Aloaye Abdul-Saliu
Major: Master’s in business analytics
Graduation Date: May 2026
Hometown: Ajah, Lagos State, Nigeria
Graduate student Aloaye Abdul‑Saliu is earning her master’s degree in business analytics after completing her undergraduate studies in psychology. When she came to the Career and Advising Center for support, she described herself as feeling lost and stuck. She needed an internship but felt overwhelmed and anxious about where to begin. As she put it, she was in “analysis paralysis” and worried she might give up on herself.
Abdul‑Saliu knew from her undergraduate years that the Career and Advising Center was the place to go when she needed clarity. She understood her strengths and weaknesses and recognized that she needed structured career guidance. In January of last year, she met with Assistant Director of Career Coaching Jerry South for the first time. They began working on her resume, cover letter, interview introduction, networking strategies and how to ask thoughtful questions during interviews.
Meeting with South became a turning point. Abdul‑Saliu kept returning because of his steady support and nonjudgmental approach. As she explained, “I kept coming back because career coaching pushed me, supported me and helped me believe in myself.” She said he pushed her when she needed it but also listened with patience and kindness. His consistency helped her rebuild confidence and stay committed to her goals. When she secured her internship, she felt it was a shared victory. She cried happy tears when she received the offer and immediately reached out to South. “It wasn’t just me, it was both of us,” she expressed.
Her internship journey began after attending a Women in Business meeting where she learned about Bobcat Company. During a visit to their office, she met the supervisor who would later hire her. With South’s guidance, she followed up with a thank you email and a tailored resume and cover letter. In the interview, she made sure to connect her background to the position and present herself with clarity and confidence. She earned the role and started in January while continuing her coursework.
As a channel development intern, Abdul‑Saliu worked on identifying potential partners, managing applications and coordinating with Wells Fargo, the company’s financier. She used tools like Salesforce and Excel and handled communication throughout the hiring and onboarding process. The role required strong attention to detail, something she embraced fully.
Abdul‑Saliu is originally from Ajah in Lagos State, Nigeria, coming to North Dakota for her undergraduate studies and staying for NDSU graduate program. She often reflects on the resources available at NDSU and notes, “There’s so much wealth here.” She encourages students to use the Career and Advising Center and believes that a well-rounded education includes support and opportunities outside the classroom. She attends campus events regularly and emphasizes the importance of being intentional about seeking help. She also credits the Student Health Service and the Counseling Center as meaningful parts of her experience.
“NDSU has been such a blessing, and I am so thankful for it,” she said. For Abdul‑Saliu, the United States and its universities offer opportunity, but students must remember why they came and stay committed to their goals. Her story reflects that mindset, showing how persistence, support and self-belief can open doors.
