a student leader and someone committed to making a global impact.”

“The scholarship values individuals who are not only academically driven but also actively contribute to their communities and think beyond borders,” she added.

This commitment to leadership has been at the heart of her Essex journey. Not only did she run for Students’ Union Vice President of Activities - an experience she cites as her most memorable Essex moment, despite not winning, because of the friends and support she made along the way – she’s also made a huge contribution to the Department of Economics and her fellow students.

“My goal has always been to uplift others while growing personally and professionally,” said Beulah, who took on various peer mentoring and student representation roles.

After participating in the Warwick Economics Summit during her second year, in her final year she decided to lead Essex’s student representation at the event. As lead organiser, she was involved in everything from registering attendees to supporting logistics and encouraging student engagement.

“I wanted to do it because I believe in connecting our students to global academic platforms as it’s a great way to learn, grow and network with like-minded, brilliant students from around the world,” she said.

Seeing her fellow students engage with policymakers and global economists at the event reminded her “of the power of exposure and the importance of making such opportunities accessible to everyone.”

Having benefitted from having a peer mentor when she first arrived at Essex, an experience she says made the transition much easier, she also chose to mentor other students herself.

Reflecting on the experience, she said: “Seeing students grow in confidence, especially international students who are new to the country and the academic system; watching them settle in, find their rhythm and achieve their goals has been amazing. Knowing I played even a small part in that journey is incredibly fulfilling.”

Having originally thought she would pursue a career as a health economist, Beulah now has ambitious plans to be an asset manager and, inspired by a belief that education should be accessible to all, eventually establish a foundation that supports the education of underprivileged and minority groups in Africa.

She believes her time at Essex and her scholarship have given her the skills she needs to realise her dreams.

“Economics has given me a solid foundation in analytical thinking, quantitative skills and market behaviour, all of which are essential for a successful career in finance.

“Being a future global contributor starts with being present, intentional and impactful in the now. The support from Western Union empowered me to dream bigger and lead with purpose.”

Speaking about why students should choose Essex, she said: “Essex offers more than a degree. It provides a nurturing environment where students are seen, heard, and empowered. The support structures, vibrant community, and focus on real-world impact make it a brilliant place for anyone who wants to grow personally and professionally.”