MS. NATASHA BEGUM | FIJI
BACHELOR OF ARTS (JOURNALISM & LITERATURE) 2017 | MASTER OF ARTS (DIPLOMACY & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 2023
Natasha Sania Begum’s life story speaks volumes to the strength and dogged determination to work hard in life and succeed. And coming out strong at the other end, despite familial financial pressures in her second year at USP, Natasha’s journey speaks to her character, and we are delighted to share her story with you today.
Natasha’s recollections of USP, brings a smile to her face and she admits she enjoyed her time as a student. Taking up a full-time job and full-time studies, in her second year at university, was not an easy feat. This meant late nights as well as long work hours with a lot of travel.
While at USP, Natasha had the opportunity to take up the role of Online Editor for the student newspaper Wansolwara. She honed her journalistic and communication skills in this space, more building blocks, as she planned for her future. The role complimented Natasha’s full-time job as an Information Officer with the Fiji government. And that role coupled with pursuing undergraduate studies required sacrifice and built her resolve as Natasha steadily built up a cache of knowledge and skills, that were to hold her in good stead, in the future.
Natasha acknowledges the enduring support of her lecturers, who understood the balancing act she had to maintain. And she completed her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in journalism and literature, just a year behind the rest of her peers.
Graduating with a lot of optimism and purpose, Natasha was determined to “attain more, as the job market, not just locally but globally as well, was quite competitive”. Therefore, pursuing her Masters was a logical next step in her career planning. By this time, Natasha had moved on from her role in government and was now working at the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) as a Communications Officer.
A breakthrough in Natasha’s career came when she was appointed Public Relations and Communications Manager, at USP in 2021, under the leadership of Jenies Mudiliar, Director of Marketing & Communications.
The transition from being an officer to becoming a manager, was a defining moment for Natasha and it was not without its challenges. She was considered young, and many doubted her skills and abilities. But through this role, Natasha says she grew thick skin and kept her eyes focused on her long-term vision and career aspirations. And she worked hard, letting her work speak for itself.
Natasha shares candidly, that her managerial role (at USP) and the breadth of experiences she gained through it, laid the groundwork for future leadership positions she was to take on. The world was her oyster and spreading her wings in pursuit of other career opportunities, was a natural progression for this alumnus.
At this time, Natasha is the Information, Communication and Knowledge Management Adviser at the Pacific Community (SPC), a role she took up following a stint as Communications Manager at the Fiji Program Support Facility funded by the Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). In terms of her career, Natasha has certainly flown to new heights, reflecting the strength and the determination she has always had to pursue her life goals.
During this life journey Natasha also did volunteer work with the Graduate Women of Fiji and acted as their Secretary during COVID. In addition, Natasha was also affiliated with the Alliance for Future Generations. The willingness to “give back” and contribute to civil society and organizations that support, mentor and grow the women’s network for example, are important character-building opportunities and Natasha did not shy away from taking them on.
A demanding work life makes “me-time” even more precious and so when she’s not working, Natasha savors those quiet moments she gets to herself, when she can read a book, or shop and throw in some leisure travel where she can. Natasha has always had a keen interest in astronomy and astrology, and it is heartening to see that this alumnus ‘star’, continues to shine brightly.
We had the opportunity to ask Natasha a few questions and here’s her response.
What’s some advice for current USP students?
Always have a game plan – not just for your studies but where you want to see yourself in your career and how far you want to go. That will help adjust your sails now so that you can reach your desired destination. Secondly, education can open doors and help you reach new heights, it can also help set you apart from the rest, so stay committed and make some sacrifices, for your future.
What are some of your current goals?
To become the best that I can be, not only with my technical skills but also with my leadership skills. I still have a lot of learning to do.
What is your vision for the future (both personal and professional)?
While I do want to climb the corporate ladder as high as I can, I also don’t want to be working for someone my entire life. I want to be my own boss and own my schedule, so let’s see how that works out. I’d also like to get into the diplomacy space as a diplomat, so will see how that pans out as well.
