Meet Aisha
I was motivated to apply to the graduate program at BII because of the unique opportunity it provides to create meaningful impact.
What motivated you to apply for the Graduate Programme?
I was particularly inspired by BII’s commitment to placing impact at the core of its mission, which strongly aligned with my passion for emerging markets as someone who grew up in Nigeria. I also appreciated the program’s structure, offering rotations across both the investment and impact teams. This not only provides a holistic view of the work BII does but also provides the opportunity to challenge myself and grow professionally.
What has the experience on the graduate programme been like?
My experience on the graduate program has been truly enriching. I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships with colleagues who have trusted me with meaningful responsibilities from early on. This trust has enabled me to contribute to important projects and participate in work trips, opportunities that are often reserved for more senior staff in other organisations. Being involved in such substantive work has accelerated my learning and given me a real sense of ownership and purpose, and it has been rewarding to see how my contributions have added value.
How have you grown personally or professionally since joining?
Since joining, I have experienced significant growth both personally and professionally. Professionally, I have strengthened my technical and analytical skills which will be invaluable throughout my career. The opportunity to rotate across different teams has broadened my perspective and enabled me to build a well-rounded skill set. From a personal perspective, I have become more confident in navigating new environments and stepping outside my comfort zone. Being part of an impact-driven organisation like BII has also deepened my sense of purpose and clarified what matters most to me.
What’s one highlight so far?
My recent travel to Nairobi, Kenya has been the highlight of my time at BII so far. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a country where BII actively invests. Being on the ground enabled me to witness firsthand the impact of BII’s investments - it was a surreal experience to encounter the companies that we invest in integrated into my daily environment. The trip also deepened my knowledge of the market through conversations with locals who I would not typically have access to from London. I had the opportunity to join origination meetings and site visits with the Nairobi team which not only gave me valuable exposure across different sectors, but also expanded my professional network and provided a more comprehensive picture of BII. From a personal perspective, I enjoyed immersing myself into the culture, learning a bit of the language, connecting with people from different backgrounds and exploring different parts of the country.