Fidelity Bank, Ghana’s largest privately-owned indigenous bank, recently had the privilege of hosting a team of Harvard Business School (HBS) students in Accra for a week.
This partnership was part of a required course called the FIELD Global Immersion, designed to provide students with real-world business experience. Fidelity Bank was among 157 FIELD Global Immersion Project Partners across 16 cities and countries, together hosting over 930 HBS students.
Julian Opuni, Managing Director at Fidelity Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are pleased to be working with Harvard Business School to provide students with a real-world learning experience in Accra,” he said.
“This collaboration provides a valuable platform for these students to gain practical insights into the Ghanaian market and the nuances of operating in a dynamic African economy. We believe these firsthand experiences will be far more enriching than anything they could learn from a classroom discussion alone. We’re confident that the knowledge and perspectives they gained during their time here will be invaluable as they embark on their successful careers.”
Julian Opuni
The FIELD Global Immersion course aims to enhance students’ abilities to manage and operate effectively in various business contexts. In preparation for the visit, Fidelity Bank executives collaborated remotely with the student team for several months.
During their stay in Accra, the students pitched their ideas to Fidelity Bank’s leadership, conducted field research with customers at several bank branches, and presented their final recommendations to management.
This immersive experience challenges students to introduce a new product, service, or customer experience for their partner company, fostering skills in contextual intelligence and team effectiveness while delivering value in an unfamiliar environment.
Len Schlesinger, Baker Foundation Professor and Faculty Chair for the FIELD Global Immersion, emphasized the significance of the Project Partners. “We are extremely grateful to Fidelity Bank and all the FIELD Global Immersion Project Partner organizations for all they do on behalf of our students,” he said. “The students benefit immeasurably from this experience, and we hope the partner organizations do as well.”
Commitment to Innovation and Leadership
Fidelity Bank’s selection as a FIELD Global Immersion Project Partner highlights the bank’s dedication to innovation and nurturing future business leaders. This collaboration not only provided HBS students with invaluable insights into the Ghanaian market but also allowed Fidelity Bank to gain fresh perspectives from some of the brightest young minds in business.
During their week in Accra, the HBS students engaged deeply with the local market dynamics. They visited multiple Fidelity Bank branches, interacted with customers, and assessed various aspects of the bank’s operations. Their field research culminated in a comprehensive presentation to Fidelity Bank’s management, offering actionable recommendations based on their findings.
The real-world learning experience proved to be a two-way street. While the students gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of operating in a vibrant African economy, Fidelity Bank benefited from the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives brought by the students. This exchange of knowledge and ideas exemplifies the mutual benefits of such partnerships.
Fidelity Bank’s role in this project also underscores its broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement. By participating in programs like the FIELD Global Immersion, the bank demonstrates its support for educational initiatives and its commitment to fostering global business acumen.
Fidelity Bank’s collaboration with Harvard Business School for the FIELD Global Immersion Project was a resounding success. The partnership provided HBS students with a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, while Fidelity Bank gained valuable insights and innovative ideas to enhance its operations.
