"Six years from now, I envisage myself as a full-fledged senior professional at the level of director."
Meshack Lugaila Manase
Budget and Programming Officer
United Nations World Food Programme
Tanzania
MBA in General Management - FastTrack | Batch 2023
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Meshack Lugaila Manase. I graduated in 2017 as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-Tanzania) administered by the National Board of Accountants and Auditors in Tanzania (NBAA) and hold a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the Institute of Finance Management in Tanzania which I graduated in 2011. For the past 10 years, I have been working as a Finance and Administration Officer and Budget and programming officer with the United Nations World Food Programme Tanzania.
I am in charge of resource management to assist in necessary improvements in the Finance and Administration areas, including efficient restructuring and cost-cutting measures. I am also involved in analyzing current operations, financial and administrative issues. Devise and implement strategic financial, and administration plans to provide enhanced service. My work experience and trend of achievement in different senior positions have helped me develop a thorough insight into transitioning back to the academic world for further growth. It has given me the inspiration to pursue an MBA course. This career with open prospects has given me constant incentives to improve myself and gain more knowledge.
What drew you to the programme you are studying at UniAthena? Do you think it would help you realize your career goals?
Nowadays, I am aware that my life has been a process of conscious positive evolution. I realize that all my career achievements have been due to the values given to me by my parents, professors, and mentors, coupled with my immense desire to achieve top managerial positions in big organizations.
As I embark upon a new stage of my life, I believe that an MBA will provide a milestone in my career along with invaluable experiences that will allow me to accomplish my goals and become a successful, inventive professional.
What would you like to learn next?
I would like to attain mastery in Project management.
What are your next career steps?
Six years from now, I envisage myself as a full-fledged senior professional at the level of director.
How has your academic journey prepared you for your career?
The three-year undergraduate programme for a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and my CPA formed the basis of my perseverance towards gaining in-depth knowledge of accounting and finance. As a part of my undergraduate programme and CPA, I studied various subjects relating to diverse aspects, which include, financial reporting, auditing and assurance services, management accounting, public finance & taxation, international finance, treasury management, entrepreneurship, corporate finance, investment analysis and capital markets, research methodology, micro and macroeconomics, and the principles of management.
Tell us about a time you planned and accomplished a challenging goal.
As an information management officer, I was part of a team that was tasked with developing a new data management system for our organization. The previous system was outdated, and we needed a more efficient and effective system to manage our data. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the sheer volume of data that we had to migrate to the new system. We had to work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive plan for data migration while ensuring that there was no loss of data or information.
To overcome this challenge, we divided the team into smaller groups and assigned each group to a specific task. We developed a detailed data migration plan, which included a thorough inventory of all data sets, data quality checks, and a phased approach to migration. We also had to work closely with other departments within the organization to ensure that the new system was integrated with their existing systems. Despite the challenges, we were able to successfully implement the new data management system on time, and we received positive feedback from employees. Overall, working on this project taught me the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication in achieving a common goal. It also reinforced the importance of attention to detail and thorough planning when undertaking complex projects.
Describe a time you stepped outside your comfort zone and demonstrated leadership skills.
One example of a time when I was given a responsibility I had never had before was when I was promoted to a new role and assigned to a new project that required a different skill set or set of responsibilities. In order to succeed in this new role, I needed to take the time to understand the expectations and requirements of the new role, of which time was not on my side. I needed to learn new skills, such as how to delegate tasks effectively, provide feedback to team members, and manage conflict. I also need to be proactive in seeking out guidance and support from more experienced colleagues or mentors. I applied leadership skills by taking ownership of their new responsibilities and being open to learning and growth. The results were better equipped to succeed in their new role and make a positive impact on their team and organization.
Which book would you recommend as a must-read for everyone, and why?
The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham because it is described as "by far the best book on investing ever written" by none other than Warren Buffett. "Chapters 8 and 20 have been the bedrock of my investing activities for more than 60 years," he says. "I suggest that all investors read those chapters and reread them every time the market has been especially strong or weak."
What is your dream job, and why?
My dream job is to be a better Corporate advisor, Investment banker, Public speaker, Author, VC Enthusiast, and Entrepreneur.
Do you have any message for professionals just starting out in their careers?
"Always nurture your inner childhood dreams; life will become beautiful."
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