Stephen is an undergraduate and masters alumni at the University of Kent. He served in the African-Caribbean Society (ACS) during his second year and later went on to become the BAME Network Chair. Stephen shared with us his journey through university and his struggles and successes as a BAME student.
In your opinion, what is the value of higher education?
Higher education broadens your horizons in many diverse ways. So many people leave college and can find themselves quite limited. Having a BA or BSC after your name broadens your horizons in every career perspective you could think of. You could study accounting and get into so many distinct roles such as marketing. The possibilities are endless.
What have been your biggest achievements during and since completing university?
Last year when I was BAME Network Chair, myself and two of my peers organised a BLM protest. The Vice Chancellor, executives of the University, and Kent Union came together to hold an event which confronted the issues black students face, from micro aggressions, to lack of diversity in the curriculum, to analysing the bylaws at the university which address discrimination, and it's something I’m immensely proud of. My name may not be remembered in Kent but one thing that will be remembered is the change that we made, and that’s why I’m so proud of it.
My name may not be remembered in Kent but one thing that will be remembered is the change that we made
Who has inspired you the most throughout university?
There are a few people to be honest with you. One would be Mr. Dave Thomas, who is a PhD student and is involved in the Student Success Team. His support whilst I was at university was unparalleled, he gave my reference for my masters. He is an enterprising individual, somebody who will help you in every capacity and make sure you receive results.
I would also say the previous ACS president Jacob Bonzie. He is also a go-getter and someone who sets levels and ensures that he reaches them, he makes sure the bar is always set high, he makes sure that "if I can do it, you can do it better". As a friend and predecessor he has been great. So those two people have been very inspiring to me.
Where do you see yourself, career wise, in the coming years?
I am an entrepreneur; I always have been. I see myself doing both a career in finance, as both an executive or an associate in a large investment firm, alongside being an entrepreneur in my events company as well as helping out back home in Sierra Leone, and pursuing multiple business ventures in the UK
Is there anything you wish you knew before you graduated?
If I am honest, one thing education does not teach you is money management. Investing, stocks and shares, getting ready to buy houses, etc. Education can teach you to be a master of one thing, instead of someone who can delve into different trades and hustles. When you know how to make money, no matter where you are in life you will be able to make money.
From school to university, I didn't have much opportunity to experience the careers I wanted to delve into, and education didn’t really push you to apply for internships etc. Real life roles require lots of experience which education doesn't always emphasise, so I wish I'd known more about money management and preparing you for real life.
Your network is your net worth, so expand your network.
Do you have any advice for BAME students studying at the University of Kent?
Number one, be very involved. People allow themselves to be limited to what they study and limit themselves from joining different societies, like social or sports societies. Liaise with your supervisors and academic advisors - university is a learning curve so immerse yourself into university.
Sometimes we get too comfortable, so make new friends, different friends, make international friends. Your network is your net worth, so expand your network. Talk to any and everybody. Talk to someone from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Spain, Italy, Dubai, broaden your horizons.
Get experience, liaise with the Employability Team or the Business School. Look for as much experience as you can whether it be from inside or outside of the university, make that your prerogative.
