AT just 23, Karalaini Bela Naulumatua is already looking towards her next academic milestone after graduating with a postgraduate qualification in professional accounting.
Naulumatua, from Naveicovatu, Wainibuka, Tailevu, graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, two years after completing her undergraduate studies.
She admitted initially doubting whether she had enough professional experience to undertake the programme.
“When I started this programme, I thought it was only for people with more years of work experience because I just spent like one year of work experience,” she said.
Encouragement from friends convinced her to take the opportunity.
“You will never know until you try it. Today I have finished it, and the only thing I can say is that God carried me through this season.”
Naulumatua said balancing employment and study was her biggest challenge, particularly while paying her own tuition fees.
Heavy workloads sometimes meant missing classes because of exhaustion, but support from family and friends helped her continue.
Her interest in finance developed during secondary school after she performed strongly in commercial studies. Her older sister’s career in finance also encouraged her to explore the field.
The programme, she said, opened her eyes to career opportunities beyond professions young people commonly encounter while growing up.
As the first in her family to graduate with a postgraduate qualification, Naulumatua hopes her achievement encourages her younger siblings and cousins.
“I just want to set a good example for those that are coming after me,” she said.
Her academic journey is far from over.
Naulumatua has already enrolled in a Master’s programme, which she expects to begin in January.
She also believes education can give young women greater independence.
“It’s important for us women to be independent in all areas of life,” she said.
Naulumatua credited her parents’ sacrifices and her faith for motivating her to continue. “I’ve always counted my achievements as a reminder to my parents that their hard work and their sweat was never put to waste.”
