Olavi Hangula
18 April 2024Olavi Hangula (Windhoek Gymnasium, 2015). spent the last 9 years abroad going from strength to strength. After graduating from universities in Las Vegas, USA, and later in New York, then secured his first job at a Jefferies, a competitive US investment bank. He recently returned to his home country and fondly remembers the relationships forged with the school’s management team. Discover how he forged his path to this point!
From Windhoek Gymnasium to USA universities
During Olavi’s first term in matric at Windhoek Gymnasium, he received a scholarship to attend the United World College (UWC) in Las Vega, USA. He graduated with an International Baccalaureate (DP) and then obtained an undergraduate by majoring in International Relations (BA) at the University of Rochester. ‘While at UWC, I met about 200 students from around 100 countries, which significantly broadened my perspective. This experience helped shape my acceptance and respect for different opinions and cultures,” he shared with us.
From strength to strength for this Curro alumnus
Directly after his studies, Olavi launched his career with a full-time job in the mergers and acquisitions division of US investment bank, Jefferies. From there, he returned to Namibia where he currently works as the coverage manager for mining, energy, oil and gas at RMB Namibia.
Olavi was actively involved in youth social and political affairs even while still in high school. ‘This ignited my passion for serving and the idea of entering a career-path in politics.’ His faith guided him through the challenges of living and studying abroad. ‘Every experience, positive or negative, had a greater purpose that guided me through difficult times.’ While studying, he undertook a three-month internship where he first witnessed the transformative power of private capital in building infrastructure, creating job opportunities and addressing social needs. ‘This experience shifted my career trajectory towards the private sector, as I found great satisfaction in contributing to ideas that translated into tangible outcomes.’
Olavi's memories from school
One of his favourite memories from is school is being elected as deputy head boy at Windhoek Gymnasium. ‘This instilled in me the believe that I can attain any goal I set my mind to.’ He lost touch with his friends from school during his many years abroad, but his relationships with his mentors from the Rieckert family in particular remained a great source of support.
From here, Olavi hopes to build Namibia to become a beacon of excellence. His vision includes abundant job opportunities, affordable housing, reliable healthcare, and globally competitive education for all Namibians.