Seema shares the inspiration behind her career as a Migration Agent and the launch of her company, Adobe Australian Migration. Seema talks about how the values-based MBA plays a pivotal role in her professional life, in the importance of volunteering and giving back within the community and her recent appointment on the Women on Boards Cultural Diversity Committee.
You are a Migration Agent at Abode Australia Migration. Can you tell us about the work that you do and what led you to pursue this profession?
As a Registered Migration Agent, I offer expert advice to help clients select the appropriate visa, ensure compliance with regulations and aid in complex immigration procedures.
My personal journey has influenced my decision to pursue a career as a Registered Migration Agent. When I first arrived in Australia as an international student, my friends and I encountered the intricate and often challenging aspects of the migration process. These first-hand experiences ignited a strong desire to assist others in navigating the migration system more effectively and with less stress.
Before embarking on this career path, I worked in the hospitality and film industry, both characterised by erratic and unpredictable work hours. While these experiences were valuable, I yearned to spend more time with my newly born twin girls and for a more stable and personally rewarding profession that would allow me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families seeking to establish themselves in Australia.
Becoming a Registered Migration Agent represented my desire for a career change and my aspiration to leverage my experience and knowledge to help others in fulfilling their dreams of achieving their immigration goals. It has been a truly fulfilling journey, and I am fully committed to providing expert guidance and support to clients as they navigate their unique migration pathways.
What has this profession and your clients taught you about yourself?
Working as a Registered Migration Agent has been a learning journey. I've developed empathy, attention to detail, creative problem-solving, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication skills. I've also become more resilient, focused on continuous learning, and committed to ethical conduct. This profession has enriched my life and allowed me to make a positive impact in the lives of my clients.
You were recently appointed to the Women on Boards Cultural Diversity Committee. Congratulations! Can you tell us about the committee’s mission and how you hope to make an impact?
The Women on Boards Cultural Diversity Committee is dedicated to advocating for and fostering cultural diversity and inclusion within leadership and board roles across Australia. Recognising the underrepresentation of individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in leadership positions, the committee aims to address this imbalance through strategic partnerships, awareness initiatives, and advocacy. By highlighting the importance of diverse leadership teams, the committee seeks to break down barriers and promote equitable access to leadership roles, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and effective leadership structures in the country.
As Queensland CDC member, I am leading the inaugural Australian Citizenship Day breakfast in Brisbane on September 17, selecting panellists and moderating the event. I am also building a national database of multicultural media outlets to promote Women on Boards' mission.
How do you give back to your community, here in Australia and in India?
In Australia, my journey as a volunteer has been an enriching experience that spans several years. It has been a privilege to contribute my time and energy to various not-for-profit organisations, including those dedicated to serving the people of Indian origin. Through these volunteer opportunities, I have had the chance to collaborate as a team player and take on leadership roles within our community.
My journey started with involvement in the activities of the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin Gold Coast. Here, I wholeheartedly engaged in organising community events and fundraising initiatives and assumed leadership responsibilities. Additionally, I passionately advocated for causes close to my heart for the community.
As the Public Relations Officer for the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland, a role I concluded earlier this year, I had the privilege of serving and supporting our community through diverse initiatives. My contributions included Organising community events, participating in fundraising efforts, managing social media and media communications, and liaising with government agencies and multicultural organisations. Throughout these experiences, my primary goal was always to make a meaningful difference in the community.
While most of my volunteer work has been centred in Australia, I have never lost sight of my roots in the remote Indian Himalayas, my native place. For the past two decades, I have passionately championed the cause of girls' education in this remote rural Himalayan region. This enduring commitment led me to establish a scholarship in my father's name, paying tribute to his values in education's transformative power. Over the years, I have provided financial assistance, moral support, and various resources to elevate the quality of education available to girls in this region.
My deep connection to the local Australian community and my roots in the Himalayas has significantly shaped my perspective on women's issues and the broader mission of gender equality. This ongoing journey has solidified my belief in the incredible potential of education and underscored the critical importance of empowering women and girls to realise their full potential.
In Australia, numerous organisations and charities depend on the dedication and generosity of volunteers like me. Volunteering is a meaningful way to donate your time and skills to causes that resonate with you. It allows individuals to contribute to positive change within their communities and beyond actively.
As a mother of two aspiring young women, what words of wisdom have you imparted to them?
As a mother of two aspiring young women, I've strived to impart essential words of wisdom to guide them in life. I've emphasised the importance of self-belief and the transformative power of education, encouraging them to believe in themselves and see education as the key to endless opportunities. I've urged them to embrace their individuality and never succumb to societal pressures to conform. Resilience has been a recurring theme, teaching them that setbacks are stepping stones to growth.
