Mama Yaa Biamah Ampofo-Tenkorang, HEC Paris MBA Class of 2025
Age: 27
Hometown: Accra, Ghana
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Grinnell College’18, French Major
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Co-founder & general manager of a handcrafted female footwear brand based in Accra, Ghana. I ran the operations of my company for 5 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
During my five years of building my own footwear brand, I successfully navigated a male-dominated sector and managed diverse business relationships in Ghana. Despite the benefits of learning on the job, I recognized the need to bolster my understanding of business administration as a small business owner, particularly in financial matters. Additionally, my passion for brand building and storytelling, which I leveraged in leading Nomad’s marketing strategy, motivated me to pursue an MBA in order to develop a more comprehensive skill set.
Why did you choose HEC Paris? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose HEC Paris for a number of reasons. Firstly, the duration of the program (16 months) really appealed to me. Secondly, HEC’s strong entrepreneurial ethos and values deeply resonated with me, given my own experience as an entrepreneur. I wanted a program that could further nurture this aspect of my professional identity, even if I was not currently operating my own business. Lastly, HEC Paris’ connections to the global retail and luxury world as well as to the marketing sector, stood out to me. I personally wanted a program that would keep me close to these industries and sectors and would provide me with valuable insights and connections outside of Africa.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I believe my unique contribution to the Class of 2025 lies in my knowledge and understanding of the intricate relationship between Africa’s informal and formal business sectors, especially as the general knowledge on this topic can be quite limited. This is one of the best things about participating in such a diverse MBA program, students learn a lot about how business is done in different parts of the world.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I have been immersed in various styles of dance and movement, all the way from my childhood through adulthood. My dance background includes Ballet, Hip hop, Stepping, Contemporary dance, and Ghanaian traditional dance.
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m currently exploring what industries and roles would best fit me. HEC Paris offers a Career exploration program, which I am enrolled in, and this resource has been helpful thus far. I’m currently looking at Marketing and Branding roles, as well as Consulting.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely fill out the additional information section of the application form, even though it is optional. It’s a chance to share a little bit more about who you are and your motivations. I would recommend any student applying to HEC Paris to do the same.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I think I would have applied sooner than I did instead of postponing my application. All in all, I am still very happy with my timing.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I did not particularly enjoy GRE preparation; however, it was a necessary component for my application. I heavily relied on extra help in areas that I wasn’t the strongest in, both online and in person. I also really worked on other parts of my application to boost my confidence.
What is your initial impression of the HEC Paris students/culture/community?
HEC Paris is a very lively campus. I am particularly appreciating being on the outskirts of Paris, as it allows me to fully engage in the MBA program with few interruptions, while still having the option to access Paris fairly easily.
What is one thing you have learned about HEC Paris that has surprised you?
One thing that pleasantly surprised me is the number of couples and families I have encountered in the MBA program.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
One thing I’m anxious about in my first year is finding a good balance between academics, extracurricular, and career activities. The opportunities are endless here and I have to hold myself back when FOMO starts to creep in.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about experiencing personal growth and witnessing a further surge in my confidence levels after my first year.
