International student Anita first thought she was going to become a Geologist when a seemingly mundane conversation with a friend changed her career trajectory. After discovering product management was what she wanted to do, joining the master’s in International Business Management at RGU was a no-brainer.
Hear about her journey and her experience studying at RGU and Aberdeen in this blog.
I Didn’t Plan this at All
A few years ago, I didn’t even know what a Product Manager was. I studied Geology and thought I would end up mapping oilfields. But during my NYSC (National Youth Service Corp) year, I met a friend who was a Software Engineer. One day, I watched her type all these strange symbols and letters on her screen. I asked:
“What are you even doing?” and she replied: “Oh, I’m writing code.”
I didn’t get it at first, but it fascinated me how someone could write in what looked like funny text and it would come alive as a real product. That curiosity stuck with me.
Finding my Path
I started learning on my own. No structure, just vibes and a lot of Googling and YouTube videos. I dabbled in everything: mapping user flow, ui/ux, analytics, learning basic coding on freecodeacademy.com and w3school. Slowly, I started working closely with engineering teams and product designers, and that’s how I stumbled into product management.
From there, everything started to click. At 390 Technologies, I helped build a software suite that now supports 10 businesses, including retailers and oilfield operators, in managing HR, inventory, and customer workflows all in one place. It felt surreal to be part of something that solves real business pain points.
I also volunteered to revamp the website for Innovate Health Africa (IHA), a non-profit that helps underserved communities access basic healthcare. It was a meaningful experience for me, not just professionally but personally, knowing that our work directly helped them show up better online for the people who need them.
My Experience at RGU in Aberdeen
When I found the MSc International Business Management course at RGU and saw that it came with a CMI Level 7 Diploma, I didn’t need much convincing. I wanted to deepen my understanding of strategy, finance, and leadership, especially coming from a non-traditional tech background.
RGU has been such a great decision, not just for the academics, but also for the sense of belonging. Also, becoming a Course Representative has helped me grow even more. I learned to advocate for others, to listen, and to lead conversations that matter, all of which I carry into my product work.
Beyond academics, moving to Aberdeen was a cultural shift but one I have grown to enjoy. One memorable evening, I joined an event hosted by the Aberdeen Deeside Rotary Club. It was an international night of fish and chips and bingo, something I had never experienced before. I signed up out of curiosity, but it turned out to be such a wholesome way to meet people, share stories, and feel truly welcomed by the local community. I even won a 20 quid voucher during the bingo games which I exchanged for a few bottles of orange J6. Events like that reminded me that even though I’m far from home, there are still spaces where I feel seen and included.
Building while still Becoming
Outside my university studies, I try to stay plugged into the tech community. I joined a “Safe Space” Slack session hosted by WeTech to share what it felt like to doubt myself in my first year in tech and how I have learned to take up space regardless and also, working on a knowledge-based earning platform.
There was also a time I worked on a decentralized app (DApp). It didn’t go live, but the process pushed me outside my comfort zone. I wrote the product requirements, coordinated the prototype build, and got comfortable with ambiguity (which, as I have learned, is half the job in tech).
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I realize I didn’t just study product management, I lived it. From juggling university with volunteering, to late nights iterating on pitch decks, to sharing laughs over food with friends, it’s been a full, unforgettable journey.
Aberdeen has a way of growing on you, especially when you are building something meaningful while also building yourself. If there is one thing that I have learned from tech, from Aberdeen, and from life is that you don’t need to know everything to start. All it took was a spark of curiosity and a single conversation in NYSC camp. And look where that led me.
As I continue building, I hope to contribute to more impactful products and inspire others like me to take their seat at the table no matter how unexpected their path might be. And to anyone who feels unsure, or out of place just start. Ask questions and stay curious.
Anita Atusiaka
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The post I Stumbled Into Tech: My Path to International Business Management at RGU appeared first on RGU Student Blog.