Forging a Desired Career Path Depends Solely on One's Insatiable Thirst for Knowledge
In a candid chat with us, Augustina Miseikaite, a proud alumna of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) and current Product Manager at Nova Natura, shared her experiences and insights about university life. From harboring dreams of medical studies to teaching Lithuanian language in Argentinian communities, Augustina's journey encapsulates curiosity, adaptability, and the power of a liberal arts education.
Augustina's transition from dreaming of studying medicine to delving into biotechnology at VMU’s Faculty of Natural Sciences paints a picture of life's unexpected twists. Despite initial uncertainty, she quickly found a passion for the field, attributing the university's open and liberal arts-based approach for her continued enthusiasm.
"Being a student isn't just about attending lectures; it's about assuming greater responsibility and learning to manage your time effectively," Augustina reflects. Engaging with the Student Representative Council, she discovered the benefits of being active in new environments, expanding horizons, and building meaningful connections.
However, balancing academics with social involvement came with its challenges. "Preparing for a midterm or an exam wasn't something thatcould be achieved in an hour or two," Augustina confesses. But she rose to the occasion, eventually adapting to the demands of university-level work while seizing opportunities to explore and grow.
Her trip to South America played a significant role in her self-discovery, as she found herself teaching Lithuanian language in the Argentinian-Lithuanian community. The motivating learners and experiencing a different culture further fueled Augustina's desire to link her professional goals with natural sciences.
As the dynamic environment of a laboratory began to feel monotonous, Augustina sought new horizons. Transitioning to Nova Natura, she now holds the role of project manager and is responsible for client relations and partnerships worldwide. Her experiences have shown her that a diverse work environment keeps knowledge expanding and she thrives on the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from various fields.
When asked about the keys to her success, Augustina emphasizes curiosity, communication, and emotional satisfaction in helping others. By taking time to reflect on her passions and interests, she believes resiliently adapting to life's changes is essential.
Her advice to those uncertain about their academic paths is simple – spend time exploring your interests and taking a broader perspective on your chosen field. Through her experiences, Augustina sees the wide-ranging opportunities her completed studies have provided her, seeking to encourage others to embark on their own inspiring journeys.
- Augustina credits her passion for biotechnology to the open and liberal arts-based approach at VMU's Faculty of Natural Sciences, proving that university life isn't just about attending lectures, but also about assuming greater responsibility and managing time effectively.
- Believing that life's unexpected twists can lead to personal growth, Augustina's teaching experience in the Argentinian-Lithuanian community, which was fueled by her desire to link her professional goals with natural sciences, provided an opportunity to further expand her horizons.
- As a Product Manager at Nova Natura, Augustina appreciates the dynamic environment of her workplace, which keeps knowledge expanding and allows her to collaborate with professionals from various fields, furthering her career development and learning.
