My tbsc story – featuring the industrialists: KNUST

The Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) is an initiative of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, organized in partnership with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG). 

TBSC is a high-level academic quiz competition among Ghanaian tertiary institutions running the Business Programme. 

The programme seeks to promote competition among students and schools running business programmes, whiles providing a platform for scholarship and interaction among business lecturers and students.

The 2022 edition of the TBSC (Ver 4.0) featured 23 of the seasoned tertiary institutions offering business programmes in the country. The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) emerged champions, for the very first time!

As we build up to the 2024 edition (Ver 6.0), we want to engage with past winners of the TBSC to gauge their moments of pride and joy and the journey after that in “My TBSC Story”.

In this second part, the Quiz Master (QM), Alhassan Yusif Trawule, has a one-on-one interaction with the three members of the KNUST winning team of 2022. Let’s find out what they have to say:

QM: What is your name?

My name is Vivian Nyantah Nsiah, and I am honoured to share my journey with the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC) and its profound impact on my personal and professional development.

QM: Tell me about your TBSC journey with KNUST

Embarking on the TBSC journey with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) was both new and exciting. Representing my school for the first time on such a prestigious national platform was a significant achievement that brought a sense of pride and responsibility. The intense preparation, sleepless nights and teaming all culminating into winning is still one of my proudest achievement.

QM: How was the feeling like on winning the competition in 2022?

Winning the trophy in 2022 was an incredible feeling. It showed that all the hard work and effort my team and I put in paid off. It was a moment of joy and accomplishment for all of us. 

QM: What were some of the challenges faced, lessons learnt, and key takeaways from the TBSC platform?

One of the primary challenges I faced during the competition was combining my academic work with the demands of TBSC.

This also presented me with the opportunity to practice effective time management and multi-tasking, as I had to ensure that neither my studies nor the competition preparation suffered.

Winning the competition has reaffirmed in me the importance of hard work, having self- belief and aiming high. 

The TBSC platform also helped me enhance essential skills such as public speaking, quick thinking, and teamwork with diverse groups of people. These skills have been invaluable and have continued to benefit me in various aspects of my life.

QM: What do you currently do and how has the TBSC shaped you afterward (Impact of TBSC, if any)?

I am currently a tax associate at Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants Ghana. I assist companies in meeting their tax obligations by preparing and reviewing tax returns and providing advice in ensuring compliance with tax laws among others.

QM: What advise do you have for schools and students who may want to participate in the TBSC?

My message to all schools and students considering participation in TBSC is to view the competition as a valuable capacity-building opportunity. It is an excellent platform to prepare for the professional world, as it equips participants with critical skills and experiences. 

QM: Any final comments for Version 6.0 schools?

For those taking part in Version 6.0 of TBSC, enjoy the journey. Have fun, make friends, and create lasting memories. The competition is not just about winning; it’s also about learning and preparing for the future. Good luck to all participants!