Keneth Ofrecio

• Year of graduation: 2025
• Current job title: Head – Finance Business Partnering
• Current employer: Philippine Airlines
• Industry sector: Aviation
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenethofrecio/

I chose this course at the University of Northampton because I wanted to broaden my expertise beyond finance and gain a deeper understanding of how businesses operate in an increasingly global environment. The programme’s focus on strategy, leadership, innovation, and international business aligned perfectly with my career aspiration to take on senior leadership roles, where financial insight and commercial decision-making go hand in hand.

The aspects of the course I particularly enjoyed were the strategic case studies, collaborative projects, and the opportunity to apply theory to simulated real business challenges. The diverse cohort encouraged different perspectives, while the lecturers challenged us to think critically and support our recommendations with evidence.

Studying this course strengthened my strategic thinking, analytical skills, and my ability to approach business challenges from a global perspective. It also improved my confidence in presenting ideas, managing complex projects, and working with people from different cultures. These skills have been invaluable in my professional career and continue to influence how I support executive decision-making.

After graduating, I returned to the Philippines and joined Philippine Airlines, where I’m currently employed as Head of Finance Business Partnering sub-department, partnering with senior leaders to support strategic decision-making and business performance. As the finance profession continues to evolve, I remain committed to continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and business challenges.

The most valuable skills I gained from my degree are strategic analysis, financial decision-making, leadership, stakeholder management, business research, and critical thinking. The course also strengthened my ability to communicate complex information clearly to senior stakeholders and to evaluate business opportunities from both financial and strategic perspectives.

During my studies I served as a Student Ambassador, representing the University at student recruitment and engagement activities and supporting prospective students and visitors. I also actively participated in FISH (Friendship International Students and Hosts) Global Café, where I had the opportunity to make friends with students from around the world, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to an inclusive university community.

These experiences strengthened my communication, leadership, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. Working with students from diverse backgrounds improved my cultural awareness and adaptability, while representing the University as a Student Ambassador helped build my confidence in engaging with different audiences and acting as a professional representative of an organisation.

While my work keeps me professionally engaged, I actively support knowledge-sharing and mentoring within my organisation. I enjoy contributing to initiatives that improve business performance, develop people, and promote continuous learning across teams.

The advice I would give to undergraduates interested in this career path is to be curious, embrace challenges, continuously develop your analytical and leadership skills, and never underestimate the value of building strong relationships throughout your career.

My UON experience was transformative, rewarding, globally enriching, and foundational to my career.