Acting Manager Outreach Vijayta Sharma

A simple question from a schoolgirl recently reminded Acting Manager Outreach, Vijayta Sharma, why she loves what she does.

After completing an outreach session at a school in the West, a female student approached her and asked, “Madam, what do I study if I want to be like you?”

For Ms Sharma, the question was a powerful reminder that the conversations held in classrooms, school halls and community spaces can influence how young people see their future.

“We often visit schools believing we are there to inspire students about their future, but sometimes, without realising it, we become part of the future they begin to imagine for themselves,” she says.

It is this sense of purpose that has shaped Ms Sharma’s 11-year journey with the Fiji National University (FNU).

Ms Sharma leads and coordinates the University’s outreach and student engagement activities, connecting FNU with schools, communities, prospective students and other stakeholders across Fiji.

Her role encompasses roadshows, school visits, career guidance programmes, enrolment campaigns, career teachers’ trainings, university -wide events and a range of student recruitment initiatives. But for Ms Sharma, the work goes beyond promoting programmes or encouraging applications.

It is about helping students make informed decisions about their future and showing them that higher education is within their reach. Ms Sharma’s career at FNU has given her the opportunity to see the student journey from two different perspectives.

She spent her first eight years in Student Support before moving into Outreach three years ago.

During her time in Student Support, she contributed to initiatives aimed at creating a more engaging campus experience for students. This included supporting the establishment of the Fiji National University Students Association (FNUSA), developing debate clubs and competitions, coordinating First-Year Orientation programmes and contributing to initiatives such as the Environment Ambassadors Club.

Those experiences gave her valuable insight into the support students need once they begin university. Moving into Outreach allowed her to connect with students even earlier at a time when many are still deciding what to study, where to study and what career they want to pursue.

“From supporting students throughout their campus journey and enhancing their university experience to now helping prospective students take their first steps towards FNU, it has truly been a blessing and a very fulfilling journey,” Ms Sharma says.

More than meets the eye

Behind every school visit or outreach event is extensive preparation.

Ms Sharma says the Outreach team must continuously learn and update its knowledge of FNU’s programmes, entry requirements, TSLS schemes and changes within the education sector.

The team also develops simple, student-friendly resources that university processes are easier for prospective students and their families to understand.

“We are not simply promoting one programme or one college; we represent and stand for the entire University,” she says.

With a team of just four supporting outreach activities across the University the work can be demanding.

Back-to-back events, ad hoc requests, school visits, enquiries and application follow-ups require the team to remain flexible and responsive.

Despite the challenges, Ms Sharma says teamwork and a shared commitment to students keep the department moving.

For Ms Sharma, one of the most rewarding aspects of outreach is seeing the excitement on a prospective student’s face when they begin to understand their options.

She says one of the most rewarding moments is seeing students take that next step and eventually receive their offer letter. “Outreach is not just about promoting FNU; it is about opening doors and helping students see what is possible for their future.”

Her experiences working with different communities have also taught her that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

“Every community and every student is different,” she says.

Learning to listen first, understand individual needs and then find the best way to connect has strengthened her adaptability, patience, communication and empathy.

Ms Sharma holds a Master of Education, Postgraduate Diplomas in Educational Leadership, Teaching and Hindi Literature, a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Hindi, Economics and Political Science, and a Diploma in Mass Communication. Her diverse academic background reflects her passion for education, leadership and lifelong learning. Before joining FNU, Ms Sharma taught Diploma- and Degree-level courses in Hindi Language and Indian Culture for six years.

She also has strong expertise in Hindi, including formal spoken Hindi, English-Hindi translation and typing in the Devanagari script. She was awarded Outstanding Student in the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching programme at the University of Fiji, graduating in 2012.

Ms Sharma hopes to see Outreach expand its regional and community-based engagement while developing resources that make information easier for students to understand.

She also believes there is significant potential in strengthening virtual outreach platforms to connect with students who may be difficult to reach physically.

Her motivation, however, remains unchanged: students.

“Knowing that a conversation, a piece of guidance, or simply encouraging a student can influence their decision and help shape their future gives me a strong sense of purpose,” she says.

And her message to students considering FNU is one of encouragement.

“At FNU, there is something for everyone. We have programmes that suit all types of learners. We also have the relevant support mechanisms in place to guide students through.”

For Ms Sharma, FNU is more than a place of learning. It is where students discover their potential, build their future and find the support they need to succeed.