From Procurement Desk to Graduation Stage: Humphrey Manasseh’s MBA Journey of Resilience and Determination
By Abednego PETER
The PNG University of Technology was proud to witness the graduation of one of its own, Humphrey Manasseh, the University’s Procurement Manager, who graduated with his Master of Business Administration (MBA) after a journey of sacrifice, resilience, and inspiration on Friday, 11th of April.
For Manasseh of Zumangurun Village, Umi Atzera Ward 29 of the Markham District of Morobe Province, this achievement is not just personal. It is a message to his family, to his village, and to all future professionals: with commitment, anything can be accomplished.
“This is not my achievement, it’s for my family, for my community, and for the next generation. I wish to demonstrate to them that if you stay focused, you can journey very far regardless of where you start” Humphrey added.
His working experience spans more than a decade in procurement across public and private sectors. He came to work at PNGUoT in June 2019, initially with the Unitech Catering Team. By virtue of his strong work ethic and leadership abilities, he got promoted, working in Estates and Services, in acting roles such as Acting Head of Department and Maintenance Manager, to finally get appointed as Unitech Procurement Manager in 2022.
Even as his career as a professional picked up, Humphrey knew he had to be in a better position to handle at senior levels. “As you move up, decisions become more complex. I realized that I had to have the right tools, especially in people management, finance, and accountability. That’s why I applied for an MBA,” he explained.
Humphrey first applied for the MBA program in 2020 and was accepted into the 2021 class. The challenge of balancing work, study, and family life caused him to make the difficult decision to withdraw. In 2022, he re-applied with the full support of his superiors, including the Head of Estates and Services, the Pro Vice Chancellor Administration and his studies were approved and sponsored through the university’s Learning and Staff Development Committee (LNSDC). Sponsored this time and with an even stronger will to succeed, he said, “their encouragement made all the difference. It gave me the confidence to finish it out.”
Behind Humphrey’s determination stands his family, especially his wife and their three beautiful daughters, who encouraged him through all the late nights and all the lost weekends. “There were times when I was going to give up. But my wife and children reminded me why I started. Their encouragement kept me going.”
He acknowledged the challenge of studying and working full-time, yet asserts that discipline and faith will render everything achievable. “The hardest part is balancing your duties, your family, your studies, and your work. However, if you hold on, you’ll get to it. ‘No pain, no gain’ applies. And most importantly, I also had faith in God all the while.”
Humphrey applies his MBA education daily as Procurement Manager, from financial strategy to people management – the education has sharpened his decision-making and leadership capabilities.
“The university invested in me, and I’m committed to applying what I’ve learned to serve it better. Every decision I make now is informed by what I learned in the MBA.”
To those who dare to ponder about Postgraduate studies, Manasseh shared a few words of encouragement.
“Don’t let where you are dictate where you will be. If I, a father, a full-time worker, and a village lad, can do that, you can too. Don’t give up, and remember that education never ends until death.”
As Manasseh walked across the stage, he carried the hopes of his family, the pride of Zumangurun Village, and inspired others to follow his path. He looks back on his achievement and dreams of earning a PhD someday after years of learning and leading.
His story is not just about his journey of becoming successful. It shows how hard work can lead to success and how PNGUoT helps people from simple beginnings become great.