Dibah Jiva

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While living in France, Canada, the UK and Spain, Dibah has completed a nutrition degree, a medical degree, an MBA, has trained as an eye surgeon and created theMSAG. theMSAG inspires students who want to be doctors and helps international students navigate various educational systems.

What is your favorite travel memory?

This has to be going through the safari parks of Tanzania with my family. It’s like being a child and being in the Lion King - absolutely magical. We stayed in a resort that had huts to sleep in and they advised us to stay away from the pools at night. As I walked back from the restaurant to my room, I saw elephants drinking at the resort’s swimming pool - a sight I can never forget!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

The biggest growth for me has been to actually figure out what I want to do with my life. I have spent over a decade advising students on their careers, but it took me trying many paths before finding this job. Now I never feel too tired to start, nor see the hours go by throughout the day! My friends say they don’t know anyone who loves their job as much as I do, and I think it’s true - I feel a true sense of belonging and purpose in my role.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

All the best stories I have heard have one element in common - a newfound confidence. One of the students we taught last year used to think many activities and tasks were too difficult for her. She was inclined to shy away from reflecting about herself and really lacked confidence in her own abilities. One year on, our support and mentorship has led to a huge change. Not only has she got into the medical school of her dreams but hearing her speak now about booking her medical school accommodation on the other side of the country from home with such confidence is heartwarming.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would attend our summer school for sure. I have a soft spot for summer camps. I went as a kid and made lifetime friends and then volunteered as a facilitator as a teenager. I was so into it that I even got to direct a few camps. There is something unique that happens in a residential course that is hard to reproduce anywhere else. You meet total strangers and, in less than 2 weeks, they feel like family you have always known. Beyond what you will learn and the preparation to get into medical school, the experience itself is life changing!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

We get to know each of our students, their likes, dislikes, aspirations, fears, passions. We keep everything to a small scale which allows us to remain very genuine and connect on an individual basis. I will personally spend a few hours every day which each participant and become friends so they can ask me advice like they would someone they've known for years and are comfortable with. They play sports with us, share ice creams and then discuss their career aspirations and university choice all in one day, almost seamlessly.

I feel very proud of the team when students come back to me and tell me how they felt inspired by the tutors. Last year, after the interview preparation day, a student came to me and said she learned more in one day from one of our staff, Kate, than all year from school. A comment like this makes my day for a long time!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Always remembering why we do what we do. We set out to help students get into medical school and guide them on their journey. We know how important this mission is and how many obstacles, hurdles and doubts students and families will face on the way. By remembering our purpose, no amount of work is too much effort to help us achieve this goal. This allows us to be flexible, go the extra mile and constantly improve the student’s experience. If we can think of something they’ll enjoy or that will help them, it’s simple: we do it!