PERSONAL STATEMENT

Both experience and study have me realise that the secret to success in any enterprise is good
financial management, and this involves proper planning, organisation, directing and controlling
of the resources of the enterprise. According to statistics, as many as 60 per cent of start-up
businesses fail within their first five years; the figure is significantly higher for Nigeria with as
high as 80 per cent of start-up failure in the first three years. Interestingly, studies attribute many
of such failure, at least in part, to poor financial management. It is obvious then that the services
of expert financial managers are crucial for the survival and optimal performance of businesses.
Since this reality became clear to me during my undergraduate days, I decided that I would direct
my abilities and passion to filling the need in indigenous companies. Specifically, it is my target
to become a top financial manager in Innoson Motors Ltd in Nigeria. In view of this target, I
have chosen to do MSc in Business with Financial Management with Advanced Practice at
Northumbria University, London. Going through the programme specifications, I was
particularly captivated by the modules on Corporate Financial Management, International
Financial Markets and Institutions, and Research Methods for Business Practice. With these in
perspective, I am convinced that this master’s programme will deliver my expectations of
achieving expertise in financial management. In addition, the overall attention to business will
equip me with transferrable skills I will need for high-level performance in business or any
organisation for that matter.

For my proposal to undertake this programme, I have the talents, motivation and suitable
academic background. I have good analytical and mathematical skills, and derive great
satisfaction from utilising these strengths to achieve optimal running of any project I get
involved in. My specific interest in Innoson is explained by my desire to see bold local
industrialists succeed in building a more robust economy for Nigeria. Furthermore, I understand
that getting a place in Innoson is every bit competitive. In this regard, relevant additional skills
will help me stand out among many other job-seekers, and will give me the advantage of higher
remuneration. On the side of academic background, I did a B.A. in Economics at Enugu State
University of Science and Technology (ESUT), a course that took me through principles of
production and distribution of goods and services and growth of wealth in both macro and micro
contexts. As part of the programme, I was taught accounting, business management, economic
statistics, monetary economics and finance, labour economics and lots more. Given this
background, a master’s in business with financial management is, for me, a path to specialising
on a specific area of interest in the versatile world of economics.

I have carefully chosen the country and university for my studies – the United Kingdom and
Northumbria University respectively. The United Kingdom is known for a very high standard of
education that makes it one of the most preferred destinations for international students. With the
quality of education obtainable in the UK, I will have sufficient leverage to reach my target at the
end of my studies. In addition to this, the peacefulness of the United Kingdom is a strong
attraction for me. I am convinced that the level of political and economic stability and security in
the UK will guarantee a safe environment for studies. Similarly, the cultural diversity and
atmosphere of equality and welcome assures me that the United Kingdom is a correct choice.

On the other hand, my choice of Northumbria University is informed by the university’s

reputation for quality studies. In particular, Northumbria University’s business school ranks
among the best in the world when it comes to business. With a double accreditation by
Association to Advance Schools of Business Northumbria University’s business school
(Newcastle Business School) ranks with few other globally recognised business schools for
excellence in delivering modern business education.

Furthermore, I have chosen to study in Northumbria University’s London campus. I am drawn to

this prestigious city because of the prospects it holds out to me. To begin with, it is seen as the
business capital of the world. Studying there will bring me in closer contact with successful
businesses in one of which I hope to do my advanced practice. On another note, the assortment
of academic institutions in the city makes it ideal for me given that I will have the opportunity of
mixing with other students from all over the world, and have the advantage of the city’s many
academic resources such as libraries and student spaces.

My choice of advanced practice as part of my selected programme will be a golden addition to

my experiences as it will afford me the rare opportunity of practising the skills I will have learnt.
In addition to the advantage of experience, gaining the experience in a reputable London-based
company will be a very big selling point for me. An education and work experience in United
Kingdom are irresistible considerations for employers in Nigeria.

From what I have seen, my programme – including the advanced practice – will last a little less
than two years. At the end of this period, I will return to Nigeria to pursue my dreams of working
with Innoson Nigeria. It is my hope that I will be granted admission into Northumbria University
to pursue this programme, and I am certain that with such opportunity, I will be well positioned
to use my talents more fully and thus attain more of my high potentials.

UZOH KINGSLEY