Port Moresby, August 15th – At IBSUniversity, it is a norm to create learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom. These learning opportunities prepare our students not just for academic success but for meaningful careers. Hence on Friday, August 15th, the School of Accounting & Finance Students Association (SAFSA) successfully hosted a thought-provoking Career Path Talk at the university Luca Pacilio Hall.

The talk featured an interactive guest lecture by Dr. Jonathan Attey, Pricing Actuary at Markel Europe, who brought a wealth of global experience and practical wisdom to share with our students. A total of 31 eager students attended.

A Conversation That Mattered

Unlike a traditional lecture, Dr. Attey’s session was highly interactive and conversational. He began with this simple question: “What is your future plan, and what career path do you envision for yourself?”

One by one, students shared their ambitions – from pursuing careers in accounting, finance, and business, to exploring opportunities in entrepreneurship and leadership. Dr. Attey listened attentively, responding to each with guidance grounded in his own career experiences.

What made his talk so impactful was the personal touch. By connecting practical lessons he learnt throughout his career journey to students’ aspirations, he advised and encouraged them to think critically about the choices and sacrifices required in building a successful career.

Key Takeaways for Students

• Clarity of Vision: The importance of setting clear career goals early on, while remaining flexible to adapt as opportunities arise.
• Continuous Learning: students were reminded that professional growth requires constant learning outside of the university—through certifications, work experiences, and self-development.
• Resilience in Challenges: Sharing personal stories, Dr. Attey provided examples about setbacks as steppingstones, urging students to take challenges as opportunities for growth.
• Global Perspective: Having worked in international markets, Dr. Attey encouraged students to broaden their outlook, reminding them that IBSUniversity graduates have the potential to make an impact both locally and globally.

Our students are not passive listeners—they actively engaged, asked questions, and sought clarity on issues ranging from choosing the right specialization to balancing personal passions with career goals.

For some, the session was the first time they had openly shared their career ambitions with a professional mentor, making the experience both personal and empowering.

A Commitment to Career Development

IBSUniversity recognizes that student success extends far beyond the classroom. Therefore, initiatives like the Career Path Talk supports our ongoing commitment to equip students with knowledge, guidance, and mentorship from industry professionals.

By inviting experts such as Dr. Jonathan Attey to our community, we continue to bridge the gap between academic learning and the demands of today’s job market. These engagements motivate our students to envision their future and also take confident steps towards achieving it.

For More Information Contact:
Mr. Manikandan Sathyamoorthy
SAFSA Coordinator & Senior Lecturer
School of Accounting & Finance
📧 manikandan.s@ibs.ac.pg

Article & Photography: Mr. Manikandan Sathyamoorthy
Editing: Marketing & Public Relations

✨ At IBSUniversity, we don’t just educate—we prepare students for life. Together, we are shaping futures, one career path at a time.