Bapati Mmotlanyane is a 24-year-old Global Business Journalism student from Botswana. He received a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting and Journalism at Limkokwing University in his home country. He spoke with fellow GBJ student Jacob Mocholi Garcia.
Q: Why did you choose China to pursue your studies?
A: I came to China because I was really interested in the Global Business Journalism program, and especially because of the facilities offered by the university. In addition, Tsinghua is a top-ranked university, so these reasons made me come to China.
In relation to the program, China’s economy is one of the largest ones in the world. As someone who is really passionate about business journalism, I really wanted to come here and study this program.
Q: Which are the specific reasons that made you choose the GBJ program?
A: I chose this program because, after looking at the course structure, I realized that I was really interested in some of the courses offered. Data Mining, Corporate Communication and Corporate Strategies are some of them.
Q: What do you think is the most special thing about GBJ?
A: I think that the most special thing about the program is the diversity, the intercultural atmosphere. When you are in class, you can feel this atmosphere because you are surrounded by people from different countries.
The professors are there to guide us through the way, but if you have the opportunity to study journalism with people who have so many different backgrounds, it can be helpful in many ways. For example, it gives you the chance to be able to understand how journalism works around the world.
Q: Which are your plans for the future after graduating from this program?
A: I have always wanted to shift into foreign affairs and international relations, but at the moment I plan to go back to my country and work with the Botswanan Qualifications Authority. My main goal is to come up with ideas to improve journalism in universities and institutions in Botswana.
This is my plan for my first year after graduating. In the following years, I plan to have an impact on my country’s schools and work with some professionals so that we can offer new journalism training and skills to the future generations.
Q: What advice would you give to those who are thinking to apply for GBJ?
A: They should be courageous and have confidence. They should be willing to have a strong work ethic, as it is required by the program. For those wondering whether to apply, they have to make sure that they impress the interviewers. In order to do so, they must have strong application materials, such as English language certifications, an impressive CV and good academic results.