MANILA, Philippines—Mark Earl Angelo Antonio, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) hailing from the Philippines, unfolds an inspirational journey that underscores the impact of education and international collaboration.
Antonio’s narrative, encompassing his migration from the Philippines to Australia for his master’s degree and eventual settlement in London, illuminates the transformative influence of his tertiary education at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), in collaboration with Cintana Education, in sculpting his flourishing career.
Image Courtesy of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna.
Australia as a catalyst for career growth
Following his graduation with a BS Accountancy degree from Mapúa MCL, Antonio garnered six (6) years of professional experience in the Philippines. “Commencing my career with SGV & Co. (SGV) and later transitioning to International Workplace Group (IWG), I, like many millennials, was driven by the pursuit of the next significant step in my professional journey. This led me to set my sights on pursuing postgraduate studies abroad,” shared Antonio.
Image Courtesy of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna.
His aspirations materialized when he secured a full scholarship from Australia Awards, providing him with subsidized tuition and living expenses. After completing his studies, Antonio returned to the Philippines for a year, during which he served as a faculty member at his alma mater, Mapúa MCL.
Thriving in London’s Apex
Transcending his Master’s experiences and academic prowess, Antonio embarked on a new chapter, leading him to the vibrant city of London. “I aspired to broaden my horizons and explore opportunities beyond my homeland. Fortuitously, I secured a position with Ernst & Young, the international counterpart of SGV, headquartered in the UK, where I currently reside.”
Image Courtesy of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna.
Antonio credits a significant portion of his achievements to the supportive environment fostered at Mapúa MCL. Serving as the President of MCL’s Supreme Student Council during his college tenure, he refined leadership and communication skills, actively engaging in community service. His involvement in external events and competitions broadened his network, opening doors to job offers, such as the one from SGV & Co. These formative opportunities during his college days at Mapúa MCL laid the groundwork for his confidence and played a pivotal role in his evolution as a global professional.
Expressing optimism about the collaboration between Mapúa MCL and Arizona State University (ASU), Antonio envisions it equipping current students with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the global arena, offering a more seamless path to an international career.
Setting Mapúa MCL Graduates Apart
Antonio highlights the distinctiveness of Mapúa MCL graduates, emphasizing their digital mastery, informed worldview, and rich real-world experiences. “At Mapúa MCL, we take pride in cultivating students with digital literacy and exposure to real-world learning, ensuring a balance between technology and human connection. We pave the way for them to develop the capabilities to make a meaningful impact wherever they go,” stated Maria Rhodora R. Austria, Dean of Mapúa MCL’s E.T. Yuchengco College of Business.
Antonio’s journey reinforces the importance of a comprehensive education and the broad perspective it offers, providing valuable insights for those aspiring to excel in the field of accountancy, both nationally and internationally.
For more information about the collaboration between Mapúa MCL, Cintana Education, and Arizona State University (ASU), visit their official website.