After completing my practical experience requirements at KPMG and other local audit firms in Mauritius, I embarked on a teaching career at the young age of 24. Nearly a decade later, I would still choose teaching over the corporate world; it is more of a passion than a profession for me.
The sharing of knowledge and helping to form the future accountants of the world is an enriching experience. Someone once said, ‘Teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. Few other professionals touch as many people as teachers do.’ That truth resonates with me.
I have taught accounting and finance at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, at both private and public universities in Mauritius, and now also cover professional qualifications such as the ACCA programme. I am currently teaching financial management and advanced financial management modules at the London College of Accountancy, the only Platinum Approved Learning Partner for ACCA in Mauritius.
Capturing the attention of 150+ students in a class that lasts up to four hours is not easy
Capturing and keeping the attention of over 150 students in a class that lasts up to four hours is not an easy task. You also have to keep track of contemporary issues in the accounting and finance sphere and be up-to-date with syllabus changes.
It is an amazing feeling to see your students graduating and achieving success. Being part of a student’s journey in achieving a degree, a master’s or a professional qualification is very fulfilling. The smiles, gratitude and blessings of my students and their parents are the things I enjoy most about my job.
Mauritius businesses face challenges in the current environment. The costs of materials, including freight, shipping, labour and overheads, are all increasing, which erodes profit margins. At the same time, revenue is in decline, with intense local and international competition and changing customer needs. SMEs in particular are experiencing a funding gap, and raising sufficient debt finance from commercial banks is difficult. Despite various incentives and policies being implemented, there is still a long way to go.
If I had law-making powers, I would transfer matters regarding the education system to an independent professional body, rather than leave them in the hands of government ministers. This would ensure that educational reforms are not politically driven or significantly disturbed whenever the government changes following a general election.
I take pride in seeing students from this small island shine at international level
I believe that we should strive outside our comfort zone and take risks. The higher the risk, the higher the return.
Two achievements make me particularly proud. The first is having joined the elite team of lecturers at the London College of Accountancy at such a young age, and the second is having assisted students to rank first in Mauritius and among the top 10 worldwide in different ACCA papers. I take pride in seeing students from this small island in the Indian Ocean shine at international level.
If I wasn’t in finance, I would be a doctor, as it is a privilege to save a person’s life.
In my spare time I love playing football. I also enjoy watching European football – I am a lifelong fan of Manchester United. However, my favourite hobby is spending time with my one-year-old baby girl.
