"Embracing change and continuous learning - my career journey!" - Jugjit Singh Cheema

“Looking back at the journey I’ve had – I am glad to have enjoyed an incredible experience filled with growth, challenges, and exciting opportunities.  

I have had the privilege of having a start of my professional journey in the education industry at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. It was there that I discovered my passion for education and witnessed the profound impact it has on students and society. Guiding and supporting international students through their academic journey became my driving force. 

With this determination, I joined Intake (now a part of IDP), an organisation dedicated to helping students pursue their dreams of studying abroad. From the moment I started work for our team, I felt a sense of purpose and excitement.  

As a Regional Manager, I have had the opportunity to be part of numerous significant projects. From expanding our presence in the Indian market to operational restructuring efforts in Thailand, each project brought its unique set of opportunities and triumphs. These accomplishments not only shaped my professional growth but also taught me the value of collaboration, adaptability, and perseverance. 

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. For me (like so many others), it was the global pandemic that swept across the world. It struck just as I had settled into my new role and had moved to Thailand. In the face of adversity, I love how our leadership team prioritised the well-being of our staff while devising innovative solutions to navigate the global crisis. This taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive outlook even in the most challenging times. 

I am delighted to be part of Team IDP. I’m optimistic about the opportunity we have to combine the best of both organisations (Intake and IDP) as we integrate.  The increased presence we will have across our regions and combined resources should enable us to deliver more for our customers and clients. And both teams have so much to learn from each other’s experience in the sector. At Intake, we have a strong focus on the UK market, and we look forward to sharing our experience with our IDP team members. Overall, as one team now and our strengths combined, I think we stand in a stronger position to lead in coming years. 

In an ever-evolving sector such as the education sector, I would say that staying ahead requires a proactive mindset and readiness for potential changes. And to thrive, I think it is crucial to stay well-informed through various channels, seizing opportunities and addressing challenges effectively. Those seeking career advancement should conduct self-assessments, seek guidance from colleagues and managers, and be intentional about their development plan. Engaging in training, online learning, mentorship, and networking empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and excel in their professional journeys. Embracing change and continuous learning pave the way for success in this dynamic industry.  

If you are looking for purposeful work that makes a positive impact in the world, I encourage you to think about joining our team.” Jugjit Singh Cheema, Regional Manager India and Thailand, IDP