Georges Hayek
Interview with Georges Hayek

"My dream job is to become the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at my university. I have spent 3 years in the IT Department, and I immensely enjoy overseeing the finances."

Georges Hayek
Sous-directeur
University of Saint Joseph
Lebanon

Master of Business Administration | Batch 2024

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?

My name is Georges El Hayek. I work in the IT Department of the University of Saint Joseph, Beirut, as the head of the Unit Support Team. I chose this program because an MBA can help me fulfil my responsibilities better. I want to grow my finance and accounting knowledge to help me make annual budgets more accurate. I want to delve deeper into strategy and entrepreneurship to improve our dealings with suppliers while buying computers, screens, laptops, scanners, and other IT materials. I believe that I can learn all these skills and more through this MBA. 

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

Upon completing my MBA program, I wish to learn more about effective communication in the workplace, especially with colleagues and employees. 

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

I am aiming to reach a higher position within the University, with a particular focus on securing the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

How are you managing your studies along with the work in your personal life?

Fortunately, I have a work schedule that allows me to comfortably accommodate my MBA. Following my 9-to-5, full-time routine, I plan to schedule the next two hours for studying, or even in the late hours.

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

I have made several accomplishments at the university since joining. Mastering the Jira System for Inventory Management and Stock Management for the University's IT Department was one of the key milestones I achieved. 

From your experiences so far, what personal qualities do you think are important for achieving success?

In my experience, if you are working in a customer-centric role, client satisfaction is the top priority. I dedicate myself to enhancing my customer service skills around the clock, making it a central focus of my professional development. 

Tell us about a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone to take on a leadership role. What was the outcome?

It was when I took on the responsibility of initiating the ERP system for students, which was a challenging yet rewarding assignment. 

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

I highly recommend the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It offers impactful insights into management and success, including planning, monitoring, and executing ideas strategically. 

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

My dream job is to become the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) at my university. I have spent 3 years in the IT Department, and I immensely enjoy overseeing the finances.

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

The best advice I can offer anyone aspiring to join the support team is to cultivate patience and develop strong listening skills. Building empathy with clients is the foundation of a successful outcome.

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