Banking executive Wimantha chose ABE because of its outstanding global reputation. He encourages his fellow students to believe in themselves and never give up #ABEway and plans to eventually start his own digital marketing agency. Here's his story,
"I am Wimantha Rathnayake, born in Sri Lanka, and I want to explore the world from my childhood and achieve more career goals after school graduation. I am currently residing in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and have been employed as a Junior Executive at Sampath Bank PLC for the past 8 and a half years.
A friend and senior from my school, Suranga Kandewatthe, introduced me to this ABE Level 6 program. ABE has an outstanding global reputation. After some research, I chose ABE because of its flexibility, and I believe the structure and the course modules are really helpful for people like me who are in an industry that requires deeper management understanding but a simple and straightforward way of learning. Accordingly, I wanted to advance my career in the Digital Marketing and Business Management fields and to study something that was valuable and helpful for my career growth. ABE Level 6 has helped me to develop a number of self-learning skills, including digital marketing, strategic planning, PR skills, and how to adapt to the extremely fast-paced business and digital world.
I studied at London Business School, where the ABE programs on offer have helped students achieve their lifelong goals island-wide during recent years. The school has a fantastic reputation and great lecturers who help us in many ways.
A large number of corporate employers in my country recognise ABE Level 6 qualification as the highest standard, far greater than ever before. I believe ABE has been a great tool for working people who would like to have more varied skills and achieve their career goals.
At the moment, I am considering maybe completing my Masters (MSc) in Digital Marketing, but I am currently also considering advancing in my career once I get this ABE Level 6 certificate. It can be in the same company if the opportunity comes or explore greater opportunities somewhere else in the same field. I aim to continue to learn in all possible ways and develop myself further in Digital Marketing and Business Management.
ABE has been one of the best learning experiences for me because it has made me think outside of the box and acquire different skills such as digital marketing strategies, PR skills and communication, business management skills and decision-making skills, and international market behaviour, which will assist me to advance my future career goals and plans as well as higher studies as well.
I would like to share with the students undertaking ABE that everything is possible if you put your mind and soul to it and once you blend your passion for doing it, the path to success is easy for you. You have got to be consistent and dedicated to your goal. As I always tell myself every time I fail, "Never give up mate". If things don’t go the way you planned, don’t give up. That’s the worst thing you can do. Make sure to pass through your notes frequently and learn the outcomes thoroughly, and I guarantee you won’t be dissatisfied. Lastly, nothing is impossible when you think positively.
As for my long-term career plans, I am considering pursuing a Masters programme in MSc in Digital Marketing since I have the passion and talent for the subject area that will give me an advantage and competitiveness in that industry. Finally, once I become a Digital Marketing Manager within the next five years, I will start my own digital marketing company, maybe within the next 10 years.
Special thanks to my mother and all the people who supported me to archive this Top Paper Award in Digital Marketing Strategy and I would like to state a humble thanks here to my dearest best friend, Chethana Tharindi, for the courage and motivation she always gave me to study and Master these ABE Level 6 subjects during those hard times because of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka."