Cornelius Kyei
I was born and grew up in Ghana and education has always been important to me. After studying for a Diploma in Development Management, I graduated from university in Ghana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Planning in 2020. I have not had the opportunity to travel much, but it has been my ambition to study at a European university, so the chance to attend IE University through the IE-Ghana Scholarship program is like a dream come true. I like playing sports in my free time and have been enjoying playing on the IE University basketball team and meeting people from all over the world.
"I have always been passionate about sustainability and this was my motivation to choose the Master in International Development program."
Striving to be the best version of yourself
Growing up in Ghana, Cornelius Kyei developed a passion for education and sustainability. With a lifelong interest in sustainability and development, he has always felt driven to impact lives positively where he can. After high school, Cornelius took a Diploma in Development Management before going on to study a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Planning in 2020. This qualification led him to a position as assistant civil works officer with the Ghana Cocoa Board, a fulfilling profession where he won numerous awards for his work. By the start of 2022, Cornelius was working as an executive assistant for Paffles Limited in Ghana.
His interest in development issues, combined with his studies and work experience to date, means that Cornelius has a particular career path in mind. Although he is interested in continuing his studies to PhD level, he ultimately hopes to work as a project specialist. His dream would be to work for an organization like UNESCO, UNICEF or the World Bank, where he could also be involved in development and sustainability issues.
When Cornelius heard about the Master in International Development at IE University, he knew that it could be the perfect springboard to his desired career. The chance to combine his educational achievements with his interest in development and hopes for the future was something that motivated him to choose the program at IE University. He was keen to study at such a prestigious university, with its proven success in producing the leaders of the future.
What made this opportunity possible for Cornelius was the IE-Ghana Scholarship program. The Ghanaian Young Talented Leaders Scholarship is an initiative from IE Foundation and the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, an extra-ministerial body under the Office of the President of Ghana. It provides support for academically talented students who wish to develop their professional future and that of their country. The program will offer 27 scholarships over a period of three years, enabling successful candidates to study full-time Master’s programs at IE University.
With only nine scholarships available each year, competition is fierce. However, Cornelius is someone who has always tried to be the best version of himself and he was clear that this was an unmissable opportunity. For Cornelius, a key to his application being successful was his drive and determination and previous educational trajectory.
The way the program is structured and delivered has been something that has impressed Cornelius, along with the excellent teaching. The practical nature of the program has been a real bonus because of the way students can simulate real-world scenarios and expand their experience. He has also appreciated the chance to interact with employers, both for jobs and internships. The seminars and forums that IE University organizes have been a hugely important part of the program for Cornelius, as well as the sophisticated equipment used for teaching.
“I chose IE University because of its reputation of creating future leaders.”
One of his favorite classes so far has been the Results-Based Management class. Cornelius has particularly enjoyed this class because it aligns so well with his chosen career path of project specialist. He feels the class has given him valuable insights into different aspects of his future career.
As someone who has always been keen to study abroad, Cornelius has really enjoyed the diverse nature of the program at IE University. The mix of nationalities in each class ensures a range of diverse ideas and cultures, which he feels is hugely enriching both academically and socially.
The social aspect of studying abroad at an international university is something that he has also thoroughly enjoyed in his time on the Master in International Development. Cornelius had always wanted to study in Europe and so the chance to spend time in Spain's capital city has been a great experience. A keen basketball player, he has enjoyed playing on the IE University team, as well as going to the gym and exploring the city. What he has seen of Madrid so far has impressed him in terms of the number of places to visit and the beautiful scenery.
For Cornelius, the IE-Ghana Scholarship and the chance to study at IE University has been a hugely positive experience and, beyond mere academic achievement, it has taught him about the need to show empathy, be a force for change and strive to be the best he can be. His advice to anyone considering applying for the IE-Ghana Scholarship would be to read widely about international issues and carefully consider the classes included, but for Cornelius, it is more than worth it.
