Latest News
Ashling Oladele - Women In Leadership
Name: Ashling Oladele
Role: 5th Year Medical Student & Founder of 'Be Exceptional'
Company: Be Exceptional (IG: @beexceptional.co)
Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hi everyone, my name is Ashling Oladele. I am currently a 5th-year medical student studying abroad. Before embarking on my medical journey, I attended Invicta Grammar School, where I completed both my GCSEs and A-levels. Alongside my studies, I am an education advocate and a private tutor. I also founded a platform called ‘Be Exceptional’, which aims to encourage, educate, and equip individuals to be more and do more.
I am passionate about helping students explore all their options, particularly if they are uncertain about university. Nowadays, there are numerous pathways and career opportunities available. I, for instance, am an international medical student—something I never imagined growing up, as I always felt confined to studying in the UK. I want to remind young people, especially those between the ages of 16-18, that they have many options available and should explore them all!
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field?
After completing work experience in various medical settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries, I knew that a career in medicine was for me. I love the versatility and diversity within medicine. This field is unpredictable, ever-evolving, and essential to society. That is what drew me towards pursuing a career as a doctor.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position?
In order to study medicine, you need exceptional GCSEs and A-level results, whether you choose to study at a UK university or abroad. For those applying to medical schools in the UK, it's important to note the admissions process, which includes exams such as the UCAT, alongside necessary work experience and interviews.
What do you enjoy most about your job/role?
One of the things I love most about medicine is its versatility. There are so many fields and specialties within medicine, many of which are yet to be discovered, and that is what excites me.
As the founder of ‘Be Exceptional’, I find fulfilment in helping people, particularly young individuals, to realise their potential. I want people to know that they were created to TAKE UP SPACE, wherever they may be. I love empowering others to see what has always been inside them, and I encourage them to pursue their purpose and become who they were meant to be. It's all about Encouraging, Educating, and Equipping them to be more and do more!
Are there any obstacles you had to overcome in your career?
Studying abroad came with its own set of challenges. Moving to a new city at the age of 18 with no family or friends was daunting. I had to adjust to a different language, climate, and the reality of living far from my loved ones. It was overwhelming at first, but eventually, I adapted. I made new friends, learned the language, and started feeling at home in my new environment.
Why do you think it is important to have strong female representation in your industry?
Strong female representation is crucial in all industries, and the medical field is no exception. It is important for young girls to see that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Strong female figures show young girls that it’s possible to have it all—the career, the family, the relationships, the business, or the degree.
When young girls see women TAKING UP SPACE in various fields, it empowers them to spread their wings and chase their dreams. It reminds them that there are no limits to what they can achieve! If I can do it, so can they!
What advice would you give to those wanting to take a similar career path?
Make sure this is the path for you!
I want young people to know that they have options. Don’t rush into choosing a career path—take your time (believe it or not, you have plenty of it). If you are unsure about what to study or which career to pursue, that’s perfectly okay. Be intentional about exploring your options. Gain work experience in different industries to discover what you truly enjoy. Once you find what you like, go for it!
Is there anything else you would like to add about your job or about Women In Leadership?
Aside from being a medical student, I run a platform called 'Be Exceptional'. Through this platform, I remind people that there are no limits to what they can achieve—they just have to be brave enough to TAKE UP SPACE!
Being exceptional is about finding alternative ways to reach your goals. Part of standing out means not conforming to society’s expectations. The path that God has for each person is different, and rather than running away from it, we should embrace it. Though the journey may not be straightforward, having faith that God knows what He’s doing is key.
Don’t feel limited by society’s standards—spread your wings and fly towards the future that God has for you!
