My name is Charlito Almarez, a Filipino national currently based in Singapore. I began working with Jurong Engineering Limited (JEL) in 2009 after gaining experience in numerous construction companies in the Middle East and Asia since 1992. Through dedication and consistency, I was promoted to oversee a process in the JEL Head Office as the Head of the Corporate Quality Management Department (QMD). From then on, I became a proponent of innovative solutions in our work. 

As a leader, the drive for innovation should start with me, enhancing my understanding and competence to improve our daily work processes. Choosing my master's degree course with UniAthena will guide me intellectually, allowing me to develop, as a leader, academic proficiency and practical application through experienced professors. 

As I anticipate graduating with my Master of Engineering Management, I aim to utilize the knowledge and skills I acquire to innovate our daily work processes, enhancing efficiency, safety, and quality at our head office within the company group, particularly concerning our project sites.

I am so excited about my new studies that I will temporarily leave my comfort zone. This will create new opportunities, enhance my knowledge and understanding, and broaden my horizons to fulfill my greatest dream and passion.

I looked forward to connecting with new colleagues who could collaborate with me, and experienced professionals whose insights could guide and mentor me on my journey. 

By elevating my career goal, the following position I aim to become the Senior Head of Department, Division Head, and the Chief Operating Officer in due time. 

During my initial years at JEL, I learned to juggle various tasks. These responsibilities and experiences have shaped my approach to studies and personal work, emphasizing effective scheduling and time management.

After earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering, it's essential to take the government exams for Registered Mechanical Engineer. With 33 years of experience under my belt, I advanced my Mechanical Proficiency to achieve the status of Professional Mechanical Engineer. I completed my first interview on March 28, 2025, which was approved and allowed me to progress to the next level. I had until May 26, 2025, to submit my Technical Engineering Report (TER). 

While preparing for my initial interview, I also developed two TER topics for consideration by the Board of Mechanical Engineers, which would be chosen on the interview day. Fortunately, my preferred topic was selected, and I submitted my work to the board of Mechanical Engineering right after my interview on March 28, 2025. I am hopeful for my TER's second-level presentation in July 2025. From this challenging timeline, I learned the importance of preparing both my TER topics and my CV PowerPoint presentation, focusing on resilience, proper scheduling, and time management.  

My training taught me patience, resilience, hard work, and effective scheduling and time management skills. The success I achieved results from the training I've undergone, and my personal qualities have helped me the most.

I was out of my comfort zone when management assigned me to handle the Quality Management Department (QMD). It’s a massive change in my career and a turning point in my life since I'm a leader and a QMD Corporate Leader of JEL Group of Companies. The first month was tough; it felt like I was swimming in a vast ocean, where I almost drowned due to numerous issues, mainly because there was no proper handover when I took over my department. 

However, thanks to the experience and training I've gone through, I successfully brought the department back on the proper pathway. My department has been back in good shape in just five months and continues improving progressively. But of course, this wouldn't have happened without the support and trust from management.    

I do read those involving money, cost-saving, and how my money can grow. Some favorites include The Psychology of Money by Morgan House and Secrets of the Millionaire Mind (Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth) by T. Harv Eker.  I recommend those books to people who love saving money and growing, from the book by Morgan, teaching based on experience, where the money needs to be invested. 

However, the secret of a millionaire illustrates a contradictory meaning, how the millionaire gets rich easily. At the same time, it dismantles the wrong perception that ordinary people are destined for a life of financial struggle.

My dream job is what I'm doing now, but for my growth, I love challenges that inspire and define who I am, regardless of the success I achieve. I continue my passion for finding innovative solutions to our daily processes, helping projects manage constrained schedules and enhancing their morale in terms of quality and safety.

Based on my experience, I advise them to discover their passion and clarify their career aspirations. They should create a timeline for their vision over the next two, five, or seven years, along with other milestones. Following that, it's crucial to stay focused, maintain consistency, practice patience, and put in hard work.