Meenal Dewakar was part of one of the most historical moments of higher education in Fiji.  She was one of the individuals who graduated during the inaugural graduation ceremony of Fiji National University (FNU) in 2010.

“FIT had just merged with other government institutions to form FNU. It was the first graduation for FNU, and I was so excited to be part of history in the making,” expressed Dewakar.

Born and raised in Vunicuicui Labasa, Dewakar attended Vunicuicui Sanatan Dharam Primary School from Class One to Six. Her family then moved to Suva, and she finished the rest of her primary school education at SSM Primary School in Nabua. She then attended DAV College in Nabua to complete her high school education.

Tertiary Education

After completing Year 13 at DAV College in Nabua, Dewakar enrolled in the Diploma in Business Management programme in 2009 at the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) which later formed part of FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS).

“FNU was the only University at the time which required students to complete practical work attachments before they could graduate. Not only did this provide the opportunity to practice what we were learning in the classroom but also gave all graduates a competitive advantage over other graduates.”

“The University strives to prepare the students for employment in their chosen career or advanced studies through the acquisition of the required skills and knowledge needed for the successful completion of the programme of studies,” said Dewakar.

Reminiscing her university experience, she said, “There were many unforgettable personalities among our teachers, but the Late Mr Imo Sagoa is someone I will never forget. He usually went out of his way to help his students. I have many good memories from the University. Many of my fellow students became close friends, and we spent countless pleasant moments, not only in classrooms but also in cafés.”

Dewakar completed and graduated with her Diploma in Business Management programme in 2010.

The following year, in 2011, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations and Management) programme at FNU.

“All my Diploma units were cross credited, so I was required to do only two additional years of study,” she said.

Career in Fiji

In August of 2011, Dewakar started working for De Vos on the Park as the HR Manager and Accounts Officer.  She started taking evening classes to accommodate both work and studies.

Though it was not easy, she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations and Management) in December 2012.

After working for De Vos for another couple of years, she joined the Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industry as an Office Executive in 2014. The following year, she joined the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) as the Executive Assistant to its Director.

A few months later, in her role as an Executive Assistant, she had an opportunity to take up a position at FNU.  She grabbed the chance and started working at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) as the Academic Officer Learning and Teaching.

Her job involved compiling the College Handbook; coordinating project meetings and educational workshops; working on the course outlines for five disciplines; assisting Academics and Course Developers with new programmes; processing graduation and cross-credit applications; and, creating College examination timetables, among other duties.

Living and Working in New Zealand

Dewakar continued working as Academic Officer Learning and Teaching for three years before migrating to New Zealand after getting married.

“I enjoyed my work at CMNHS, however, I had to move to NZ after I got married to be with my husband,” she said.

Like most people, Dewakar faced some difficulties in moving to a new environment.

“One of the major challenges I faced was moving to a new country and adjusting to it. With support from family and friends, I overcame that challenge.”

The other challenge was job interviews in New Zealand as it was fairly different from my experience in Fiji.

To overcome this, Dewakar undertook some training, “I attended the Work Connect Workshop which helped me a lot on how to perform in interviews and I was finally successful in securing a job,” added Dewakar.

She currently works at the University of Auckland as the Faculty Administrator. Her job involves managing the 14 faculty committees.

“What I enjoy most about my job is I get to learn lots of new things every day,” Dewakar said.

Words of Wisdom

Dewakar’s advice to students is to always strive for something higher.

“My ambition growing up was always to be independent and bring out best in people. I have always been very good at communicating, networking, listening to people’s problems and coming up with solutions to help them,” she said.

Dewakar’s top three tips for graduates starting in their career are, “things are not always going to be easy never give up. Change is inevitable; learn to adapt. Learn to hear feedback and never let it fester you. Instead, consider it, take what works, and move on.”

She believes these tips helped her grow in her career and hopes it will do the same for others.