Introducing Frederick Asante, part-time MSc Management student and Student Representative
Frederick, this year you have been a rep for MSc Management. What is your role and what does it involve?
I act as a bridge between the School of Management faculty and students, in particular, the part-time Management cohort. My role is to make sure their views are heard which hopefully translates into a better experience for them on the course. I try to be impartial and challenge both the students and department on points raised.
Tell me a bit about your work experience and previous studies before coming to UCL?
I completed an internship in Deutsche Bank’s UK Mergers & Acquisitions department before starting my BSc Economics undergrad degree. I then went on to work for RBS hence why I am on the part-time programme at the School of Management. I’ve been fortunate to have had a variety of fun yet challenging roles which have allowed me to see the bank from multiple angles.
What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?
I managed to solve a decade long problem within my firm which resulted in a new large stream of persistent revenue. What I am proud of is the fact that it was quite a visionary piece. A complex issue that I was given autonomy to run with and assemble a small team for. There were so many hurdles that could have seen the project fail, it genuinely felt at times as though I was playing American football or rugby. It required tenacity, skills taught on the MSc Management programme and a lot of tough conversations, especially when it did not look possible. But we did it!
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Andrew Tischler – make me your disciple
Denzel Washington – have you heard this man speak
Shirley Chisholm – she’s actually pretty funny
What is your favourite album, film, and novel?
I don’t have a favourite album, it’s like food, it depends how I am feeling but when it comes to films, I’m the complete opposite. I have about 9 favourites ha, and I can’t choose between any of them so don’t even force me to try.
(1) Jet Li’s Hero, (2) District 9, (3) The Usual Suspects, (4) Saving Private Ryan (5) Looper, (6) House of Flying Daggers, (7) The Game, (8) Taken, (9) Unthinkable
Novel – Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, absolutely amazing book centred on capitalism versus socialism.
What Advice would give to your younger self?
If you invest in yourself when you are very young, it will generate a far higher return than anything you can hope to invest in when you are older. So, invest…
What would it surprise people to know about you?
That I am very much open to new experiences and am willing to give anything a go provided it is within certain bonds of risk tolerance. Some may think I am conservative at first glance but I’m actually quite the opposite once you get to know me.
What is your favourite place?
Ghana with its sun, freedom, mangos and highlife!