The pursuit of knowledge isn’t limited to learning more about the world around us or the functionality of any metaphorical machinery of life; it is also a tool for personal development and progress in the modern working environment.
A 26-year-old lad from Tanna, an Island in the Southern part of Vanuatu, came to this realisation after spending five years working at the Department of Customs & Inland Revenue Corporate Services in his home country.
Kennedy Nawen completed his Year 13 certificate in 2017 at Malapoa College and joined the Vanuatu Agriculture College in Santo the following year to complete a two-year diploma programme.
After receiving his diploma, he did a six-month internship at the Department of Customs & Inland Revenue Corporate Services before becoming a permanent staff member.
“I worked there as a Customs Revenue Officer dealing with the warehouse operations and looked after the duty-free shops. I’ve been in this position since 2020, and towards the end of last year, I realised that the only way to move ranks in the workforce is through qualifications upgrade.”
“Knowing what I know now, I decided to apply to The University of the South Pacific (USP) to pursue a Bachelor of Law (LLB) programme starting this year. This will eventually expand my scope of work with new added skills and knowledge.”
Nawen reiterated that he chose Law to complement his work and strengthen its legal processes.
“The Government of Vanuatu is sponsoring my four-year LLB programme, and I made sure to inform the people I report to at work, such as the Public Service Commission, Ministry of Finance, and the Department of Customs & Inland Revenue Corporate Services, so they are aware of my upskilling and further education pursuit.”
“When I finish my studies in 2027, I will return to my current workplace and continue where I left off, but this time, with room to grow through the professional ranks.”
The 26-year-old lad added he’s also setting his sights on further education and would strongly consider pursuing postgraduate studies with USP to open more doors for progress and growth.
USP’s distinguished postgraduate programmes, through its wide range of disciplines within each school, cater specifically to the needs of the working class, offering professionals the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields across the Pacific region.
The university’s renowned Schools and industry partnerships provide practical education that empowers individuals to thrive in today’s dynamic workforce, seek advanced knowledge or skill enhancement, and embark on a transformative journey toward professional success.
You can explore our postgraduate programmes in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Investigations, Business and or Public Administration, Information Technology, Science, Agriculture, Border Security, Diplomacy & International Affairs, Governance, and many more to propel you into the future you envision for yourself.
USP is accepting applications for its postgraduate programmes for Semester 1 until February 21, 2024.
