Here is Monica's story:
I'm Monica Afi Akakpo, born and raised in a small mining town called Prestea in the western part of Ghana. Growing up as the youngest among eight siblings, I was often reminded that I wasn’t planned for given that my parents had me later in life. My dad was merely two years away from retirement when I came along. My early school years were a struggle, marked by consistent academic challenges. Reading and spelling posed difficulties, and English class felt daunting. I recall the embarrassment of being unable to read at all when called upon by the teacher, leading to laughter from my peers. Ironically, my affinity for mathematics provided solace throughout my schooling. Numbers and equations were areas where I excelled. It wasn't until I reached the level of pursuing my Masters degree that I discovered I had been dyslexic all along. This revelation shed light on the challenges I faced as a child, offering a newfound understanding of my experiences.
Upon successfully completing my Masters degree with a distinction in international finance with business management, I embarked on a fulfilling career journey at Fidelity International in London. As an Outsourcing Senior Analyst, my role revolves around ensuring our internal stakeholders adhere to the regulatory guidelines governing material outsourcing delegations within the organisation. This involves conducting comprehensive meetings with internal stakeholders, guiding them through our requirements, and crafting IMOA procedure documents. My responsibilities extend to overseeing the effective implementation of policies. Fidelity International Ltd., where I am employed, is a prominent asset management company renowned for offering investment management services such as mutual funds, pension management, and fund platforms. With a massive responsibility for total client assets amounting to USD $728.6 billion from over 2.87 million clients globally, spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Canada, our organisation plays a pivotal role in the investment landscape. Our workforce of approximately 8400 individuals worldwide ensures the successful execution of our services, delivering value to both private and institutional investors.
My career journey has been a diverse and transformative one. Following my graduation with a second-class upper from a private university in Ghana with a BSc in Accounting, I embarked on a professional path that has led me to this point. Initially, I joined Ghana Manganese Company Limited, where I began as a data entry clerk and progressively advanced to roles such as materials and planning clerk, involving budget-related tasks. This journey culminated in next my role as a procurement analyst. After gaining valuable experience over two years in the mining sector, the global outbreak of the Covid pandemic prompted me to make a pivotal decision. I chose to relocate alone to London, UK, in 2021, to further my education. Starting afresh alone in a new country while studying, I embraced various job roles to make ends meet, working as a cleaner, a waitress in a pub, and a social healthcare worker. In the latter job role, I provided care to elderly individuals with dementia and supported young people dealing with mental health challenges. This multifaceted journey has equipped me with a rich set of skills, adaptability, and a unique perspective. I believe these experiences have primed me and made me mentally strong individual.
My journey into studying ABE emerged at a crucial point in my life when doubts loomed over my educational prospects. While my siblings questioned my father's decision to invest in my education at a private university teaching ABE, I held a glimmer of hope. Having not passed English and Science in my secondary final exams, the doors to public universities in Ghana remained firmly shut. However, ABE offered an alternative path, unaffected by these specific prerequisites, allowing me to pursue higher education. Yet, the significance of my ABE journey extended beyond the qualifications I acquired. It was a transformative experience that profoundly influenced my personal growth. Enduring four failures within the course taught me invaluable life lessons about resilience and the profound significance of setbacks. These lessons continue to resonate in both my personal life and career, guiding my approach and shaping my trajectory. In retrospect, it wasn't merely the qualifications I gained from ABE that set me on my career path, but the holistic enrichment of character and perspective that have proven instrumental in my progression.
What I find most rewarding about my job is the ability to skillfully resolve conflicts, collaborate with diverse teams and individuals from around the globe, and notably, have contributed to safeguarding the company from potential repercussions with the FCA. These aspects collectively make my role both fulfilling and enriching.
My advice to those starting out on their ABE studies is to read read read all your papers and when you feel you are tired read once more and ask a lot of questions.