Advancing my academic and professional goals with the Black in Business scholarship
Executive MBA (London) participant and Black in Business scholarship holder Bouari Mazu explains what the scholarship means to him, how he is championing diversity and gives his advice for aspiring scholarship applicants.
I am Bouari, born in Congo, raised in Benin, educated in Switzerland, and have lived and worked in France and the UK. As Vice President at Deutsche Bank, I lead global metadata management, continuing a career that began at Accenture. My expertise in data and technology, paired with an entrepreneurial spirit, has driven innovations for large-scale applications.
Education has transformed my journey from Congo to the City of London, instilling values of love, respect, integrity, spirituality, and the promotion of diversity as an asset. These principles guide me in creating a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world.
I am thrilled to share my journey of applying for and winning the Black in Business scholarship at Warwick Business School (WBS), which has been instrumental in advancing my academic and professional goals. In this blog, I will take you through my motivations, the application process, my advocacy for diversity, and the impact of the scholarship on my goals.
Motivation to Apply for the Scholarship
Pursuing an MBA has always been a dream of mine. However, the financial burden associated with such a prestigious programme can be daunting. When I learned about the various scholarships offered by WBS, including the Black in Business scholarship, I saw an opportunity to not only ease the financial strain but also to be recognised for my thrive for professional excellence and my efforts in promoting diversity and education. This dual motivation drove me to put forth my best application.
What the Scholarship Means to Me
Winning the Black in Business scholarship is more than just financial support; it is a validation of my hard work and dedication to making a difference. This scholarship has enabled me to start my Executive MBA journey without the constant worry of finances. Additionally, it has allowed me to choose international electives with ease, broadening my educational experience. This summer, I will be studying in Milan, Shanghai, and San Francisco, thanks to the generous support from WBS.
Championing Diversity in the Industry and MBA
Diversity is a cornerstone of innovation and progress. Throughout my career and now in my MBA, I have been an advocate for diversity. I founded an education technology company focused on using data to improve the quality of education in underdeveloped countries. This initiative has trained over 1,000 teachers and impacted around 15,000 students, resulting in about 75,000 digital transcripts. This work not only addresses educational disparities but also promotes inclusivity and accessibility.
At work, I champion gender equality. If we cannot effectively tackle gender inequality, we are unlikely to succeed in overcoming other diversity challenges. By focusing on gender equity, we can develop solutions that will serve as blueprints for overcoming other diversity challenges, creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.
My conviction stems from personal experience. After taking a sabbatical year following a difficult birth in my family, I faced significant challenges returning to my previous level of professional influence. Despite my dedication and hard work, it took me three years to regain a similar standing. This experience opened my eyes to the often insidious impacts that biases or career breaks, like maternity leave, can have on professional trajectories.
Advice for Aspiring Scholarship Applicants
To anyone considering applying for a scholarship, my advice is simple: Go for it. There are numerous scholarships available, and WBS alone distributes over 6 million pounds for various achievements. Here are some tips for a successful application:
1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the requirements and expectations for each scholarship.
2. Showcase Your Impact: Highlight your achievements and how they align with the scholarship's goals. In my case, I emphasized my work with the education technology company and its impact on underdeveloped countries.
3. Be Authentic: Share your genuine story and passion. Authenticity resonates with reviewers.
At WBS, the values of being a changemaker resonate deeply with me. Winning the Black in Business scholarship has provided me with the resources and recognition needed to pursue my goals and make a difference in the world. I encourage all prospective applicants to take the leap and apply for scholarships, as they can truly be life-changing.
Thank you for reading, and best of luck to all future changemakers!