A Dynamic Professional in Education Administration - Komalah Simmanchalam

In the pursuit of doing what we love and loving what we do, we often encounter challenges that shape our journey. My name is Komalah, and this is my chapter—a story of fearlessly embracing new opportunities and finding fulfilment in unexpected places. With no regrets in my decisions, both in life and career, I have discovered the power of experience and communication, fueling my life with positivity and knowledge.

Although I was not considered a bright student, I refused to let that define my path. I pushed forward and completed my Masters degree in Supply Chain Management, opening doors to a field I cherished for over 12 years. In those 12 years of being a Logistics professional, I travelled a lot and was based at construction sites and oversea offices in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Jakarta, Singapore and Vietnam. I gained lots of experience handling steel for construction.

Working in logistics was my ultimate passion, but as fate would have it, I found myself venturing into the realm of education—a new field with its own set of challenges. Little did I know that these challenges would become my greatest strengths and lead me to a successful career.

I began my journey as a test centre manager at Pearson. However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes and as a result, I transitioned entirely to MABECS.

Within my role at MABECS, I am responsible for various tasks. These include managing emails and efficiently assigning them to staff members, follow up and deal with necessary documentation such as Data Protection Agreements between students and universities.

An important aspect of my role involves ensuring students are not overlooked or excluded from any essential process. Furthermore, I am actively involved in providing support and assisting with the UCAS applications. Another aspect of my responsibilities includes coordinating materials for fairs, talks, and universities, as well as attending education fairs to represent our organisation, and many more.

Transitioning from the logistics industry to education administration was a significant leap. Logistics entailed extensive travelling and coordination, while administration provided a centralised and multifaceted role. Although challenging at the beginning, I have come to relish this change in direction, finding fulfilment in being a one-stop centre for diverse needs in education.

Throughout my professional journey, I have embraced every challenge with confidence and a bold mindset. My ability to face people and situations head-on has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. By seeking opportunities to communicate and collaborate with a wide variety of individuals, I have gained valuable insights and expanded my knowledge base.

As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the path I have taken. The logistics field instilled in me a strong work ethic and a passion for coordination, while education administration has nurtured my adaptability and problem-solving skills. I look forward to the next chapter in my career, where I will continue to embrace challenges, learn from them, and make a positive impact in the field of education.