Edmiro, a Chevening Scholar from Angola, Graduates with MSc in Business from Aston Business School

Hi, I’m Edmiro Domingos from Angola—a country known for its enriched natural landscape, vibrant culture, and warm people.  My education journey has always been driven by a desire to make a difference, not just for me but for the people around me and beyond. I recently completed my MSc in Business and Management at Aston Business School in the UK, supported by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. Why this field? Well, I’ve always been fascinated by how strategic thinking can help solve big problems and create opportunities for growth in organizations and society, so I wanted to be equipped with the skills, experiences, and networking required to bring the change I want to make into reality.

Chevening Scholarship Details

I was honored to receive the Chevening Scholarship, being in the top 2% out of +70K applicants,  funded by the UK government to support future leaders. It is a fully funded scholarship that opened doors for someone like me who comes from a background where opportunities are often limited. Chevening is not just a scholarship; it is a bridge between dreams and reality, a gateway to new horizons, a recognition of the potential for positive change that exists within each of us, and an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our world.

I also considered the Fulbright Program in the USA, which is highly regarded for its academic excellence. However, what made Chevening truly special for me was its emphasis on leadership, its vibrant and impactful alumni network, and the incredible opportunities it offers to build connections with like-minded change-makers from around the world. Chevening doesn’t just fund education; it empowers individuals to create opportunities for others. By investing in leaders who come from communities with fewer resources, the program is fostering a global network of changemakers dedicated to building a better and more inclusive future.

Educational Background

Before my master’s, I got a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from the Catholic University of Angola, graduating with honors and an overall score of 70%. This degree gave me the foundation I needed to tackle real-world challenges and pursue further educational opportunities in the field of Business. My work experience in both the public and private sectors has shown me the critical importance of strategic management and effective project implementation. In Angola, we have abundant natural resources and an energetic youth population, but we often struggle to implement sustainable solutions that improve lives in our communities. It also gave me the motivation and confidence to aim higher and apply for postgraduate studies abroad, because I believe that business tools can be used not only to generate financial profit but also "social profit".

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Aston University?

I started by using resources like the Chevening course search engine, THE and QS rankings, and UK-specific rankings such as The Guardian to explore potential programs. My approach was systematic, beginning with London for its world-renowned universities despite the high living costs and fast-paced environment. I then moved to Birmingham, where I found Aston University—an entrepreneurial, innovative and transformative institution offering a program that matched my goals in a calmer, vibrant setting. Finally, I looked further north to Glasgow, evaluating its excellent universities and more affordable living conditions.

In preparing for standardized tests, I prioritized the IELTS since it was required for most of the programs I aimed to join, although some also required GRE or GMAT scores - and I ended up not having time for that. I dedicated over four hours daily to self-study, utilizing various online resources, including the YouTube channel IELTS with Liz. Later, I traveled to South Africa for intensive English training and guided IELTS preparation, investing not only about half of my life savings but also more than eight hours a day of study. I ended up taking the IELTS test twice to achieve the score needed for my program at Aston University. In the end, all the effort paid off.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Chevening Scholarship?

I prepared myself by intentionally failing at first, which led me to succeed at second. In 2020, I applied for the Chevening Scholarship despite lacking a valid passport and having limited English skills. I knew I would fail, as you can’t apply to a prestigious and competitive scholarship program like Chevening with exposed, primary weaknesses, but I saw it as an opportunity to learn. I spent weeks drafting, rewriting, and seeking feedback from my mentor. Though I didn’t succeed, the experience gave me invaluable insight and a foundation to build upon. I got that feeling of “I’ve been here before”.

In 2021, I paused due to the pandemic, using the time to continue working on myself and my job. During that time, I found my IKIGAI— my purpose in life—my passion for using my knowledge and experience to impact lives and solve problems through consulting. By September 2022, I had learned from another setback—a rigorous McKinsey recruitment process—to better articulate my personal impact within collaborative achievements. This was a tough lesson for me, as I identify myself as a “us” person rather than a “me”.

In October 2022, I built on all these experiences. My essays showcased who I was as a leader, my achievements, and my vision for a better future, all aligned with Chevening’s values. This time, I didn’t just apply—I submitted an undeniable application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think it was my personal touch. I believe I’m a unique individual with a singular set of life experiences, skills, beliefs, and aspirations that have never existed before and never will again—and so are YOU. I didn’t just list my achievements—I told my story. I spoke about where I come from, the challenges I’ve overcome, the impact I’ve made, and the leadership and intrapreneurial drive it took to get there. From shaping my family’s trajectory as the firstborn to leading voter education initiatives in Angola, I showed how these experiences influenced my dream of building a more united and prosperous country and continent. Discovering my IKIGAI was pivotal. Showing genuine passion and a clear sense of purpose made my application memorable. It’s amazing how, even now, whenever I revisit my essays, I feel chills because of the journey, the purpose, and the life it represents.

What Would You Have Done Differently If You Are Going Through the Process Again?

If I could do it over, I’d fail again first. Failing intentionally was the cornerstone of my growth. That initial attempt taught me what to expect, where I needed to improve, and how to strategically position myself for success. If anything, I’d use those lessons sooner and dive deeper into connecting with mentors and alumni for insights. Additionally, I’d refine my ability to highlight personal contributions in collaborative achievements earlier, as this was a game-changer for articulating my vision and purpose.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

1. Allow Yourself to Fail (and Fail Big): Failure is a valuable part of your growth and success journey. Each setback is a chance to learn and come back stronger.
2. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to research and work on your application.
3. Be Yourself: Share your story honestly. Let your purpose, personality, and goals shine through.
4. Get Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask others to review your essays. Fresh eyes can catch things you’ve missed.
5. Prepare for Interviews: Practice makes perfect. Be ready to explain your vision and how the scholarship fits into it.
6. Network: Talk to alumni or current scholars. Their experiences can give you a clear idea of what to expect.

The Chevening Scholarship has been life-changing for me in many ways. It connected me with incredible people and equipped me with the tools to learn, grow, and drive meaningful change for my country and continent. I’m deeply grateful for this journey and hope my story inspires YOU (and others) to take the leap and pursue your dreams too.

Good luck to all future applicants!

Thank you!