Oghenerukevwe Odjugo, a Nigerian equity analyst at Schroders in Sydney, has a story that inspires and motivates. From her humble beginnings in Warri, Nigeria, to her current role in one of the world's leading investment management firms, Odjugo's journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and a passion for finance.

Odjugo's fascination with numbers started early, and she was the kind of student who would buy an engineering mathematics textbook meant for university students just because she enjoyed solving problems. However, when it came time to choose a university course, she had to be strategic and opted for accounting, which her mother, an accountant, suggested. She excelled academically, graduating with first-class honors from Covenant University.

But Odjugo's true calling was in finance, and she knew she wanted to do more than just balance books. After completing an internship with Afreximbank in Cairo, she secured a scholarship to Loughborough University in the UK for a master's in finance and investments. This solidified her path in finance, and she eventually landed a graduate role at Schroders in London through the 100 Black Interns programme (now 10,000 Black Interns).

Odjugo's career path was not without its challenges, but she persevered and eventually made the bold decision to move to Sydney, Australia, where she now works as an equity analyst at Schroders. Her role involves researching publicly traded companies on the Australian Stock Exchange, particularly in tech, gold mining, education, and payments.

Beyond her work, Odjugo is passionate about financial literacy and has been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice for her contributions to the field. She started a newsletter, The Beginner Investor, to simplify investing for young professionals. Her approach is centered around breaking down complex financial concepts into approachable and easy-to-understand language.

Odjugo's story is not just about her professional achievements but also about her personal growth and adaptability. She has navigated cultural shocks, from moving from Warri to London and then to Sydney, and has found ways to balance her intense work life with her personal interests, including yoga, Zumba, and travel.

As she looks to the future, Odjugo is focused on excelling in her current role and making a meaningful impact in the world of finance. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for young professionals, particularly women, from developing countries who aspire to break into global investment management firms.

In a world where finance can seem intimidating, Odjugo's story shows that with hard work, determination, and a passion for numbers, anyone can achieve their goals and make a difference.