Patrick Ehichoya Ubuane

Patrick is the Founder and CEO of SkillConnect, a platform transforming Nigeria's creative industry. Since graduating, he has grown SkillConnect into a team of ten, aiming to launch their Minimum Viable Product by year-end, while also gaining experience as a Product Manager Intern at an AI technology company.

Patrick credits Kent for sparking his entrepreneurial journey through initiatives like ASPIRE and the Business Start-Up Journey, where he earned a runner-up position. His future ambitions include scaling SkillConnect and driving innovation in tech, agriculture, and healthcare across Africa.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

After graduating, I have been fully focused on developing my startup, SkillConnect, while building my skills in product management. What began as a solo effort has grown into a team of ten, including two co-founders, and we are on track to launch our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) by the end of the year. During this time, I have worked on enhancing my knowledge in product management through hands-on experience with my startup, self-learning, and applying practical skills. This transition reflects my passion for creating innovative solutions and my desire to pursue a career in product management. Despite the challenges of a competitive job market, I recently secured an opportunity to work as a Product Manager Intern at an AI technology company. This internship is an exciting step forward, allowing me to gain professional experience in a fast-evolving industry while continuing to grow my expertise and work toward my long-term career goals.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

A typical workday for me involves balancing responsibilities across my professional and personal life. On the work front, I focus on my startup, SkillConnect, where I oversee the team’s progress, set priorities, and ensure we are aligned with our goals to launch our Minimum Viable Product (MVP). My day often includes team meetings to discuss updates, address challenges, and collaborate on key tasks such as feature design, user research, and testing. As I’ve recently started a Product Manager Internship at an AI tech company, part of my day is dedicated to working with my internship team, contributing to product strategy, participating in brainstorming sessions, and gaining hands-on experience in product development. I also allocate time for continuous learning, exploring product management methodologies, and staying updated on industry trends to enhance my skills.

On the personal side, my family plays an essential role in my daily life. I cherish spending time with my wife and one-year-old daughter, whether it’s during breaks or after work. I make a conscious effort to be present for family moments, which helps me stay grounded and motivated. Balancing my professional ambitions with quality family time creates a fulfilling and rewarding routine.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

One of the biggest highlights of my career has been leading my start-up as a first-time founder. It has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding to take on a leadership role where I make critical decisions, motivate my team, and continuously improve myself. A defining moment was when I successfully navigated a major setback. After a lengthy hiring process, a key developer resigned just a month into the role. Finding a replacement took another month, which delayed our progress by three months. Despite this, I remained focused, adapted quickly, and worked with the team to recover the lost momentum. This experience taught me resilience, the importance of adaptability, and the value of clear communication. Leading the start-up has not only been a professional highlight but also a journey of immense growth. It has allowed me to develop my leadership skills, cultivate new habits, and face challenges head-on, all while working towards bringing our vision to life.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

My time at Kent was truly transformative and worth every penny. I made a conscious decision to fully immerse myself in the opportunities the university had to offer, and that choice made all the difference. I often encourage others not to view university as just a place to pass exams, earn a degree, and graduate. It’s about embracing every opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally. During my undergraduate years, I was entirely focused on academics, which helped me graduate with a First Class, but I realized I had missed out on other enriching experiences. When I came to Kent, I promised myself I would make the most of my time there and I did.Serving as a Student Ambassador was an incredible experience that enhanced my communication and public speaking skills. Through ASPIRE, I gained valuable entrepreneurship skills, and participating in the Business Start-Up Journey, where I prepared and pitched my ideas, was a pivotal moment that sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. I also got involved in various extracurricular activities that gave me new skills and broadened my horizons.

