Department of Finance hosts Finance Career Talk for Students
Department of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) hosted a finance career talk for students especially level 100s and 200s to discuss the importance of choosing a course that aligns with one’s interest and personality, and the various career pathways in Finance. The event took place at the R.S Amegashie auditorium on 22nd July 2026, and themed, “What Can Be Done with a Degree in Banking and Finance.”
In her opening remarks, Prof. Vera Fiador, HOD, Department of Finance stated that most student choose their course majors in the Business School based on external influence rather than personal interest or motivation. In that regard, most student gravitate towards choosing courses like Accounting due to the perception of intelligence it conveys. She recounted her personal experience about a brilliant friend who struggled with medical school due to nightmares related to handling dead bodies. She therefore emphasised that course selection should not be based solely on intelligence but personal fits and interest. She also encouraged students to choose courses that aligns with their personality and not based on peer influence.
Prof. Vera Fiador at the finance career talk for UGBS students
The next speaker, H.E. Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Former Chief of staff, Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters, shared his background including his initial interest in science before transitioning into banking and finance. He highlighted the value of a banking and finance degree, emphasising it role in institutional growth and teamwork. He further stated that banking and finance helps one to develop analytical skills which can be applied in various fields other than the traditional banking system. He also shared his career progression in the armed forces, attributing his success to the knowledge and motivation gained from his background in banking and finance. He highlighted some significant employment available to graduates with a degree in banking and finance which includes, oil and gas industries, fintech companies, banks, NGOs and financial institutions. He also emphasised the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving one's career successfully. He encouraged students to apply wisdom in making career choices and to strive for excellence with the mantra, “The dividing line between success and failure is the application of time and wisdom.”
H.E. Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh addressing students at the finance career talk for UGBS students
Mrs. Doris Ahiati, financial advisor and corporate strategist, also joined the event via zoom as the next speaker. She spoke about the various career pathways in Finance. In her speech, she emphasised the versatility of a banking and finance degree and the various career pathways and opportunities available. She outlined three (3) broad categories of job opportunities in banking and finance encouraging students to consider roles that align with their interest. The three categories were: client facing roles, analytical roles and entrepreneurial roles. She also stated eight (8) types of Finance roles; Traditional banking group roles (corporate finance, retail banking and commercial banking), Treasury and Risk management roles, Investment banking and Capital markets, sales and trading in banking, Research analysis and Investment, Private Wealth Advisory and Fintech, Risk and Compliance Management, and Consulting and Advisory Career. She further explained the roles of the above listed career paths and the type of personality most suitable for them. The session ended with a question-and-answer session.
The closing remarks was given by Prof. Vera Fiador where she also emphasised the broader employment opportunities in banking and finance. She also encouraged students to get professional certifications and as well choose courses that maximise individual potentials leading to success rather than being externally influenced. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Miss Emmanuella Mensah, Vice President of the Finance Students and Associates (FINSA).