Maria Perepel
International Business Executive, 2017
Foundation in Business
“I do believe that all great professionals should not just lock the knowledge inside themselves, but share with others, transmit it, make others better people. We can grow only by raising others.”
10 January 2017
Maria Perepel - International Business Executive
Born in the USSR, the break-up of the Republics saw Maria Perepel’s family scattered in Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia. During her childhood she was quite often separated from her parents who worked and resided mostly in Russia, whereby she would spend most of her time with her grandfather in Kazakhstan. Rather than being detrimental, this set-up has given Maria an international outlook in life from a very young age.
It was this international outlook that made Maria apply for a place of study at Limkokwing University. She applied and was enrolled for the Bachelor of Business Administration, and successfully graduated in December 2013.
“I found that Limkokwing campus in Cyberjaya is very multinational and thus, I would like to continue my studies there. Limkokwing University is a hub for international students in Malaysia. I can say frankly that Limkokwing University has a very liberal environment – this place is good for studying and good for fun at the same time – a very rare combination,”
It was at the University that Maria learned how to socialise in multinational environment, how to be flexible and adaptive to a rapidly changing environment. She also developed a good knowledge about current business environment, and understood the core of project management and operational management.
“During my studies, I have acquired skills of being an effective resources allocator and planner.” She added that she gained these skills through being surrounded by the diverse international student population at the University, thus enabling her to tolerate all the cultural differences.
Maria reminisced that in her first place of employment, her employer was initially quite wary and cautious on how she will adapt to cultural differences in the multinational workplace.
“This process went smoothly for me since I have developed a global mindset already. At Limkokwing, we had a chance to develop excellent cross-cultural communication skills which is the top wanted interpersonal skill in modern globalised business environment.”
She also added that the diverse Limkokwing environment made her feel unique and enabled her to freely share ideas with her peers. “In my career it’s very important, because I am fearless in generating and sharing my own ideas, and I apply creativity and innovation to my work even if the working environment is quite resistant to changes.”
Maria is currently working in the aviation industry as an International Business Executive. Due to the confidential nature of the company, we cannot divulge the name of the company. She plans to establish her own business entity, preferably a start-up project sometime in the near future.
“As for now, I still do not feel confident enough for this, I would prefer to spend the next 5-7 years working in a dynamic business environment in order to strengthen my spirit of entrepreneurship and acquire necessary skills first.”
“The greatest achievement in my career is becoming an expert in my field who is able to share knowledge and skills with others, able to teach and mentor. I do believe that all great professionals should not just lock the knowledge inside themselves, but share with others, transmit it, make others better people. We can grow only by raising others.”
