Case Study:
Princess Ojiego GradCG
Meet Princess Ojiego as she tells us what its like to work as a Corporate Governance Trainee at mhs homes
Princess is an experienced paralegal who has completed an LLM in Corporate Governance and Law, acting as the course representative for the University of Portsmouth Students’ Union. During this time she worked as a Data Protection Paralegal for the London Borough of Lambeth.
Effective communication facilitates one’s organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to provide valuable advice on governance matters.
To succeed at anything, one needs to work hard and be consistent.
What is Governance?
Governance is simply the system by which an organisation is managed and controlled. Good governance is essential to an organisation, as it determines its ability to meet its objectives, which usually includes balancing the interests of various stakeholders.
What is a governance professional?
A governance professional is a person who advises on policies, principles and processes required to achieve good governance. A governance professional is also involved in implementing good governance practices, and works alongside key officials of an organisation, such as the members of the board.
The route to a career in governance
During the process of qualifying as a solicitor, I was exposed to the role of a governance professional. This led me to undertake and complete the master’s program in Corporate Governance and Law at the University of Portsmouth. After completing this course, I became a graduate member of the institute. While working as a paralegal during my master’s program, I actively searched for relevant opportunities and secured my first role as a corporate governance administrator.
The essential skills for success in governance
In my opinion, the most essential skill for success in governance is effective communication, as this anchors other relevant skills. Effective communication facilitates one’s organisational and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to provide valuable advice on governance matters.
Career highlight
I consider becoming a graduate member of the institute after completing my master’s degree in Corporate Governance and Law (with Grad CG) from the University of Portsmouth to be my governance career highlight, as this marked my formal entry into the profession.
How did the Institute support your career as a governance professional?
The Institute organises insight days that are helpful to individuals (e.g. students) wishing to know more about the profession. It also provides very useful knowledge resources, targeted at facilitating the continuous development of soft and technical skills required by professionals. I use these resources regularly to keep abreast of key developments in the profession and to hone my soft and technical skills. Specifically, I love reading the articles in the monthly Governance & Compliance magazine. In addition, the institute has very supportive personnel, who are always available to assist.
Words of wisdom for the next generation of governance professionals?
Hard work and persistence break seemingly insurmountable barriers. To succeed at anything, one needs to work hard and be consistent.
Live blog feeds
In their shoes:
Pam Wenger
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Pam Wenger, who works as Director of Corporate Governance for the Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Read more
In their shoes:
Graziella Bray
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Graziella Bray, who works as Company Secretary, APS Bank plc (Malta)
Read more
In their shoes:
Laura Sercombe
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Laura Sercombe, CEO of Girls Friendly Society, which has been shortlisted for this year's Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year award.
Read more
In their shoes:
Léanne Heerink
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Léanne Heerink, who works as Director of Corporate Governance.
Read more
In their shoes:
Urvasi Naidoo, FCG
As part of our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Urvasi Naidoo, FCG, who works as Compliance and Contracts Manager for the CGF.
Read more
In their shoes:
Cynthia Mora Spencer, ACG
As part of our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Cynthia Mora Spencer, ACG, who works for The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.
Read more
In their shoes:
Susan Swabey, FCG
As part of our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Susan Swabey, FCG, who works as Company Secretary for Smith & Nephew plc.
Read more
In their shoes:
Rowan Moony
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Rowan Moony, who works as a Governance Associate at Almond+Co
Read more
In their shoes:
Val Lynch
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Val Lynch, who works as a Company Secretary at Silva Homes.
Read more