My time at Kent shaped who I am today. It was the springboard for my success, equipping me with the tools and confidence to pursue my career and entrepreneurial goals. I’m incredibly grateful to the people who supported and guided me along the way—Brendan Hammond, Artur Slowinski, Rebecca, Jon, and Jo, each of them played a part in my journey, and I’ll always hold their contributions close to my heart.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

My biggest advice is to ensure that the career path you choose aligns with your passion. Passion is what keeps you motivated during challenges and drives you to excel. Once you identify your passion, take the time to connect with people already working in that field. Most professionals are willing to share their experiences, and learning from their successes and mistakes can give you a valuable head start. In addition to technical skills, prioritize developing strong interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and presentation. These skills are essential in any career and often set you apart in the workplace. Finally, always look for ways to serve others by sharing your knowledge and experience. Teaching others not only solidifies your own understanding but also helps you build meaningful connections and opens doors to new opportunities. Success comes from a combination of passion, skill, and the willingness to support and learn from others.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Yes, I was very involved in extracurricular activities during my time at Kent. Before coming to the UK, I took the initiative to seek employment as a Student Ambassador. I wanted to offer value to the university community while improving key skills like networking and public speaking. I also made it a point to attend workshops focused on developing interpersonal skills, which was essential to my growth. As a result, I earned a Global Skills Award (Gold) Certificate of Completion, reflecting my commitment to learning and self-improvement.

Additionally, I joined ASPIRE and participated in the Business Start-up Journey, which was a pivotal experience for me. Not only did I participate, but I also earned the runner-up position out of 12 other talented founders with brilliant ideas. These extracurricular activities helped me build a diverse skill set and played a significant role in my personal and professional development. Overall, my involvement was incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud of the experiences and achievements I gained.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

One of my favourite memories from Kent was winning the Business Start-up Journey. It was a defining moment for me, as I was facing numerous challenges with my start-up and often doubted whether I was on the right path. When Artur approached me to pitch my idea, my first reaction was to decline because I was scared of public speaking. However, I saw it as an opportunity to push myself and put what I had learned into practice. I decided to take on the challenge, dedicated a lot of time to practice and rehearsal, and was thrilled to be named runner-up among 12 other brilliant entrepreneurs.

That experience was a turning point for me. It affirmed that I had a great idea and reminded me not to give up, no matter the obstacles. It reignited my passion and strengthened my resolve, serving as a powerful motivator to keep moving forward with my goals.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Yes, if I could go back, I would focus more on building meaningful connections and expanding my network. Looking back, I realize that I could have done more to engage with others and take advantage of opportunities to connect with peers, professors, and industry professionals. Networking is such a valuable part of university life, and I now see how it can open doors to new opportunities and insights. I would make it a priority to foster those relationships from the beginning.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, I try to stay in touch with close colleagues and classmates. You never know when an opportunity might arise, so I make an effort to reach out and maintain those connections as best as I can. Networking with fellow Kent alumni and academics has been valuable, and I believe these relationships can lead to new opportunities, both personally and professionally.

What are your future ambitions?

My future ambition is to become a tech leader and successful business owner, with a primary focus on launching and scaling my start-up, SkillConnect. I aim to make a significant impact in Nigeria's creative industry by providing a platform that connects and empowers creatives, offering support and resources to help them thrive. Our goal is to revolutionize the sector and ensure that individuals, whether pursuing traditional careers or creative endeavours, can succeed.

In addition to SkillConnect, I plan to expand my investment portfolio, particularly in tech start-ups that address key challenges in Africa. The potential for technology to drive change and innovation across the continent is vast, and I want to be part of that transformation.

Agriculture is another area I’m deeply interested in. I believe it holds immense potential to contribute to Nigeria's economy, improve food security, and create sustainable opportunities for rural communities. I'm eager to explore ways in which technology and innovation can enhance agricultural practices in the country.

The health sector is also a significant focus for me. I believe that continuous improvement in healthcare is essential, and I want to contribute to advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria. With a focus on accessibility, quality, and sustainability, I aim to explore opportunities that can make a real difference in the health industry.

Overall, my priority right now is to grow SkillConnect into a game-changing platform for Nigeria's creative industry, while also branching out into tech, agriculture, and healthcare to drive positive change. You can learn more about us by visiting our website at www.myskillconnect.com or following us on all social media platforms @myskillconnect.