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Marketing has always been more than just a career choice for me; it has been a lifelong passion that has fueled my curiosity since my early twenties. I have long been captivated by the intricacies of consumer behaviour, the art of storytelling through branding, and the strategic science behind building successful brands. This unwavering enthusiasm inspired me to enrol in the Master of Marketing programme at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School. One of the key reasons for selecting this programme was its weekend class schedule, which perfectly aligns with my responsibilities as a mother of two young boys. As my weekdays are dedicated to managing their school routines, the flexibility of weekend classes offers the most practical and balanced pathway for me to pursue my academic and professional aspirations.

The comprehensive structure of the programme enhanced my theoretical understanding of core marketing principles and strategies, while simultaneously strengthening my practical skills through immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Participating in case studies, group projects, simulations, and industry-based assignments enabled me to translate classroom knowledge into real-world marketing solutions, thereby improving my problem-solving capabilities and refining my analytical thinking in today’s highly competitive landscape.

A particularly impactful module that significantly supported my transition into the services industry was Services Marketing. This course enabled me to move beyond traditional product-focused approaches by emphasising the importance of building customer loyalty through value co-creation, which is a vital strategy in the tourism and hospitality marketing sector. Additionally, the Marketing Analytics module proved immensely valuable by equipping me with the skills to interpret market data, forecast trends, and evaluate campaign effectiveness. These insights have directly contributed to optimising revenue management, a key responsibility in my current role.

My career journey has been both diverse and progressive, providing valuable experiences across various sectors. A pivotal phase in my early twenties was my tenure at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Maldives, where I served as a Programme Assistant for Poverty Reduction, Policy, and Inclusive Growth from January 2010 to February 2013. Before this role, I began my professional path as a Marketing Assistant, an experience that laid the foundation for my career and sparked my enduring passion for the field of marketing.

Following my role at UNDP, I made a deliberate transition to Muni Enterprises Pvt Ltd, marking a return to the marketing field that has consistently been my professional passion. Despite having prior experience, I encountered significant challenges in advancing my career due to the increasingly competitive job market. In particular, the absence of a Master's degree limited my access to senior positions and strategic roles, highlighting the critical need for further academic qualifications to remain competitive and to realise my long-term career aspirations.

Following the completion of my MBA in 2020 and, more recently, my Master of Marketing, my professional trajectory has experienced significant growth. I progressed into more strategic leadership roles, where I have been responsible for managing marketing initiatives, formulating business strategies, overseeing sales teams, and coordinating procurement and customer service operations to achieve organisational objectives and uphold brand integrity. Since April 2025, I have also been serving as the Corporate Development Director at Bekind Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Muni Enterprises Pvt Ltd. In this capacity, I oversee the performance of two resorts in the Maldives, monitor revenue management, and contribute to the organisation's growth through the development of strategic partnerships. This diverse professional journey has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of business development and marketing across multiple industries.

To date, the most significant achievement in my career is the successful completion of the Master of Marketing programme. This milestone represents the fulfilment of a lifelong passion and the unwavering perseverance required to overcome challenges and realise a long-cherished goal. It stands as a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of continuous intellectual and professional growth.

This programme has significantly enhanced my understanding of how business practices can be aligned with social responsibility. This knowledge has been invaluable in strengthening my contributions to the Muni Foundation, an initiative I am deeply proud to be part of. The Foundation was established to formalise the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts undertaken by the Muni Group of Companies over the years. Although the group has long engaged in various CSR activities, there was previously no formal structure in place to coordinate and sustain these efforts. The insights gained from my Master’s programme have been instrumental in enabling me to help define clearer goals and implement a more strategic and impactful approach to CSR through the Foundation.

The programme significantly enhanced my strategic thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities. Through collaborative projects and presentations, I also developed strong teamwork, communication, and leadership competencies. Working alongside peers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds further enriched my perspective and adaptability. These skills have proven essential in effectively fulfilling my current roles and responsibilities.

My experience at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ University was truly transformative. The learning environment nurtured a deep sense of intellectual curiosity, and the lecturers offered invaluable support and mentorship throughout my academic journey. I especially valued the programme’s emphasis on practical application, which enabled me to apply newly acquired concepts directly to my professional work, enhancing both my confidence and performance.

Edited by
Dr Arumugam Muthusamy
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Business School
Email: @email