 A top executive from Barbados leading beverage conglomerate is celebrating her success after graduating with an MBA Degree through the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP) which works in collaboration with the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.
Candace Payne, the Group Human Resources Manager at Banks Holdings Ltd, who holds responsibility for advising senior management on various aspects of human resource management and industrial relations, described BIMAP as "a hallmark for professional education and training."
The 33-year-old Valedictorian, who copped a distinction on her MBA programme, said that she chose BIMAP because of its prestige and high standing in the local corporate community.
Delivering her valedictorian address at BIMAPs recent 32 nd graduation ceremony, hosted at Sherbourne Conference Centre, Payne remarked: "When I decided to pursue a Masters in Business Administration, I toyed with the idea of enrolling full-time in an overseas university".
"However, having investigated the MBA programme offered by The University of Surrey and knowing of BIMAPs solid reputation, I was confident that this combination would serve me well. I am delighted to say that my expectations were met."
The HR professional, whose dissertation focused on Labour-Management Relations and Organisational Commitment, confessed that it was challenging trying to juggle her responsibilities as a part-time student, while pursuing a full-time job. However, Payne is quick to point out that her achievements far outweighed her challenges.
"Learning how to balance my time at work, studying, and family life was extremely difficult. I recognised from the onset of the MBA that effective time management was critical to my success."
The Paynes Bay, St. James resident maintained: "My experience has been interesting and most of all rewarding. I have been able to apply most of what I have learned through the MBA Programme, both professionally and personally."
The HR Executive, who is a member of The Human Resource Management Association of Barbados, implored professionals holding a postgraduate qualification, to see education as a lifelong process.
Encouraging graduates not to be complacent, Payne comments: "Although, we have reached another milestone in our pursuit of learning, we must not rest on our laurels, but apply what we have learned and share our newly acquired knowledge and skills."
The part-time tutor in Management Studies at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, emphasized that engaging in professional training programmes can act as a panacea to the new global economic challenges, which would not only harm but also threaten the very survival of local businesses.
"Our nation and workplaces need people with relevant abilities, skills and competencies to function competitively. Education and training helps to improve our skills and enhance our capability to meet and exceed the ever-changing demands of the workplace and the wider community."
"We must be a learning nation, so that we are able to succeed in this competitive global environment. When we are confident in our abilities, we should feel empowered and ready to face new challenges."
The former training officer at the National Productivity Council (NPC) appeals to working Barbadians, who do not have formal qualifications, to return to the classroom, so that they can improve their career prospects.
"You are never too old to learn," she stressed. "I urge you to grasp opportunities to upgrade your skills and competencies."
BIMAP's Valedictorian challenged graduates, particularly those from university and tertiary institutions to continue their thirst for new knowledge.
"Every one of us regardless of our age, qualifications and experience, should commit at least one developmental goal per year to learn a skill, to take a course, and to improve work techniques."
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