Kindness, gratitude, empathy, and independence are values I've instilled, emphasising the significance of treating others with compassion and making decisions aligned with their values. Goal setting and work-life balance discussions have provided direction and well-being awareness.
Respect for all individuals, regardless of differences, is non-negotiable. I've motivated them to dream big and openly communicate their thoughts and concerns.
Self-care, both physically and mentally, is essential for a fulfilled life. Leading by example witnessing these values in action empowers them to navigate life with resilience, compassion, and boundless confidence.
I've realised that some of these values were consciously designed, while others became an integral part of our family's ethos by default.
What or who inspired you to pursue an MBA?
A combination of factors inspired me to pursue an MBA. Firstly, the desire for personal growth and intellectual challenge motivated me to consider furthering my education. The MBA offered a unique opportunity to expand my knowledge and skill set beyond my undergraduate studies, with a particular focus on learning management skills that would be essential for my career progression.
Additionally, my parents encouraged me to pursue this path, recognising the value of advanced education and its potential to open doors in my career. Their support and belief in my abilities were instrumental in my decision.
Furthermore, the prospect of building a strong professional network and the potential for international exposure through MBA programs were significant factors that sparked my interest. The idea of collaborating with like-minded peers and mentors was also highly appealing.
Although you graduated in 2001, you have remained extremely connected to the Griffith MBA Community. How has this benefited you? And is there a particular experience that stands out for you?
Remaining connected to the Griffith MBA Community, despite graduating in 2001, has immensely benefited me personally and professionally. One particular experience that stands out is when, in 2020, a classmate from my MBA program visited Australia from Norway with his family after two decades. We decided to revisit our alma mater, Griffith University, to relive some cherished memories.
During our visit, the alumni team warmly welcomed us and took us on a university tour. This experience allowed me to reconnect with my alma mater and rekindled my connection with the Griffith MBA Community. It reminded me of the valuable network and friendships I had built during my MBA journey.
This reconnection has been advantageous in several ways. It has facilitated opportunities for professional networking, staying updated on the latest developments in the business world, and even exploring potential collaborations and partnerships. Moreover, being part of the Griffith MBA Community has allowed me to give back by sharing my experiences and knowledge with current MBA students, contributing to the growth and development of the community.
In essence, my continued connection with the Griffith MBA Community has enriched my life by fostering lasting relationships, providing ongoing learning opportunities, and allowing me to contribute to the success of future MBA graduates.
Can you share an experience whether it be in your professional or personal life, where you applied the knowledge and skills you learnt through our values-based MBA?
Indeed, my values-based MBA education has continuously impacted my professional life as a Registered Migration Agent. It has equipped me with a strong ethical foundation and valuable management skills that I apply daily. One of the core principles of values-based management is the importance of integrity and ethical conduct.
In the field of migration law, integrity is paramount. Clients trust me to navigate complex immigration processes and provide them with accurate information. My MBA education emphasised the significance of ethical decision-making and transparent communication. These principles guide my interactions with clients, ensuring I offer them the best possible advice while adhering to all legal requirements.
Moreover, the management skills I acquired during my MBA studies have been instrumental in running a successful migration practice. From strategic planning and financial management to effective communication and leadership, the MBA program provided me with a well-rounded skill set that I continuously apply to manage my business and serve my clients efficiently.
Looking back at your MBA journey, is there anything you would have done differently?
Reflecting on my MBA journey has been a valuable and transformative experience. However, like any significant endeavour, there are always aspects one might consider doing differently in hindsight.
If I were to revisit my MBA journey, I would emphasise that I might have sought more opportunities to apply the knowledge gained during the program. Real-world projects or internships could have enhanced the practical relevance of my MBA education, and I would have networked more extensively with the business community. Networking provides valuable insights, career opportunities, and a sense of belonging to a broader professional community.
While I am grateful for my MBA journey and the knowledge and skills it has imparted, I would have approached certain aspects differently to maximise its benefits and minimise potential challenges.
If you have a question for Seema, we encourage you to connect on LinkedIn.
You may also like
Meet MBA Student, Billie Lewis-Cassidy
Billie participated in the European Summer School for Advanced Management (ESSAM) as a part of her MBA studies. In this interview, Billie talks about her ESSAM experience and gives us a glimpse into her role at CPL – Choice, Passion, Life.
Meet Deputy MBA Director, Dr Mirela Malin
Mirela is the Deputy Director of the MBA Suite and a Course Convenor. Read what she has to say about the the misconceptions of corporate finance and the MBA classroom experience.
Meet MBA Student, Briony Low
Briony is a Human Resources professional who has worked with several organisations in the retail, government and hospitality sectors. In this interview, Briony talks about the evolution of Human Resources and shares advice for future MBA students.