On Wednesday, 19 November 2025, TATTEL brought together international students, university partners, and industry professionals for an unforgettable Career & Employability Day at the Hugh Aston Building, De Montfort University.
The event was delivered in partnership with DMU, University of Leicester, and Loughborough University, and the energy in the room was nothing short of inspiring.
Starting Strong: Live CV Reviews
We opened at 3pm with real-time CV reviews from the DMU and UoL Careers teams.
Within the hour, more than 10 students received personalised feedback! Many thanks to the DMU and UoL team!
Setting the Tone: A Welcome Rooted in Lived Experience
At 4pm, Dr Ayodeji Akiwowo welcomed attendees and shared his journey as a former international student who has built a successful career in the UK.
He reminded the students that every speaker in the room — including the panellists and keynote — once stood exactly where they stand today.
“We know where the shoe pinches,” he said. And the room felt it.
A Keynote That Moved Everyone
Our keynote speaker, Opeyemi Sanwoolu, delivered a deeply honest and relatable talk.
He shared how he came to the UK on a scholarship, the culture shock he faced, and the countless scholarship and job rejections he received — even before leaving Nigeria.
“What changed everything?” he asked.
“Feedback. And embracing a mindset of continuous growth.”
He left students with his organisation’s assessment framework: GREAT
- Growth
- Relationship
- Execute (get stuff done)
- Agility
- Thinking (critical thinking)
It was a moment of clarity for many in the room.
A Panel of International Alumni Who Told the Truth
We then welcomed an outstanding panel of former international students thriving in the UK:
- Ifedayo Ojo – Industrial Product & Experience Design Lead
- Adepeju Bello – Cybersecurity & Financial Crime R&D Analyst
- Olatunde Banjo – CEO, DTI
- Joseph Origbo – Technology Strategist & PhD Researcher
- Rachael Chuah – Global R&D Packaging Sustainability
- Dr. Kehinde Aruleba – Lecturer, Computing & Mathematical Sciences
Students asked the big questions they’ve struggled with for months:
“How do I get UK experience?”
“How do I position myself for roles?”
“What do I do after hundreds of rejections?”
The panellists shared practical, honest advice, including:
✔ Volunteering strategically
✔ Micro-internships
✔ Intelligent LinkedIn outreach
✔ Asking for feedback
✔ Tailoring every CV
✔ Using university careers support early
Their transparency created a safe, hopeful atmosphere — many students said it was the first time they’d heard such “real” answers.
Speed Networking: The Highlight of the Day
We closed with a lively speed networking session.
Students rotated between panellists every five minutes, asking targeted questions and receiving tailored insights.
The room buzzed with energy, laughter, and connection.
Even after the event ended, students stayed behind, eager to continue the conversations.
Thank You to Our Partners
We extend heartfelt thanks to:
- Leena Dattani-Demirci, Maxine, Bodicoat-Brooks, and Susan Boon
- The Careers Offices at DMU and UoL
- Our panellists and keynote speaker
- And the TATTEL team for their invaluable support
A Final Reflection
This event reminded us why TATTEL exists:
To support international students, empower their journeys, and help them transition into life and work in the UK with clarity and confidence.
And as we left Room 3.05 that evening, one truth stood out:
With the right guidance and community, international students don’t just survive — they thrive.