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 have always been passionate about continuous learning and professional development. My background is in the banking industry, where I have accumulated 24 years of experience. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a desire to enhance my skills and stay abreast of the latest industry trends.
I choose UniAthena because of the reputation, accreditation, flexibility, and comprehensive curriculum of the learning programs. This will have the impact of enhancing my skills, furthering my career, and creating networking opportunities.
What are you most excited to learn or explore next in your studies?
I'm most excited to delve deeper into the topics of strategic management and leadership. These areas are crucial for driving business success and making informed decisions that impact the entire organization.
Could you outline the career goals you have in mind for after completing your current academic journey?
My career goals will be in the short, medium, and long term. In the short run, I would like to apply the knowledge and skills gained from my studies to drive innovation and efficiency in my workplace, contributing to significant organisational growth. In the medium term, I will pursue additional professional certifications that complement my academic achievements and provide further specialisation in my field. In the long term, I intend to explore entrepreneurial opportunities by potentially starting my own business or consulting firm, leveraging my expertise to offer strategic advice to other organizations.
How are you managing your studies along with the work in your personal life?
I use a detailed schedule to allocate specific times for studying, working, and personal activities. Tools like digital calendars and planners help me to stay organized.
Share a specific example of a challenging goal you set for yourself and successfully accomplished. What did you learn from this experience?
Completing a professional certification while working full-time and managing personal commitments. I learnt that consistently sticking to a plan and maintaining discipline are key to achieving challenging goals.
From your experiences so far, what personal qualities do you think are important for achieving success?
Considering my experiences, I believe resilience, adaptability, perseverance, and integrity are critical for achieving success.
Tell us about a time when you stepped outside your comfort zone to take on a leadership role. What was the outcome?
I recall a significant moment when I stepped outside my comfort zone to take on a leadership role as a regional credit portfolio monitoring manager in my organisation. I learnt the importance of understanding team dynamics and leveraging individual strengths to achieve a common goal. The outcome was the putting in place of a solid team that engaged tasks successfully and respected deadlines.
If you could recommend one book that you believe everyone should read, what would it be and why?
Rich Dad Poor Dad is a book by Robert Kiyosaki that contrasts the financial philosophies of his two dads: his real father (poor dad) and the father of his best friend (rich dad). The book emphasises that earning a high income is not necessary to become rich, and it encourages readers to think differently about money, investing, and financial independence.
What is your dream job, and what motivates you about it?
My dream job would be to work as a Senior Credit Officer. This role perfectly aligns with my passion for driving a performing credit team. The challenges and opportunities in the role provide continuous personal and professional growth, keeping me engaged and motivated.
What advice would you offer to professionals who are just starting their careers based on your own experiences?
I highly recommend that young professionals embrace continuous learning, build a strong network, set career goals, and maintain a work-life balance.