"Nothing short of transformative": MBiotech's Godwin Boakye on graduate school and the value of mentors
Godwin Boakye has a passion for biotechnology and molecular biology, and is harnessing his knowledge, drive, and dedication into a career that will impact the lives of patients and healthcare providers alike.
Boakye, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar in the Master of Biotechnology Program (MBiotech) at the Institute for Management & Innovation at UTM, credits mentorship, professional development, innovative educational experiences, and peer learning as key levers in his professional journey.
Born and raised in Ghana, West Africa, Boakye selected the MBiotech program as the place to expand his knowledge & experience to drive a future career in healthcare innovation.
“Nothing short of transformative”
Boakye speaks highly of his first year in MBiotech and its experiential learning, peer connection, and access to innovations in teaching that he defines as "nothing short of transformative." The program, he notes, “provides a holistic view of the biopharmaceutical landscape, blending technical knowledge with business strategy. From coursework on clinical trials and regulatory affairs to hands-on projects, I have developed skills that I will carry into the next chapter of the program.” The professors bring “a wealth of industrial experience and expertise to every course…. [making] complex topics more relatable.”
Aside from academics, Boakye reflects that the soft skills, professional development, and networking opportunities afforded to he and his classmates have had significant impact. “The professional development workshops and events have been game-changing,” he says, “spanning from networking opportunities with industry leaders to resume-building sessions, these events have prepared me to excel in my internship and future career. The mock interview sessions were particularly invaluable, helping me refine my communication skills and build confidence.”
He also notes the incredible support provided by program staff: “Kinza has been especially impactful in shaping my journey,” referencing MBiotech’s dedicated Placement Manager. “Her guidance…has played a critical role in securing my placement.”
“Applying scientific and strategic knowledge to real world challenges”
Boakye’s next phase of the program takes him to Sanofi, where he will work in marketing for Autoimmune Type 1 diabetes. "I look forward to applying my scientific and strategic knowledge to real-world challenges while learning from industry experts." He notes that the internship “offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that impacts patients’ lives, and I’m eager to gain insights into marketing strategies, product positioning, and market dynamics in the biopharmaceutical industry."
He anticipates that the experience at Sanofi will enable him to further a career at the intersection of science and business, working to make therapeutic solutions easier for patience and practitioners to understand, access, and implement.
“Doors I never imagined”
Perhaps most importantly, Boakye looks forward to mentoring young professionals as he himself has been mentored along the way. “I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors, like Dr. Thomas Hambridge and Professor Frances Agyemang-Yeboah, whose guidance and inspiration taught me to aim high,” he says. “[Their] belief in me has been pivotal to my journey.”
Boakye credits the Mastercard Foundation for their support and engagement with his journey as well. The Scholars Program provides not only financial support, but also “offers young Africans like me unparalleled opportunities for leadership training, social skills, career development, and access to entrepreneurial programs that nurture innovation... [and] resources and guidance to help any endeavours along the way.” Boakye speaks highly of the Program’s robust support and unique approach, providing transitional support for new settings, emotional support for students, and more. This, he says, creates an “all-inclusive support network [that] fosters a feeling of community, and enables students to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal pursuits.”
“None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Mastercard Foundation...which opened doors I never imagined. I have been inspired to dream big.”
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. It was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization, and its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by its own Board of Directors and senior leadership team. It is a registered Canadian charity with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa.
For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org
