"The diverse international community at Birkbeck has broadened my worldview"

Growing up in Mali, I was shaped by the richness of its culture and the challenges faced by communities in developing regions. My upbringing fostered a strong sense of responsibility and resilience. I witnessed firsthand the power of education and entrepreneurship in transforming lives, which shaped my desire to contribute to the economic and social progress of my country.  

This ignited my passion for empowering young people and women, especially through entrepreneurship, which is central to my mission today. 

Why did you choose to study MSc Entrepreneurship, and why Birkbeck?

As the Associate Director of a business in Mali that supports start-ups, I’ve spent the last seven years supporting innovative entrepreneurship in Mali and helping businesses grow. The MSc in Entrepreneurship at Birkbeck felt like the perfect next step, not just for my personal development but also as a training of trainers. Birkbeck’s flexible schedule allowed me to balance my work and studies, and its highly engaged international student body offered a unique environment to learn and exchange ideas. 

How are you finding your Birkbeck experience? 

The ability to immediately apply theoretical knowledge to my real-world projects has been invaluable. Whether I’m refining business models or learning new strategic approaches, the integration of academic insights with practical work has enhanced my understanding and effectiveness in my job. 

An enriching aspect of my time at Birkbeck is the diverse and vibrant international community, and I’ve had the privilege of connecting with students from various corners of the world. These connections have broadened my worldview and deepened my understanding of entrepreneurship from a global perspective. Learning alongside individuals from such diverse cultural and professional backgrounds has not only expanded my network but also given me unique insights into the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face in different contexts. This international exposure is something I greatly value and something I will continue to draw on as I work to foster entrepreneurship. 

You signed up to the Birkbeck Pioneer Programme, can you share how that was for you? 

A key highlight of my Birkbeck journey has been my participation in the Pioneer programme, designed to help students develop the knowledge and skills to successfully start a business. Every Saturday morning, we had interactive sessions where we learned from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts. These sessions were a fantastic opportunity to delve into real-world entrepreneurial challenges and solutions. The programme culminated in a pitching session in front of investors, where I had the opportunity to present business ideas and receive valuable feedback. This experience of pitching in a high-stakes environment, coupled with the chance to interact with successful entrepreneurs, was truly inspiring. It not only sharpened my presentation skills but also boosted my confidence in navigating the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

What do you enjoy about studying and living in London? 

London’s diversity and vibrancy make it an ideal place to study entrepreneurship. Living here has expanded my network and exposed me to new ideas and approaches that I can take back to Mali. I’ve experienced countless opportunities to engage with entrepreneurial communities, attend global events, and network with people from all over the world. The lessons I’ve learned here will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on both my personal and professional growth. I feel privileged to be part of such a thriving, global city, and I cherish the opportunity to contribute to and learn from its entrepreneurial spirit. 

What did you gain from doing the Birkbeck Digital Skills and Careers Programme?  

The Birkbeck Digital Skills and Careers Programme has been an invaluable resource in sharpening my digital skills and career readiness. The programme featured a diverse range of sessions that covered essential areas like digital marketing, project management, and career development, all of which have been directly applicable to my professional work. The hands-on nature of the workshops ensured that I didn’t just learn theory but also gained practical tools and techniques that I could immediately implement in real-world contexts. The programme has left a lasting mark on both my professional journey and the ventures I am involved with, providing me with the necessary digital toolkit to drive meaningful change in my community. 

What are your plans for the future? 

Looking ahead, I plan to continue scaling my entrepreneurial projects and advocating for women’s empowerment in Mali. I aim to leverage the knowledge, networks, and experience I’ve gained at Birkbeck to build stronger ecosystems for entrepreneurs in West Africa. My vision includes supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding, and resources, with the ultimate goal of fostering sustainable businesses that drive economic and social change in the region. I also plan to explore ways to integrate entrepreneurship into public policy to create more inclusive environments for innovators. 

I aspire to create a lasting impact by fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among women and youth in the Sahel region. By supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, I aim to contribute to economic development and social progress in my community.