From working in a factory in Stratford to graduating with a first class honours degree, Gilbert Aboagye Ankomaa tells us his story of studying at London Met
Date: 1 August 2019
In 2015, Gilbert worked full-time as a machine operator at a factory in Stratford. His role was to bend steel and plastics to be used in the design and construction of stands and shelves used throughout retail shops.
However, Gilbert had strong aspirations of becoming a leadership and management consultant, but he wasn’t sure what the best route or direction was in achieving this dream.
The idea of university, of going back to school as a mature student, crossed his mind; “London Met was very close to where I lived. My good friend is an alumna of the University and she told me about her amazing experience studying there.”
Gilbert became interested in the Business Management BA, with a foundation year starting in January 2016.
Foundation years at London Met give students a supportive platform to ease themselves into their desired course when they have been out of education for an extended period of time, or are nervous about going back into education.
“The foundation year was really challenging because I had been out of school for a very long time. However, I was determined to succeed in achieving my dreams, so I managed to cope with the challenge’” he commented.
Gilbert didn’t just cope with the challenge - he overcame it and then some. He found his four years studying to be an “exciting experience where I’ve really learned so much, and have been well supported by all my lecturers. I’m also happy that I had the chance to meet people from so many different nations.”
“The best thing about London Met is that it is not only a place of study. There is a thriving, vibrant community here, filled with different people from diverse cultures.”
Barry Dwyer, Senior Lecturer in Management who taught Gilbert during his final year, said: "Gilbert's success is down to a blend of his ambitions combined with putting the basics into practice: reading and planning ahead, engaging with his peers and his tutors in classes, asking questions and making incisive comments.
“He encourages those around him, responding to feedback, and challenges himself to produce ever higher quality academic assignments, having a clear direction for his career beyond graduation."
Graduating with a first class degree isn’t the end of the road for Gilbert. He is now planning to further his education, putting in place the steps to one day become a lecturer. He has his eye on studying a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) at University College London (UCL).
Gilbert hopes to return to London Met one day, possibly as a lecturer, and contribute to making the University be the best it can be.
Gilbert joined 1349 other students graduating from London Met over the two days. Read more inspiring stories and view highlights from graduation by searching #LondonMetGrad on Twitter and Instagram
