Hailing from a middle-class family in Ghana, I graduated with a degree in Accounting from the University of Ghana. As a certified accountant with industry experience primarily in the financial services sector, I have always been passionate about SMEs and financial literacy. My interests extend beyond my professional life; I am a practicing Christian, a football enthusiast, and a devoted Manchester United fan. Recently, social commentary has become my new vice, keeping me informed about the world around me.

 

Motivation For An MBA In The UK

Despite a progressive career that included strategic roles in previous organizations, I felt the need to upskill in leadership and management. An MBA seemed the perfect fit for this ambition. The University of Birmingham stood out not only for its reputation as a top business school but also for its commitment to challenging the status quo and promoting responsible business. I sought an education that blended theoretical principles with real-world practice, and the Birmingham MBA provided the ideal platform.

 

Volunteer Work in Ghana

During my tenure as an Internal Auditor, I visited company clients to assess the benefits and usefulness of the loans provided to them. Interacting with these clients, mainly SMEs, I noticed a significant financial literacy gap, particularly in maintaining proper financial records. I took the opportunity to educate them on these matters, and their appreciation motivated me to help as many businesses as possible. Providing financial literacy training and assisting small businesses in drafting business proposals and financial reports became my passion and a way of giving back to society.

Inspiration From Family

My parents, who were petty traders, have always been a huge inspiration. They introduced me to the world of business, and I often helped them in their small shops. Unfortunately, their business did not grow as we had hoped due to limited financial knowledge. This experience influenced my decision to learn more about management to help other small businesses avoid the same fate. I pursued business administration as an undergraduate and continue to upskill to increase my knowledge and experience.

 

Career Goals Post-MBA

My long-term goal is to bridge the financial literacy gap and empower SME businesses in Ghana by establishing a consulting firm. This firm will provide financial literacy training, help businesses make strategic investment decisions, and develop business proposals and financial reports for credit facilities. Post-MBA, I plan to gain relevant experience within the financial services industry, specifically with investment banks and financial consulting firms, to achieve this goal. The Birmingham MBA has strengthened my technical skills and provided me with the soft skills needed to succeed in the corporate world.

 

African MBA Scholarship

Studying for an MBA abroad was a dream that seemed financially out of reach until I discovered the African MBA Scholarship at the University of Birmingham. The generous donation by a Birmingham MBA alumnus made my dream a reality. This award will significantly impact my community as I intend to leverage the knowledge and skills gained from the Birmingham MBA to strengthen the SME sector in Ghana.

 

Practical Projects At Birmingham

The practical projects at Birmingham Business School have been immensely beneficial. Participating in simulation exercises, presentations, and real-world consulting projects has brought theoretical learning to life. One notable project involved consulting for a real business in Birmingham, where we applied classroom knowledge to guide the business in exploring new opportunities.

 

Enjoying the MBA Experience

I thoroughly enjoy every aspect of the Birmingham MBA, particularly the engaging lectures by experienced professors who bring rich professional and academic perspectives to the classroom. They challenge us to share our experiences and perspectives, making the learning process dynamic and enriching.

 

Challenges of Studying for an MBA

The MBA at Birmingham Business School is rigorous, with lectures, group projects, workshops, seminars, and tight deadlines. Staying on top of business news by reading the Financial Times has become a favourite morning routine, broadening my perspective on commerce.

 

Upcoming Experiences

I am excited about the opportunity to travel to Mexico for the international immersive module course “International Business Experience – Doing Business in Mexico.” This experience will provide valuable insights into how businesses operate in Latin America. Additionally, I look forward to participating in the Deloitte Consultancy Challenge, which will prepare me for a future in consulting.

 

Focus on Responsible Business

The Birmingham Business School’s focus on responsible business was a significant factor in my decision to study at the University of Birmingham. As a proponent of the stakeholder theory, I believe that businesses should operate ethically, sustainably, and socially responsibly. The Birmingham MBA curriculum prepares future business leaders to lead responsibly, considering not only profit but also people and the planet.

 

Advice for Prospective International Students

To any international student considering studying at the University of Birmingham, I say go for it! The academic work, the people, and the experiences have positively shaped me. Birmingham Business School is a well-resourced school with a supportive environment that fosters success. The thriving alumni community ensures that your University of Birmingham experience continues beyond graduation.

---