Student Spotlights
Nontle Anele Kabanyane
Hails from: Tunis, Tunisia via Pretoria, South Africa
Before the IMBA: Coordinator of African Financial Markets Initiative, African Development Bank
“I was exposed to the level of strategic thinking required to prepare and lead an organisation through dynamic global economic change. Enthused by this experience, I started a process of self-inspection to identify the additional skills required to take my career to the next level. It became clear to me that doing an MBA would most closely respond to my requirements.”
Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?
I have a background in African capital markets as an equities analyst as well as a development specialist. When I joined the African Development Bank (AfDB), I worked with Senior Management and Advisors to the AfDB’s President in developing the Medium Term Strategy, which was used to build onto the Long Term Strategy. Moreover, I was one of the contributors to the AfDB’s Financial Sector Development Strategy. This exposed me to the level of strategic thinking required to prepare and lead an organisation through dynamic global economic change. Enthused by this experience, I started a process of self-inspection to identify the additional skills required to take my career to the next level. The need for critical strategic thinking at management level became a must-add to my current technical proficiencies. Upon consulting a number of respected financial economists, both within the AfDB and the South African private sector, it became clear to me that doing an MBA would most closely respond to my requirements.
What excites you most about the program so far?
Most of the courses are practical rather theoretical. We are learning tools that we can apply in business as well as in our personal lives. Additionally, the program facilitates internships. I am currently looking for internship opportunities in the asset management industry in Israel and abroad. I would like to intern in an asset management firm that has investments in emerging and frontier markets.
What professional industry or function are you in interested in pursuing post-MBA?
Asset Management in emerging markets, with a focus on venture capital and/or private equity
