Dr Bertha Dzifa Kumodji

PhD Human Resource Management

“I didn’t just choose Birmingham City University, I chose a turning point. My journey has been shaped by moving across countries, industries, and moments of real uncertainty.

“By the time I came to the UK, I knew I wasn’t looking for just another qualification. I wanted somewhere that would challenge me, help me find my voice, and connect my lived experience with strong academic thinking.

“BCU stood out because it felt real, grounded, practical, and closely connected to what’s actually happening in real-world organisations. I wanted transformation, not just knowledge.

“During my time at BCU, I explored some of the biggest challenges facing the modern workforce. It pushed me to think more critically about talent, inclusion, and leadership, especially in uncertain times.

“More than anything, it helped me see myself differently, not just as a practitioner or academic, but as someone who could contribute meaningfully to the field.

“There’s always moments of doubt in your journey, but BCU was a place where those moments turned into growth. The support and challenge from my supervisors, along with being part of such a diverse community, really shaped me.

“I have taken this growth with me into the NHS as an Acting Medical Staffing Advisor. My work sits right at the centre of workforce operations, and every decision matters because it links directly to patient care.

“For me, it’s not just about recruitment - it’s about making sure the right systems and people are in place to deliver safe, effective services.

“What I enjoy most is the human side of it. Behind CV is a story, and behind every vacancy is a need that affects teams, patients, and outcomes. Being able to connect people to these opportunities incredibly rewarding.

“My journey, from banking in Ghana to healthcare in the UK, has taught me that people are at the heart of everything. Now, I get to work at the point where talent meets opportunity, helping to shape not just individual careers, but organisational outcomes too.

“The West Midlands has played a big part in that journey. It’s more than just where I work, it’s where everything came together. It’s a region that reflects resilience and diversity, and it’s given me the space to grow in every sense.

“Since finishing my PhD, my focus has been on continuing to build on that impact, bridging research and practice, and contributing to how organisations think about talent, inclusion, and leadership.

“This journey has been about continuing to grow, evolve, and contribute. Choosing BCU was more than an academic decision; it was a decision to back myself and the impact I knew I could make."