Oluwanifemi Ogunbase

Since officially launching my own hair business in 2023 at the age of 19, I have gained invaluable experience in entrepreneurship, developing qualities such as resilience, discipline, and a strong work ethic, alongside skills in marketing, communication, customer service, and organisation. I have worked with over 250 new clients, building a diverse customer base of women of all ages and backgrounds. Expanding into e-commerce, I now operate an online store selling premium human hair wigs, catering to both cosmetic and medical needs. This venture has strengthened my business acumen and deepened my expertise in managing and growing a successful enterprise.

TCS – Hospitality Team Member (3 years)
During my three years at TCS, I worked across a variety of hospitality roles, developing a versatile skill set and a strong work ethic. My responsibilities included:

• Waitress: Provided high-quality table service at events, including racecourses, Christmas parties, and corporate functions, demonstrating efficiency and professionalism under pressure.
• Cashier: Managed transactions at concerts, football and rugby matches, racecourses, and other large-scale events, ensuring accuracy and excellent customer service.
• Kitchen Porter: Supported back-of-house operations, maintaining cleanliness, assisting chefs, and managing key kitchen tasks to ensure smooth service during busy periods.

Rotating through multiple roles on a weekly basis strengthened my adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills. I learned to quickly integrate into new teams, manage high volumes of work, and deliver exceptional service in fast-paced environments. This dynamic experience has equipped me with the versatility and professionalism to thrive in any customer-facing or operational role.

I attended Walsall Academy for seven years, completing my A-levels there and achieving an A* in Art, the only student in my year to do so. Following this, I was invited by my art teacher to return as a paid assistant to support younger students with their artwork. For one month, I attended every Friday, helping students develop their skills while strengthening my own ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively. This experience enhanced my professionalism, confidence in presenting myself to others, and organisational skills, as I managed early starts and maintained productivity throughout the day.

In summer 2022, I undertook an in-person work experience placement at Supreme Law Solicitors in Pelsall, a specialist family law firm. During this placement, I worked closely with a solicitor on an ongoing family law matter, gaining first-hand exposure to case management and client care. I was tasked with drafting a memorandum for the case, attending client consultation meetings, and producing detailed notes and case summaries to assist in the preparation of legal strategy.

My role also involved shadowing the solicitor in day-to-day tasks, observing how sensitive family disputes are handled with both legal precision and empathy. Over the course of the week, I worked in the capacity of a trainee paralegal, developing my understanding of the procedural and evidential requirements in family law. I also had the opportunity to visit the firm’s other branches, broadening my insight into the operational and administrative functions of a multi-branch legal practice.

I completed an online work experience programme with the Crown Prosecution Service, gaining practical insight into the criminal justice system and prosecutorial decision-making. Throughout the programme, I engaged in case file reviews, evaluated evidential material against the Code for Crown Prosecutors, and participated in simulated charging decisions. I contributed to mock legal exercises, including the preparation of case strategies and the analysis of witness statements, which developed my ability to identify relevant facts, apply legal principles, and assess evidential sufficiency.

In addition, I attended virtual briefings with prosecutors, defence barristers, and judges, where I learned about trial preparation, advocacy techniques, and ethical considerations in criminal practice. I was also afforded a one-to-one consultation with a practising Crown prosecutor, during which we discussed real case studies, evidentiary thresholds, and the practical challenges of securing convictions while upholding the interests of justice. This experience significantly enhanced my legal reasoning skills, deepened my understanding of UK criminal law, and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in the legal profession.