With the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards fast approaching, we have launched the shortlist of finalists.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be profiling the finalists for MBA Student of the year and MBA Entrepreneurial Venture Awards.
Today we meet Udochuku Richson a student from IE Business School, who is shortlisted for the coveted MBA Student of the Year award.
Born in Austria with Nigerian roots, Udo Richson perfectly resembles the diversity of IE Business School’s MBA programme.
His prior achievements as former national rugby player and musician earned him a talent scholarship at IE. He holds degrees in molecular biology and immunology and contributed to the development of breakthrough research initiatives as Manager of an EU research-funding program.
After having dedicated more than four years to building a charity organisation focused on the integration of refugees, his next big goal is to drive the transformation of the healthcare system for a healthier and more sustainable society.
What qualities do you think defines the AMBA MBA student of the year?
AMBA stands for excellence. Only 270 Business schools in the whole world have an AMBA accreditation, and out of these Schools, only the very best students are selected.
I believe that the winner of the AMBA student of the year must not only show excellent academic achievements but should also be a true leader that has had a significant impact before and during his/her MBA; somebody that is always willing to make an extra effort that contributes to the community and pushes to change the status quo. Therefore, I am looking very much forward to meeting the other inspiring finalists that have been nominated for this prestigious award.
If you were to win this award, how would that make a difference to you?
Winning this award would be an outstanding acknowledgement for all the hard work and efforts I have accomplished during this year and in the years before. My MBA has been a truly transformational journey so far, and I am still puzzled by how much this decision has impacted my career path and mindset. I would see it as a huge motivating factor, but also as a responsibility to keep striving for excellence and create a more positive impact on society. Having had the opportunity to do a MBA, and learning from so many bright individuals is a true privilege in itself, but the truth is you never make that journey alone.
I would also see this award as an accolade for all my classmates, team members, professors and mentors that supported me along the way and without them I never would have gotten this far. It would certainly also serve as a great inspiration for future MBA’s and as proof that everything is possible if you embody the right values and are willing to go the extra mile.
The winners will be announced on 7 February 2020.
