Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. These are the doors that automatically get opened for you once you clutch the Chevening scholarship, even before taking the first notes in your dream Master’s program. That right there is what this scholarship does best, endlessly opening doors to opportunities for you to create an impact in any capacity.
As soon as I became a recipient of this prestigious scholarship, a platform was presented for me to positively impact other people by supporting their efforts to achieve their aspirations. This platform helped me unlock one of my passions and abilities unbeknownst to me, mentorship. I have since gone on to mentor more than 20 applicants applying to different scholarships and programs, some of whom have been successful.
Following this, I am in the process of establishing a mentorship programme to use my newly discovered passion to support even more people in achieving their dreams, especially study scholarships to further their careers. Besides fostering self-discovery, Chevening has given me a leap, much needed, in my career journey as a Pharmaceutical Scientist. From the clarity of direction during the application stage the exposure to networks and opportunities that have immensely contributed to my career progress.
Allowing me to study my dream MSc program at my university of choice gave me access to quality mentorship from world-class professionals. This is in addition to passionate career guidance from the professors and support to manoeuvre bottlenecks in the pharmaceutical industry. The exposure to advanced technologies in pharmaceutical manufacturing and development has left me well-equipped with the skills and knowledge to work anywhere in the world! This means no opportunity in the pharmaceutical industry, anywhere in the world, is beyond my reach. All of this while never worrying about any financial pressure or constraints.
Chevening tells you to do what you like, how you like to, where you want to, and they are happy to meet every cost while you are at it. Isn’t that phenomenal? Post my studies, I have now set on a journey to support other people taking steps forward in their careers through further studies by using my newly discovered passion for guiding their scholarship applications.
The networks from all over the world, made during my time in the UK, have continued to be a part of my career, shaping and improving my aspirations with advice and opinions. My diverse Chevening network, both in profession and experience, has continued to support and be part of my initiatives to impact communities in Uganda, in addition to being incredible high achievers.
As a Chevening alumnus, I am now part of a forward- moving wave of leaders shaping Uganda’s landscape in different fields. As a Chevener, despite remaining the same ambitious individual I was before, I now shoot for horizons beyond my previous limits because the prestigious Chevening scholarship expanded these for me! Chances of remaining the same after this life-changing opportunity are infinitesimal. If I had to choose a scholarship again, I’d still choose Chevening.
By Gerald Kutosi Namboko, Chevening scholar 23/24, MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry – University of South Wales