Hey! I’m Michael De Souza and I’m a student at Loughborough University. I study Industrial Design and Technology at the Loughborough Design School. Previously I attended Loughborough Art College studying 3D Design and Cranbrook Boarding School in Kent for GCSEs and A Levels where I studied Modern History, Psychology and English Literature, and acted as House Captain of my boarding house. Born in London, I grew up in Lagos and attended Grange School in Ikeja for 10 years before coming to the UK. I come from a mixed heritage background having parents whom are German-Nigerian and Indian-Portuguese-Ugandan, so as a born British and bred Nigerian with a mixed background I have a lot of perspective to give. In my free time I’m an entrepreneur and creative at heart, and I enjoy taking initiative and working on projects related to music and art. If i’m not doing something entrepreneurial or creative, I’m spending time with family and friends, watching my favourite shows or supporting my club Arsenal on the weekend. I’m looking forward to connecting with the next generation of young individuals looking to integrate and support where I can.

What was the biggest challenge you faced adapting to boarding school?: My biggest challenge in boarding school was overcoming the barriers between schooling in Lagos and Schooling in the countryside of England. There was a big difference in the culture, the people talked and behaved, and the general atmosphere. I spent the first year making friends and just getting used to being myself in an environment I wasn’t used to and with support from the boarding house and the friends I made, it all worked out for the better.

Education: Bachelors of Arts Industrial Design and Technology

Previous Schools: 

• Loughborough University (Loughborough, UK)
• Loughborough College (Loughborough, UK)
• Cranbrook School (Cranbrook, Kent, UK)
• Grange School (Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria)

Extra-Curricular Activities:

• House Captain of Cornwallis House
• U18 Basketball First Team Starter
• U16 Basketball First Team Starter
• Member of Boarding Football Club

Notable Achievements and Experience:

• Intern at Emple Life Assurance Limited in Lagos, Nigeria
• Event Operations and Logistics Manager for 5 years doing 14 projects – Lagos, Nottingham, London
• Founder and Producer of a Media Production Company
• Operations Intern at Oando PLC (London)
• Procurement and Supply Chain Intern at MALDESA (Lagos)
• Design Intern at iDesign by Tola Akerele (Lagos, NG)
• Architects Intern at Consultants Collaborative Partnerships (Lagos, NG)
• Customer Service Agent for NHS
• Warehouse Logistics Administrator for Lemonpath