​Adwoa Opoku-Nyarko believes in the transformative power of education and is grateful to be able to work for an educational institution. She manages the corporate brand and public relations at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB).

In the month of Workers' Day, we feature some of our staff and their part in keeping the wheels turning at our institution. Opoku-Nyarko told us more about her responsibilities at SU.

What is your role at Stellenbosch University?

It is part of my role to implement campaigns that are carefully designed to reach our target audiences. To do so properly requires a lot of thought and effort. I have to dedicate a significant amount of my time to conceptualise and plan integrated and effective brand efforts.

What does a typical day at work look like?

A typical day at work includes several virtual meetings with colleagues to keep in touch with one another and ensure that we are on track with what we set out to do. I also regularly check in with stakeholders on a broader front to ensure that, from a brand perspective, we are representing all the facets of the Business School in a way that speaks to the institution's holistic mandate. Events are a major component of our campaigns, and quite a bit of my time goes into ensuring that these are a success. And, of course, no day is complete without setting aside time for e-mails!

How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job? 

I have been part of the SU family for some time and completed all levels of my studies at Stellenbosch. I am passionate about the SU brand and started my marketing career at USB Executive Development, where I spent five years in total, focusing on brand management and customer experience. I stepped into my current role at USB this year.

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at Stellenbosch University?

I enjoy the variety embedded in my role – no two days are the same. I also love the fact that I get to work for a brand that I respect and am personally invested in. I truly believe in the transformative power of education and am so grateful that I get to work for an institution committed to this cause.

The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What keeps you motivated during these times?

I'm motivated by the fact that there are always opportunities to innovate and evolve – last year taught me that. Now, whenever I face a conundrum, I don't despair because I know that, more often than not, the answer lies in pivoting, not stopping. Also, making an effort to check in with loved ones regularly invigorates me.

Tell us something about you that few people would expect/something exciting that few people know about you?

I enjoy doing DIY projects – sometimes, things work out perfectly … other times, I need to call the professionals to save me!