AN ADVENTURER INTO BANKING

Almost 30 years ago, Edna at Mt. Sorak National Park, South Korea.

Edna Jasa  had always dreamt of traveling even before she enrolled in the BS Accountancy program of de la Salle University. After she earned her degree, Edna did not know that her subsequent jobs would allow her to visit almost all Asian countries, take periodic trips to New York and London, and her future family would live abroad, specifically in Singapore and Guam.

She proves that loyalty and mobility pay off in her field. Edna has logged more than twenty-five years of solid banking audit and compliance experience in one of the leading global financial institutions in the world.  To-date, Edna has participated in more than one hundred audits and reviews across Asia.

Edna’s job took her and her family far and wide. Currently an empty nester with her husband Pascual in Guam, Edna—the adventurer that she is—looks forward in the next ten years to continuing her travels to new and exciting places.

Today,  Edna with her husband  Pascual,  on a date in Guam.

In "Pointers for New College Graduates,"  Edna shares  some pieces  of advice:

• Grab any opportunity to work. Do not be choosy. Consider yourself lucky if you get your “dream job”. The job market remains challenging so be passionate with whatever job you get into.

• Get out of your comfort zone, literally. Explore beyond not only your chosen field but also beyond environment. Do not be afraid to step out of your mother’s house—there is a great world to discover. If you can find a job that would allow you to travel—go for it.

• Start saving early. Once you get a job, save at least 5% of your salary from the very first day of work until you retire. Every penny counts – and it is never too early to save for the future. The latest
cellphone or signature purse can always wait until you earn enough for those luxuries.

Read more about Edna's pointers for new graduates considering a career in banking and audit.

"Pointers for New College Graduates," by Gerry P. Siquijor, available at Fully Booked, St. Pauls and  Paulines Bookstores, and branches of Catholic Book Center.