“I want to help young people in Africa and Black communities think about the bigger picture”

Sophia Muo fCMgr ACMI completed a BSc in microbiology and biochemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2018 and had aspirations to develop artificial nerve cells. But the Covid-19 pandemic intervened and set her on another course – that of technology, education and helping others fulfil their potential. 

Now based in Swindon, 28-year-old Sophia has just completed a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, has set up her own consultancy and has plans to encourage others to follow in her educational footsteps.

“I’m an avid problem solver,” says Sophia. “During my third year at university, I was interested in tissue engineering. I did some research and I wanted to work on a prototype for an artificial nerve cell. I had hopes of working with a university in Sweden, but the funding wasn’t there. So I went back and looked at my research and spotted a possible gap. It was around how the herpes simplex virus is related to multiple sclerosis. I did some dry lab research and collaborated with colleagues. We co-authored papers and it was going well. Until Covid hit.”

Reflecting on being a manager

Sophia lost her job and her place in the lab, but decided to further develop her software engineering skills. 

“I applied for a software engineering internship,” she says. “I had the right mindset and I wanted to learn new skills. During the internship, I showed a passion and talent for solving problems and bringing people together. By the end of it, my mentors encouraged me to go into product management. That’s how I began my journey in technology. I got to use my problem-solving skills and it allowed me to be versatile.”