Meet Mosunoluwa Ajisafe, who joined NGED via the 10,000 Black Interns programme
In summer 2023, NGED employed ten interns via the 10,000 Black Interns programme.
10,000 Black Interns is a programme which “champions underrepresented talent and promotes equity of opportunity.” The programme partners with firms from 24 different sectors, across a wide range of internal business functions, to offer paid internships for black students and graduates.
Mosunoluwa Ajisafe was one of the interns who received an offer to extend their internships and continue their work with NGED.
Mosunoluwa Ajisafe graduated from Ulster University in London in 2022 with a Master’s degree in International Business and Data Analytics: “I originally wanted to register for the 10,000 Black Interns programme in 2020, but unfortunately I missed the application date, so this year I was very keen not to let that happen again and to put my best foot forward. When applications opened in September last year, I applied immediately.
“The 10,000 Black Interns programme which is aimed at bridging the diversity gap has now given me this awesome opportunity. I put my application in to National Grid and here I am!
“With 10,000 Black Interns, you choose your area of specialisation. For me, this was data analysis. The scheme then gives you a list of companies to apply to. I was given about three companies to apply to but I did my research and decided to only apply to National Grid. I knew this was a risky decision, but I feel that National Grid are getting it right – they have a great track record and I wanted to be part of a purposeful organisation.
“National Grid are doing important stuff. They are a major driver towards Net Zero sustainability in the UK and I wanted to be part of it all. My risky decision paid off because I’m here! I’m still here, and I’m happy I made that decision.
“I’m doing a lot of data analysis here within the Connections Strategy Team and combining those skills with my customer-facing experience means I’m able to help the team make more intelligent business decisions. I’m enjoying myself and learning a lot.
“This internship is going to help my future career because it’s a door-opener. National Grid is a very reputable organisation and I definitely believe having this company on your CV is a big deal. I feel like, being here, I am doing something right to pave the way for my own long term opportunities inside and outside of National Grid.
“At the start, I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to adapt to being here because I can be very quiet and naturally keep to myself, but the people here are very lovely. My team members are lovely and happy to help wherever they could, so adapting was easier than I thought it would be.
“I guess it's the culture, the people are lovely, the people are welcoming, and the people are good, genuinely. It's a culture that should be preserved.”