University of Wales, Bangor Admissions contact: Mrs Bethan Hamilton-Hine Bangor Business School Bangor Gwynedd LL57 2DG United Kingdom T: +44 (0)1248 383 644 E: bbs@bangor.ac.uk W: www.bbs.bangor.ac.uk     Esther Blum Programme title MBA in Banking and Finance, University of Wales, Bangor University previously attended University of Bielefeld, Germany Degree obtained German Vordiplom (no degree in Germany) Country of origin Germany Age 27 years Career history Esther Blum started her career with a two-year apprenticeship with Dresdner Bank AG before starting to study mathematical economics at the University of Bielefeld. After graduating from Bangor, she was hired by Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein to join the Frankfurt-based sales and marketing team for derivatives to the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. Esther's view . . . Having decided to do a Master's degree in the United Kingdom, my aim was not to have just any MBA degree; I was looking for a chance to enhance my existing practical experience in the financial sector, with a degree focussing on banking and finance. I found that the University of Wales, Bangor, with its long-established and reputable Banking and Finance Department, was one of the rare universities that provided a combined MBA in Banking and Finance. A good-quality provision The modules offered in the programme are designed to cover the ever-changing dynamics of the business world and the latest developments in management of banks and financial institutions. A stimulating learning environment The challenging and up-to-date group case studies provide the opportunity to analyse the 'real-life' side of the theoretical and quantitative applications of the courses. All staff are extremely open and helpful while supporting their students. Bangor being a small student town provides everything that an international student will need for social and daily life and an extra bonus is the beautiful surroundings. I am more convinced than ever that Bangor has prepared me well for the daily challenges of my career. Christopher Hokonya Programme title MBA in Banking and Finance, University of Wales, Bangor University previously attended Seoul National University,South Korea Degree obtained Doctor of Economics Country of origin Zimbabwe Age 40 years Career history Christopher Hokonya worked for ten years in business management and investment consultancy in various industries, including electronics and communications, construction, insurance and agribusiness. After graduation from Bangor, he was hired by First Merchant Bank of Zimbabwe as Chief Economist. He is also involved in start-up companies in South Africa and Namibia. Christopher's view . . . I was not looking for just an MBA. I wanted a qualification to help me make a career transition and focus in banking or finance. After looking around, I did not find that many reputable institutions offering an MBA with a focus in banking and finance. Bangor was especially attractive because of its reputation in Europe and its established tradition in banking education. A very enjoyable learning experience The teaching was exactly as I had anticipated - an intellectually stimulating mix of theory, quantitative applications and case studies. Perhaps what I appreciated most was the interest shown by the staff in each individual student to help to eliminate the knowledge gaps that may have existed among a student body of diverse background in education, nationality and experience. I made the right decision Nearly one year after my graduation, I am more convinced that I made the right decision to do a specialised MBA at Bangor. The teaching was exactly as I had anticipated - an intellectually stimulating mix of theory, quantitative applications and case studies.