ReadyforWork Impact Story: An Interview with Prince Dogbe, Matched with GFA Consulting Ltd

In September 2017, SFAN matched Prince Dogbe with our ReadyforWork employer partner GFA Consulting Ltd; a corporate finance boutique based in Accra, Ghana, and specialized in fundraising advisory for companies that operate in West and Central Africa. 

It's been a while since Prince started working as a financial analyst. So we caught up with him recently for a quick chat about his career journey, future plans, and advice to young Ghanaians looking for gainful and meaningful work.

Tell Our Readers About Yourself and What Made You Choose a Financial Career Path

My name is Prince Ishmael Xorlali Dogbe, and I am a leader with a keen interest in entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development. I am currently a Junior Analyst at GFA Consulting Limited. In my spare time, I contribute to the work of a technology start-up specializing in branding and advertising and a non-governmental organization focused on youth empowerment through career development.

I have a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Ghana, Legon, and a certificate in entrepreneurship from EQWIP HUBS (a Canadian youth development organization based in Ghana). My vision is to become an international leader in entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development. Ultimately, I aim to make transformational impacts in the lives of people in Africa and the world at large.

This vision influenced my choice for a career in advisory and consulting. I believe that this career will allow me to build a credible level of experience and expertise in research and innovations. Also, it will help me gain knowledge in strategy and leadership across diverse sectors to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Africa and the world.

What Were Your Experiences Before This Employment?

Briefly, I would say that my experiences before my employment were more of building the needed capacity to thrive in business and any corporate environment. Before joining GFA Consulting Limited, I enrolled in several training programs and capacity-building seminars. Prominent among these was the EQWIP HUBS skills development and entrepreneurship training program, where I got the opportunity to develop exceptional interpersonal relationship skills and strong business acumen.

It was during this training program that I got to know about Stars From All Nations (SFAN) and participated in the Quantum Leap Career Fair which you organized in collaboration with the British Council in April 2017. I subsequently participated in the ReadyforWork digital career accelerator. I must say that this has been one of the greatest opportunities in my life so far because my current position at GFA Consulting Limited came through SFAN. I would, therefore, want to use this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Tom-Chris Emewulu and the entire SFAN team for the opportunity, and their support and confidence in me right from the beginning up until now. I am grateful.

What Have Been Your Major Achievements, Challenges, and Responsibilities in Your Current Position?

I started off in this new position as an intern with three other colleagues who were equally good and more academically qualified than I was. And so to me, the major challenge so far has been working with these colleagues as a team and at the same time competing with each other for the ultimate position as a full-time Junior Analyst. The major achievement is becoming the first full-time employee in the fundraising advisory and business support unit of the company. I see this as a major achievement because of the level of expertise required to be in such a position. Also, I was less qualified academically than my competition but I'm the one who won the competition to be retained.

Read the ReadyforWork Impact Story of Kezia Owusu.

What Motivates You to Get Out of Bed in The Morning?

This question is an interesting one. Simply put my motivation to get out of bed every morning is my vision. Becoming an accomplished and robust leader in our time and in our part of the world requires discipline and tenacity in character. Life should become better in Africa for all and not just some! But, it must not be at the expense of integrity.

This is what drives all my decisions and actions at any point in time. My vision is also the reason I know that my current position is the best fit for me, and that is why I can get out of my bed every morning and head to the office knowing that it is an opportunity for me to work towards making that vision a reality.

Where Do You See Yourself in the Next Five Years?

I see myself as a well-rounded global leader with a high understanding and competence in research and innovation, strategy, and leadership across diverse sectors and industries. This I intend to accomplish through continuous learning and research, applying myself, and building good strategic relationships.

Advice for Job Seekers and Students

My advice to job seekers and students is this: commit to a personal development plan and build excellent interpersonal skills! It is the foundation of any successful business relationship. The reality is that there are so many roles out there that need to be filled, yet employers are still unable to match skills to these roles primarily because of this one thing: attitude! Your attitude is what determines whether your skills or qualifications are relevant to an employer or not. It is not taught in lecture rooms but cultivated and developed through the daily interactions we have with the many people who come our way in life.

To students: take advantage of the leadership, capacity building, and entrepreneurship opportunities that come your way while in school and even after school with all diligence. Trust me, it gives you an exposure beyond the lecture room. Above all and most importantly, you need God at the center of it all to experience real success in life!

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