Dr Danquah leads the University of Bradford Alumni Mentorship Programme for GETFund students

On Saturday, November 30, 2024, Dr Joseph Danquah of the School of Management, University of Bradford, led a transformative mentorship event, opening a new chapter for first-year Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) students at the University of Bradford. This well-attended event aimed to provide the students with valuable guidance and insights into the academic journey in the UK, ensuring they were well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
The event featured distinguished attendees, including Prof. Vishanth Weerakody, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnership; Dr Rachel Sammut, Associate Dean for Global Business, and Community Engagement; Mr Mark Nyame Boateng, President of the University of Bradford (Ghana) Alumni; and Madam Philida Lamptey, Assistant Administrator.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to support international students, demonstrating its commitment to both local and global communities. Assuring the students that they had chosen a university that provides targeted programmes for students coming from all regions of the globe, Prof Vishanth admonished them to “allow the university to transform their lives”, go back, after studies, and make a significant impact on the Ghanaian society.
“At the University of Bradford, we aim to positively affect minds and transform lives through quality and inclusive education. A greater percentage of students who enrol in our programmes go on to become successful business magnates or disciplined employees who contribute meaningfully to their organisations. You are, in no doubt, at the right place, studying an appropriate degree or master’s level programme”, he asserted.
Mentorship Program Highlights
Dr Danquah’s leadership in this mentorship programme is rooted in his expertise in innovation and human capital development. His work focuses on supporting students to cultivate essential soft skills for success in the contemporary world of work. Addressing the students, he remarked:
“We are here today to foster a positive, interactive atmosphere that helps you connect with peers from other faculties. Effective interaction is a foundational soft skill for academic and career success.”
The event was also attended by a diverse group of mentors from the Ghanaian alumni community, representing fields such as engineering, business, and finance. They shared valuable perspectives on networking, career development, resilience, and navigating the complexities of cross-cultural workplaces and uncertain job markets.
Dr Boakye Boampong, a respected alumnus and lecturer at the School of Management, shared his inspirational journey:
“Prepare for every challenge and commit to the demanding but rewarding process of educating yourself. Your hard work will pay off.”
Interactive Sessions and Key Takeaways
The event’s itinerary included breakout sessions where students engaged in small groups with alumni mentors. These discussions offered personalised guidance and explored career paths, emphasising resilience, adaptation, and continuous learning in an evolving labour market. The alumni encouraged students to seek internships, develop skills beyond the classroom, and network with industry leaders.
The president of the University of Bradford (Ghana) Alumni, Mark Nyame Boateng shed light on the 70-20-10 rule of skill acquisition:
“Skills are not acquired solely in the classroom. The classroom contributes just about 10% of the knowledge and skills needed for workplace success. Seek opportunities to learn by doing.”
Looking Ahead
In his closing remarks, Dr Danquah thanked the alumni for their time and emphasised the mentorship programme as an ongoing initiative:
“These exchanges strengthen the bond between our alumni and current students, exemplifying the Bradford spirit—a community that supports one another across professions, beyond academics.”
As the world is changing, and rapidly becoming one global village, getting an educational qualification from internationally recognised institutions such as the University of Bradford is critical for personal development. “I acknowledge that you recognise the extreme importance of international education, which is why you chose to study abroad, here in the UK. Keep preparing for the future, take advantage of events like this to create beneficial acquaintances, and seize the moment to make an impact”, Dr Sammut encouraged the students.
Given the success of this inaugural event, the University of Bradford plans to expand the mentorship programme, ensuring students graduate with a robust support system alongside academic knowledge.
About GETFund
GETFund, established by the Government of Ghana in 2000, is dedicated to nurturing talent to drive socio-economic growth. It provides financial assistance to students pursuing diploma, HND, degree, and postgraduate programmes. Over the years, GETFund has supported thousands of students in fields such as economics, engineering, and medicine.