Returning to university as a mature student helped redefine me

The Brighton Effect campaign sets out to ask our graduates to share how their time at Brighton shaped their careers, impacted their personal lives, and gave them that unique effect on their personal and professional successes.

We spoke to Wesley Ankrah to find out about the impact his time at Brighton has had on his career and where he is now. Wesley, who graduated from the University of Brighton with a BA(Hons) in Criminology and Sociology is now the Director of Social Value at Savills.

How my time at the University of Brighton shaped me

“My experience at the University of Brighton gave me the platform to find meaning and purpose in my future career. I returned to university as a mature student in 2009 with a lack of identity and I would say my three years in Brighton helped me discover who I was and what I wanted to be.”

Proud moments since completing his studies

“Founding, building and selling my own company. It’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and as any business owner will tell you, it’s a roller coaster! The highs and lows are character building in ways you can’t really describe, but the pride I feel in being able to create something is immense.”

Advice for others embarking on their own journey

“There’s always a way to get to where you want to go, but there aren’t many shortcuts on that pathway. If you take too many shortcuts, you will inevitably get lost on that journey. You can plan a route and make changes along the way, but make sure you understand the direction of travel always aligns with your values, principles and purpose.”