Course studied: Diploma in Business Studies

At the age of 16, having completed my ‘O’ levels at Windsor Boys School, I decided that a business qualification would be of greater value to me than ‘A’ levels.

As a result, at the age of 17, I joined a business school in Bournemouth and studied for the ICM Diploma in Business Studies, a qualification recognised by Barclays Bank for entry onto its one year accelerated management training course. I spent a year working in all departments at one of its larger high street branches.

In the early 1980s, Chase Manhattan Bank opened offices in Bournemouth and in February 1989, on completion of my course with Barclays, I joined Chase, albeit in a very lowly capacity!

Chase Manhattan was eventually taken over by JP Morgan, one of the world’s largest banks.

After 18 years with the bank, I was appointed a Vice President, a position which I hold today.

There is no doubt in my mind that the ICM Diploma in Business Studies contributed to both my understanding of the business world and my career progression, and I would recommend the course to all young people seeking a reputable business qualification.

I studied with ICM students from more than 30 countries and still keep in touch with them today. Many of them have since achieved senior positions in industry and commerce in their own countries.