Bolanle Folarin

Initially, my aim was to start in September but due to the uncertainty involved with Covid-19, I deferred my admission to January. This was beneficial to me because Aston offered January starters a free leadership course for 3 months and I had the opportunity of gaining a new qualification and becoming an associate member of CMI which I’m grateful to Aston and Professor Kathy Daniels for.

Why did you pick Aston University?

When I finally decided to study for my MSc, I had some criteria in mind. I chose Aston because I believe the recognition and accreditation of Aston would give me a better employability and career prospect and I can identify myself as an alumni of such a top university. Of course this is the best decision so far.

Why did you choose to join in January?

Initially, my aim was to start in September but due to the uncertainty involved with Covid-19, I deferred my admission to January. This was beneficial to me because Aston offered January starters a free leadership course for 3 months and I had the opportunity of gaining a new qualification and becoming an associate member of CMI which I’m grateful to Aston and Professor Kathy Daniels for.

What are your career ambitions and how is your course helping you achieve these?

My career ambition is to one day become a chartered accountant, to be able to hold one of the top positions in one of the big organisations around the world. My course is helping me to achieve this as I’ve been able to develop a “can do” attitude, it’s helped me to believe so much in capabilities and even though sometimes I think I can’t do a particular assignment but the fact I have a deadline to meet, I push myself and I’ve been getting fantastic results.

What has been a highlight of your time at Aston so far?

The highlight here is that I see Aston as home, although I’ve not experienced it physically, but with what I’ve been doing online, my lecturers are very supportive and welcoming, they help to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been able to develop a fantastic relationship with my lectures and of course my colleagues have been great too, although I’ve not met them, they are the best course mates ever.

Do you have any advice to future students thinking of studying a postgraduate course at Aston University?

My advice to anyone thinking of studying a postgraduate at Aston is that this is the right place for them and they shouldn’t look elsewhere because this is the university that will make their studies worthwhile in terms of providing them with the best and top academics and of course Aston is a university with good ratings and reputation.