I was attracted to IFAS because of its strong reputation and high-quality education in the field of accounting and finance. I was also drawn to Xiamen University for the opportunity to study at one of the best and beautiful universities in the word. My time at IFAS led to a significant transformation in my life, especially when it comes to my career path. Before coming from Ghana to study at IFAS, my focus was mostly on achieving high grades. But IFAS helped me to appreciate the value of research and its impact in the accounting field. This gave me a clear guidance for my future career path and made my transition from IFAS to the PhD study smoother.

One of my most memorable experiences at IFAS was facing a significant setback during my thesis defense. I failed my oral defense twice, which was a bitter experience as I had already gained admission to the PhD program and the only remaining requirement was completing my master’s thesis. However, I am grateful to my thesis committee, chaired by the committee chair, who showed great patience and gave me ample time to complete the defense. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to other faculty members, who guided me in the absence of my main thesis advisor and helped me successfully complete my thesis and obtain my master’s certificate. This experience truly showed the dedication and commitment of IFAS teachers towards students’well-being.

The experiences I gained at IFAS have greatly influenced my PhD studies and current career. The institute instilled in me a strong foundation in rigorous research, particularly in data analysis using statistical software such as SAS and Stata. This important skill has made me more productive during my PhD studies. Moreover, IFAS taught me the value of paying attention to details, which continues to benefit me in my career.

I wish all the IFAS family a hearty congratulations on this 20th anniversary! I always appreciate my time at IFAS and the valuable life-changing experiences I gained. I have no doubts that our institute will continue to produce scholars who will shape the world of accounting and finance, whether in academia or in industry, and whether in the public or private sector.To all current students of IFAS, your decision to study at IFAS is one of the best you could ever make. Continue to make the most out of your limited time at IFAS and continue to study hard and make yourself, family and IFAS proud. 

Happy 20th anniversary, IFAS…!