I have been a practicing Journalist and Business Consultant in Ghana for close to eight years. Both trades require intense scrutiny and analysis of various predictable and unpredictable scenarios. For example, as a journalist, I have interviewed many Ministers of State and State actors on state policy and its implications. This requires tact and deep knowledge to get the best out of the interviewee. In business consultancy, I have, among others, made an assessment of company systems, corporate goals/strategies and business proposals. This exercise also demands some acumen in the overall assessment of the client’s needs.

In pursuit of the relevant materials and knowledge to sharpen my business analytic skills, I registered for the MSc Business Analysis & Strategic Management (BASM) programme at The University of Manchester (A Russel Group school). The course content and structure of the programme is exactly what I need to succeed as a Business Analyst and Consultant. Comparative and Global Management, Business Models, Analysing Companies and Organisational Design & Strategy are the courses for my first semester. For the second semester, I will have more international business and finance-related courses to choose from. So far, the courses have given me a better theoretical and practical understanding of the different business systems of the world and its underpinning business models.

It is exciting to note that the Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) of The University of Manchester offers a client-facing project option attached to the BASM programme. Here, students are attached to companies/firms, to understudy and assess their operations, and thereafter, provide a thorough assessment and report. The AMBS is a beautiful building with several learning/lecture rooms with installed modern gadgets. The internal design of the Business School is so welcoming and relaxing with multiple cafeterias and social zones.

Each business student is signed onto the Financial Times platform for daily financial reports and the online library resources are virtually infinite. My class has a multicultural membership spanning about 22 countries, further enriching class discussions on the varied business systems and business models of the world. I thoroughly assessed the profiles of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school before my application and so far, my expectations have been met by the dedication and knowledge they have exhibited.

The Postgraduate Careers Services of the AMBS have been supportive in providing the materials and guidance for our career path. I am excited by the many opportunities the school offers and I cannot wait to complete this course and apply the knowledge in the real business world.

Written by Franklin, current MSc Business Analysis and Strategic Management student at AMBS

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