Interview with Delroy Charles
Interview with Delroy Charles

"Start where you are and keep moving forward. Success comes to those who dare to take the first step."

Delroy Charles
Office Supervisor
Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)
Guyana

Global MBA | Batch 2025

Tell us about yourself and what made you choose your program at UniAthena. How do you think it will help you in your future career?

I am a seasoned professional with over 12 years of experience working in public institutions, specializing in areas of administration, Contract management, project coordination, and national elections management. Currently, I am serving as an Office supervisor in the Operations Department of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), where I help manage the affairs of voter registration and elections within the administrative region. I have also played a key role in ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections in Guyana, which helped refine my organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. 

As a full-time professional and an ordained pastor, my schedule is demanding, but UniAthena’s flexible online learning platform has allowed me to pursue quality education on my own time while benefiting from an affordable payment plan, without which pursuing this degree would not have been possible. 

What are you most excited to learn or explore next in your studies?

I am excited to deepen my knowledge of global business operations, with a focus on advancing my career in project management and elections management, both at national and international levels. In order to balance my studies with work and personal commitments, I set aside specific hours each day and late evenings to study and complete assessments. This ensures that neither aspect of my life is neglected.

Could you outline your career goals you have in mind for after completing your current academic journey?

In 2019, I ventured into the realm of Entrepreneurship by establishing a local café in my community. Although managing the business and meeting my professional commitments was challenging, the experience offered valuable insights into entrepreneurship, which have improved my marketing skills and enhanced my understanding of business operations. This endeavour taught me invaluable skills, which I continue to use in my professional journey.

Share a specific example of a challenging goal you set for yourself and successfully accomplished. What did you learn from this experience?

Success, in my view, hinges on vision, consistency, and determination. During my tenure at GECOM, I have embraced leadership roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. A prime example is my appointment as Returning Officer for the 2016 Local Government Elections, the first of its kind in over two decades. Despite the Commission's lack of prior experience in such elections, my work ethic and dedication earned the trust of my superiors. This role was a turning point, and I have since been entrusted with managing Local Authority areas in subsequent elections in 2018 and 2023.

If you could recommend one book that you believe everyone should read, what would it be and why?

One book I would recommend to anyone is Don’t Settle for Ordinary Shine: Grow Show Flow Glow by Dr. Nigel Lewis. To put it simply, it is a treasure trove of inspiration that motivates its readers to pursue their dreams relentlessly. This book was one of the main catalysts that ignited my entrepreneurial spirit and encouraged me to launch my café business.

What is your dream job, and what motivates you about it?

My dream job is to work with an organization like the United Nations, where I can contribute to programs that positively impact the lives of millions worldwide. I am especially motivated by a desire to help youths unlock their full potential, regardless of their starting point in life.

What advice would you offer to professionals who are just starting their careers based on your own experiences?

To young professionals, my advice is simple: don’t let comfort or fear hold you back. Setbacks may whisper discouragement, but perseverance will silence them. Start where you are, and keep moving forward. Success comes to those who dare to take the first step.

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