60 Second Interview: Edu-technology entrepreneur

Onyinye founded Enrich Learning aged just 20, and now she uses her subject knowledge to tutor students, while the skills she developed on a university leadership course help her manage and lead a team.

In this interview, Onyinye talks about how education prepared her for a career as an entrepreneur and tutor.

Name: Onyinye Udokporo
Company: Enrich Learning
Job title: Founder & CEO
Career Zone: Education & Teaching, Entrepreneurship

What does your role involve?

At Enrich Learning, I oversee the day-to-day running of the company. I ensure that all the staff know what they are doing as well as interacting with parents and students. I believe in being hands on as a leader and teach for 5 hours a week. I thoroughly enjoy working with young people and children - having the opportunity to do so is a great privilege.

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I spend the majority of my day in meetings, sending emails and organising the company operations. Operations include making sure the technology works for the online classes, curating new programmes and schemes for parents and children - as well as being the face of the brand. I spend a lot of time promoting Enrich Learning on social media platforms. 

What subjects did you study at school?

I did the International Baccalaureate at school. The subjects I studied were English, history, philosophy, biology, mathematics, French and theory of knowledge.

How do you use your subject knowledge of in your role?

I teach children from the age of 7 to 18. The subjects I teach include English, history, philosophy and sociology. I often use some of my notes from school to help me create content that the students find useful.

How did you adjust to being in a workplace? Do you have any tips on staying organised, time-management and working in a team? 

I use an online management tool called Asana to organise my day. It helps me keep on top of deadlines and sends me reminders every morning via email. I use a productivity timer to manage my time and limit procrastination. Whilst I was at university, I did a leadership course. The skills I picked up from the course have helped me lead my team. Part of my leadership style is ensuring that my team can always come and speak to me about different issues.

What are the two most important transferable skills you use in your role?

The first transferable skill is problem solving. I am often dealing with complex and personal issues for parents and students that go beyond not achieving the best grades. The second transferable skill is communication. I have to reach different types of audiences using different mediums.

Did you always want to do this job?

Yes! I started tutoring aged 12 and by 20 I set up Enrich Learning as a company. I have always wanted to work in the education sector, but I never knew I would be the CEO of a company so early.

What other jobs do your interests, skills and experience lend themselves to?

My interests have led me to working in the edu-technology industry. I have worked closely with different technology companies. I have gained experience in social media marketing as well as taking part in public speaking opportunity.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to do your role?

Plan and be agile! It is important to understand what next steps you want to take whilst also knowing that anything can change, and you need to be receptive to that. Most importantly, enjoy the process and engage with your audiences.

Finally, do you see your career changing in the next 5-10 years and if so, how do you see it changing?

Within the next 5-10 years, I see myself doing less because I will be hiring more staff. I see myself being even more focused in my work with the long-term goal to have my own school for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Want to learn more about starting your own business? Check out our Entrepreneurship Career Zone to find out how you could follow in Onyinye's footsteps.

Images: Portrait photo from Enrich Learning Meet the Team page