A London-based CPA looks back on his student life at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna

In the ever-evolving landscape of international careers, the journey of Mark Earl Angelo Antonio, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from the Philippines, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of education and global collaboration.

Mark's experience of migrating from the Philippines to Australia to pursue his master’s degree, and then eventually landing in London, sheds light on the transformative role that his tertiary education in Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL), in partnership with Cintana Education, played in shaping his successful career.

Australia as a launchpad for growth

After graduating with a BS Accountancy degree from Mapúa MCL, Mark accumulated six (6) years of work experience in the Philippines. “I started my career with SGV & Co. (SGV), then moved to International Workplace Group (IWG). Like many millennials my age, I was motivated by the next big move in my career, so I set my sights on a postgraduate opportunity abroad,” shared Mark.

This dream of his came to fruition when he received a full scholarship from Australia Awards, which enabled him to benefit from subsidized tuition and living expenses. Upon graduating, Mark went back to the Philippines for a year where he became a faculty member at his alma mater, Mapúa MCL.

At his pinnacle in London

Bringing his Master's experiences and skills from academia, Mark embarked on yet another journey that led him to the vibrant city of London. “I wanted to grow and explore more doors outside home, and that's when I was fortunate to be hired by SGV's international counterpart, Ernst & Young, with its headquarters based in the UK where I am currently living.”

Mark attributes a substantial part of his success to the supportive environment at Mapúa MCL. As the President of MCL's Supreme Student Council during his college years, he honed leadership and communication skills while actively participating in community service. His exposure to external events and competitions also expanded his network, leading to job offers such as the one from SGV & Co. These early opportunities during his college days at Mapúa MCL laid the foundation for his confidence and greatly contributed to his development as a now-global professional.

Expressing his optimism about the collaboration between Mapúa MCL and Arizona State University (ASU), Mark believes this will provide current students with the right skills and knowledge to thrive in the global arena and have a more streamlined path toward an international career.

 

When asked about what sets Mapúa MCL graduates apart, Mark emphasized their digital mastery, informed worldview, and wealth in real-world experiences.

“At Mapúa MCL, we take pride in honing our students to be digitally literate and exposed to real-world learning, so they get the balance between technology and human connection. We pave the way, so they grow capable of making their mark everywhere they go,” said Maria Rhodora R. Austria, Dean of Mapúa MCL’s E.T. Yuchengco College of Business.

Mark's experiences underscore the significance of a well-rounded education and the broad perspective it provides, offering valuable insights for young ones aiming to excel in the field of accountancy in the country and abroad.

To learn more about the collaboration between Mapúa MCL, Cintana Education, and Arizona State University (ASU), visit their official website.