Eriore Adeoluwa
Eriore Adeoluwa is an ambitious senior preparing to walk the graduation stage this May. An intern with Project Destined, a real estate and financial literacy platform, and deeply involved in the campus community as a member or officer of numerous student organizations, he’s charting a future in global finance using his degree in economics and minor in computer information systems as a foundation. Here, he discusses growing up in Nigeria and how he chose to pursue his studies at Georgia State.
Interview by Paige White
Why did you choose this career pathway for yourself?
I chose economics because I wanted to combine analytical thinking with technical skills.
Economics helps you understand how our markets, institutions and policies shape economic outcomes, especially in developing economies. And computer information systems gives me the ability to think and work with data, technology and the way the world is going now with technological advancements. I think having a background and foundation in computer information systems helps me approach economic problems in a practical way, rather than just studying.
I can analyze real-world data and systems that help organizations and nations make decisions that impact sustainability and global finance.
What organizations, jobs or opportunities have you had during your college experience?
I have been in many organizations over the years. I am currently on the Economics Club executive board and I’m the director of finance. During my first and second year, I was in the Student Government Association as part of the finance committee. I’m also in the National Association of Business Economists (NABE), the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and the Mathematics and Statistics Club.
How has being in these organizations shaped you?
Being in those clubs, I have gotten several opportunities from being around people with similar mindsets and I learned from them, which motivated me and challenged me to grow my knowledge. I am also around people who come from diverse backgrounds and who have different perspectives, which taught me how to work with others effectively in teams and remain disciplined while doing so. I became more intentional with my time, balancing my academics with leadership roles that helped me develop strong time-management and problem-solving skills. I became more engaged, confident and well-rounded in my skills. I aimed for higher and had higher expectations for myself because of my experience with these organizations.
Why did you choose Georgia State University?
Georgia State is a diverse environment that allows for opportunity and independence. Being in downtown Atlanta near corporations and businesses is beneficial, giving us an opportunity to have real-world experiences and access to exploring different career paths and professional opportunities while focusing on school and a social life.
Georgia State has strong academic programs, including the J. Mack Robinson College of Business and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. I also wanted to play soccer here but that didn’t end up happening.
How do you manage your time as a student involved in multiple organizations, an internship and a social life?
It’s difficult managing time with all the things that I do but it’s something everyone should work to be better at because “time waits for no man.” I set reminders and create a priority list to organize my time and schedule. I prioritize what needs to be done first, and that helps me manage my time between my internship, school and my organizations.
What drives you and inspires you in life?
The opportunity to make a meaningful impact through my knowledge of economics and computer science. I am inspired by the potential of economics and business to influence our way of life. Understanding how financial systems and policy shape economic outcomes motivates me to pursue my career path further.
Knowing I can impact lives around me is what also drives me. I grew up in a place where I saw people lacking opportunity, and I am grateful that I did, but seeing other people around me not having the same opportunities has inspired me to make an impact.
You studied abroad last year in South Africa. How was the experience for you?
The experience of studying abroad in South Africa was great. We got to talk to business owners and hear their challenges, which gave us the opportunity to provide solutions. It was an amazing experience working with people who have diverse backgrounds and working with others from different universities and varying levels of where they are in their education. It opened my mind to different ways of thinking, and we went to various areas of South Africa and were able to volunteer in the community and motivate people there.
Hearing their stories motivated me to study abroad again over spring break because I have a passion for developing economies, sustainable finance and global finance. The trip to South Africa encouraged me to study abroad in Brazil, allowing me to see the process of emerging markets once again.
What are your plans for your future?
I want to get my master’s in finance and combine my background in economics and computer information systems so I can pursue a career in global finance and markets within developing economies.
