London Connection Q&A: Makesi Augustus

"Be prepared to work hard and smart": BSc Information Systems and Management graduate Makesi Augustus

What was the most valuable thing you learnt from studying the BSc in  Information Systems and Management?
The importance of truly applying one's self and working not only hard, but smart and consistently.

Tell us about your career
Immediately after completion of my degree, I was able to land the position of team leader within the TCM Group of Companies. Because of the wide range of subjects that the degree exposed us to, I was well equipped for the role.

After gaining an MSc International Management from the University of the West Indies, I'm now a management consultant with PSTG Caribbean Limited, where the focus is primarily on the public sector and state enterprises. I am engaged in change management and transformational activities in support of reform, modernisation, and greater efficiency. This covers everything from e-Government, to business process re-engineering.

In what ways do you apply your learnings from your BSc to your job?
This degree provided a solid foundation. I currently work in a world that is very much ICT-infused, and in addition to being focused primarily on management issues, I often need to utilise IT in support of effective solutions. The exposure that the degree gave me to aspects of IT and management continues to go a long way in enabling me to perform.

Why would you recommend this BSc to other people?
The programme marries the traditional information technology world with the management world, giving students a wide base of knowledge from which to draw and catapult into many other fields of academia or professional life.

"Qualifications attained from the University of London are not given, but are earned. You need to apply yourself consistently and be prepared to work hard and smart."

Have you got any tips for people considering the BSc Information Systems and Management?
This programme is ideal as it allows you to avoid being labelled as specifically IT or Management, but equips you to wear both hats. You should know, however, that qualifications attained from the University of London are not given, but are earned. You need to apply yourself consistently and be prepared to work hard and smart.

What inspires you in your career?
I'm motivated and fuelled by self-actualisation, so I'm always in pursuit of continuous self-evaluation improvement. It's the only way I'll grow. I've begun to consider pursuing a doctorate, so we'll see where that takes me.

Do you have any particular hobbies or interests outside work?
I thoroughly enjoy scuba diving, tennis, and horseback riding; these have been somewhat elusive in recent times as time doesn't always permit.

• Makesi studied at SBCS in Trinidad and Tobago and graduated in 2003.
• Read Makesi's profile on the PSTG Consulting website.
• Further information about the BSc Information Systems and Management degree is available on the course web pages.