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A Star in Soccer & Scholarship

Originally from Ghana, Nat Baako came to W&M to receive a quality education and to play soccer. After winning two national scholar athlete awards, a Finance internship, spending a semester abroad in Europe, and winning a CAA Championship, what will he do next with his IPS?

Learn more about Nat Baako and Tribe Athletics!

Nat Baako on the field as part of the Tribe Soccer team.
About Me

Before deciding to come to William & Mary, I was looking at a few other schools for soccer reasons. However, I made my decision mainly because my dad would not compromise on a quality education. Ultimately coming to Williamsburg has been nothing short of life-changing. I have had the opportunity to learn from distinguished professors, play on a championship winning team and develop lasting relationships with intellectually gifted individuals at the College.

Entering into sophomore year, my interests were business and soccer. In addition, I worked three jobs on campus. I was also looking to study abroad in Europe to broaden my knowledge and perspective on international business. The flexibility of the Individual Program of Study (IPS) allows me to merge all of these interests. The Undergraduate Office has been incredibly helpful on designing an IPS that matches my interests and career goals.

I am a Finance major with a concentration in Accounting and an International Emphasis.  Through my studies and the design of my IPS (with the invaluable help of all the people in the Undergraduate Office), I have been able to fit in an internship with Ernst & Young Financial Advisory Services. Working on a team with a Senior Manager and a Partner, my internship provided real world insight into the consulting industry. It also gave me the opportunity to apply classroom theory to real world problems.

Nat Baako was proud to be a part of the Tribe Soccer team, who won the CAA Championships this year.Impact & Engagement

As a midfielder on the Tribe Soccer team, I have had the opportunity to be a part of an athletic family which preaches hard work, commitment, leadership and success. In addition to finishing my career a Three-Time CAA All Conference Selection, I was named the All-American Senior College Men's Scholar National Player of the Year and CAA Men's Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year my senior year. Despite the numerous individual awards that have fortunately come my way, I am most proud of being a part of a team that won the CAA Championships (W&M's 100th) and advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament in 2010.  I am also involved with the basketball team at the College. I help with game day preparations and provide up to the minute score updates to television and radio networks including ESPN, ABC and the like.

Nat Baako visited Rome, a city on his bucket list, while he studied abroad.Highlights

One of the highlights of being part of the Business School was my study abroad experience in Manchester, England. In addition to taking business courses in a different country, the experience has deepened my appreciation for different cultures and traditions. I also had the opportunity to visit a lot of the places on my bucket list: Berlin, Rome, Milan, Budapest and Barcelona, to name a few.

I was privileged to be a member of the William & Mary Wall Street Program in 2010. The trip to New York City not only developed my interest in Investment Banking, it also provided an invaluable networking platform. I had the opportunity to meet with alumni in the field and visit the offices of large Wall Street banks such as JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and Bank of New York Melon.

Next Steps

I am considering a few options for my career.  In addition to looking at Investment Banking positions, I am considering applying to the Master of Accounting Program at the College. I am equally weighing the option to move back to Ghana to start my career.  I will also relish an involvement in soccer in the long term; be it playing, coaching or as part of an agency.