Wondering where an ESMT master’s degree could take you? For Blessing Farounbi, it helped her fulfill a lifelong ambition. Discover how she went from Nigeria to Washington, D.C. via Berlin, landing a role at one of the world’s most influential financial institutions focused on developing emerging countries.
Blessing Farounbi takes personal development very seriously. Driven by ambition, a love of learning, and a curious spirit, she set off from her native Nigeria on a life-changing journey through ESMT Berlin’s Master of Management (MGM). It was a journey that took her to Washington, D.C., via one of Europe’s most dynamic cities: Berlin.
“Before moving to Berlin for the master’s program, I worked in Nigeria for four years in the investment banking space,” says Blessing. (0:13)
“I felt like… I needed more,” she explains. “More of an international perspective to what I was doing. And that was what prompted me to look for a master’s in management that had a global touch to it.” (0:22)
Blessing was keen to try something new. It was the first time she had left Nigeria. She wanted to develop fresh perspectives, build confidence, and open the door to exciting new opportunities.
One of Berlin’s leading business schools, ESMT Berlin, offers a highly regarded Master in Global Management (MGM) program. Formerly known as the Master’s in Management (MiM) program, this pathway gives students a global perspective. Students acquire the skills and analytical mindset needed for leadership in a complex world.
The elite business school is currently at the top spot in Germany in the Financial Times Global Masters in Management Ranking 2025. It’s also ranked #7 globally for international work mobility.
Berlin is regarded as a hub for cultural exploration and connectivity. Studying in such a well-connected location in the heart of Europe gave Blessing the chance to travel and explore new cultures.
By choosing to study at ESMT Berlin, Blessing wasn’t just looking for professional growth. She wanted to immerse herself in new cultures, to see the world through a wider lens, and become more adaptable.
“It was very important to me that I go to a place where I had other classmates from different parts of the world,” she explains. (0:41) Berlin’s dynamic, inclusive culture made it the perfect study destination.
ESMT Berlin is renowned for its strong global environment. For Blessing, acquiring a global mindset and feeling a strong sense of belonging were key to her study experience. She was able to appreciate the richness of other cultures. The diverse cohort opened her up to alternative viewpoints, uncovering a profound sense of purpose.
Blessing’s master’s experience has propelled her to the top of the finance sector. After completing her studies in Berlin, a new career opportunity took her to Washington, D.C. in the U.S. She now works as an investment professional at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This organization is an influential member of the World Bank Group.
As she explains, it’s not just ideas of success that have driven her. But success with a purpose. Her landing spot, the IFC, has been the target since the beginning of her career.
“Coming from Nigeria, which is a developing country, I always felt the need to solve world problems. To help create impact in… Nigeria and other developing countries. IFC has been known for that for so many years,” says Blessing. (1:14)
Her learning journey at ESMT Berlin was a stepping stone towards achieving her long-term career goal of working at the IFC.
“Going for the Master’s in Management program at ESMT helped me to create a very global perspective. It helped me to increase my cultural awareness [and] to work with classmates from different parts of the world. And now, being at IFC, I can see how it impacted my career trajectory,” she explains. (1:40)
In her position as Associate Investment Officer at IFC, Blessing now works with developing countries worldwide. Moreover, she works with international clients and colleagues on a day-to-day basis. Her time at ESMT Berlin prepared her for thriving in a diverse and multicultural workspace.
She shares, “I also work within an international set of colleagues. I am able to produce outputs more effectively. I’m able to be more efficient at my job… I’m more equipped now, as compared to before, to handle different changes.” (02:02)
Her experience at ESMT Berlin has been pivotal in preparing her for the role she coveted from the start.
Blessing’s journey is the perfect example of how drive, curiosity, and a clear plan are the recipe for realizing your dreams.
By pushing herself beyond her comfort zone and embracing new challenges, Blessing has created something special. ESMT Berlin’s Master of Management (MGM) has proven to be the foundation for a meaningful, impact-driven career.
Blessing’s success story is a testament to having a plan and seeing it through to fruition. As Malcolm X famously said, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.”
Learn more about ESMT Berlin by chatting with their ambassadors or reading past articles from the school.
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