Former SRC leader excels in workplace
THE leadership role he performed while studying at PNG UNRE has unlocked his potential to lead and drive the research team to all NBPOL sites.
Mr Paulus Kikitam, a graduate of PNG UNRE, now a Research Supervisor (Precision Agriculture) under New Britain Palm Oil Limited’s Technical Services Division at Dami Research Station, West New Britain Province.
His main duties are to supervise and undertake duties associated with one or more oil palm agronomy research in all NBPOL sites in PNG and Solomon Islands.
Mr Kikitam graduated with a Bachelor in Tropical Agriculture. As SRC President in 2020 he was able to lead the students well despite the challenges he faced as a leader.
He said the leadership responsibility prepared him for life after UNRE.
“Playing an important role as SRC president in 2020 improved my decision-making and time management skills. The leadership role unlocked my potential to lead and drive the research team to all NBPOL sites,” said Mr Kikitam.
He said 95% of his work involves duty travel, allowing him to travel to new places and meet people which is why it was important to have good communication skills. This has helped him communicate well with site managers.
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Soil survey at Milne Bay Estate. |
Mr Kikitam said he is glad that he chose to study agriculture at UNRE.
“The courses offered at UNRE are awesome. It’s about cultivating your future with purpose. It builds knowledge and helps you more about agriculture research science and technology which prepares you not only to face the real challenges in the workforce but to start and run a successful agriculture business after graduating from UNRE.”
His short-term goal is to get valuable knowledge and experience in the industry and he plans to become an expert and gain advancement in agriculture science research.
Mr Kikitam would like to encourage students to allow themselves to lead and succeed while at university.
“Always be open to meeting and learning from new people. PNG UNRE is not just teaching you the course to get jobs but develop careers for you for the next 30 to 40 years,” he said.
He acknowledged and thanked NBPOL for recognizing his potential and giving him the trust and the opportunity to lead and deliver required tasks.