Bernard
Kofi Dom

What route did you take into postgraduate study?
Prior to joining NBS, I completed a Bachelors degree in Finance and Accounting at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. After researching NTU, I decided that I wanted to pursue a degree with NBS in MSc Finance and Accounting.

When choosing a Masters degree, what did you consider it important to have?
The significant factors that I considered were the University's ranking and exceptional student experience. The tuition fee was moderate and the University is situated at the heart of one of the most affordable cities in the UK. The AACSB and CFA accreditation's played a vital role in my decision.

What were your reasons for studying a Masters degree and why did you choose Nottingham Business School?
The Masters degree at NBS offered exactly what I was looking for in terms of core modules. I wanted to study a Masters degree in order to widen my scope of knowledge in Finance and Accounting. This will expose me to achieve my future career ambitions of becoming an academic and research fellow.

The University is well vested with academic and social facilities that enhanced my learning experience.

Why did you choose to study MSc Finance and Accounting. What did you enjoy about it?
I found it extremely interesting because the course is based on practical experience rather than theoretical studies. The Business Research Project was the best opportunity provided by NBS. This gave me the experience of different research methodologies and was a step forward to my dream of becoming a researcher.

Some key highlights of the course included the fact that it encompasses both academic and social activities, which has helped developed my international persona.

Describe what your seminars are like?
Seminars are more interactive because students are always encouraged to work in groups to discuss real-life case studies, scenarios, and current events.

The fact that NBS has work based learning that enhanced my understanding and application of knowledge and skills that businesses across the globe require and face.

How has the Masters degree differed from your undergraduate experience?
The reception and hospitable environment at the Nottingham Business School, in my personal view, is second to none. Lecturers and course administrators are friendly and approachable to students.

They are supportive and available to help the students to achieve not only their academic but also personal goals.

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Nottingham Trent University?
I participated in Thinkubator Challenge where I worked efficiently with a diversified group of 10 students to recommend best possible solutions for a care home in Nottingham.

With my studies at NBS, I gained experience while doing two jobs as a teaching assistant and a residence assistant. My role as a teaching assistant was about assisting maths teachers to facilitate various maths topics at the Nottingham Free School.

What are the key skills you have developed studying at NBS?
I have gained academic writing skills while my studies at NBS which enabled me to write an article (on Leadership) in NBS LINK Magazine and a research proposal for my Research Project (PhD application).

The time I have spent at NBS has helped me create networks with PhD students, professional practitioners through the NBS industry mentor scheme (including partners from RBS, Barclays Bank, KPMG, Lloyds Bank, EY) and academics at NBS who gave me more insights on the PhD degree and teaching experience developing my Professional, Career, and Networking Skills.

I served as an academic representative, where I exhibited my leadership skills in helping colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds across the globe enhancing my interpersonal skills.

Do you feel that your overall experience of the programme will make your profile more competitive in the job market?
I have delivered a presentation on three case studies at the recent BMC in Belgium to over 400 delegates from business schools across Europe where I was shortlisted amongst 15 delegates representing Nottingham Business School.

I also acted as a member of the focus group for NBS’ EQUIS accreditation which will make me stand out of the crowd.

My overall experience and achievements gained from various resources available has definitely made my profile competitive.

How have you benefited from the services provided by the Employability Team?
The employability team guided me in creating and updating my LinkedIn account. They encouraged me to widen my networks through LinkedIn.

What are your short term and long term career plans?
I look forward to pursuing a PhD, and to write more peer-review & scholarly articles to gain eloquent teaching and research experience in the future.

In the long term, I look forward to becoming a senior academic, an editor of 4* Finance Journals, and a consultant to impact knowledge in the younger generation and to help solve business problems for SMEs around the world.

Finally, in your words, how would you describe your experience of studying a Masters degree at NBS?
It was insightful for me to complete an MSc at a business school ranked amongst the top 95 in the Financial Times European Business Schools ranking 2017. The experience is one of a life time. I look forward to pursuing my PhD degree at NBS.