GCM Alumni Spotlight – Mr. Patrick Borg

In this edition of our #GCMALUMNISPOTLIGHT, we are thrilled to introduce Mr. Patrick Borg, an inspiring alumni whose academic and professional journey exemplifies growth, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. With a strong foundation in business management and hands-on leadership experience, Patrick has successfully navigated various career milestones, from managing teams to leading key operational functions.

In this feature, Patrick shares insights into his transformative academic journey and how the Bachelor of Arts in Management programme has played a crucial role in shaping his career path. From his early struggles with motivation to his current position as Operations Manager, his story highlights the value of perseverance, continuous learning, and the real-world application of academic knowledge.

Read on to discover how Patrick’s academic achievements and career advancements align with his passion for management, and how he continues to build on his success both professionally and personally.

Can you tell us a bit about your professional and academic background?

The past five years have been a truly transformative chapter in my life—academically, personally, and professionally. After completing my Diploma in Business Management in 2014, I always intended to pursue a full degree. However, for a long time, I struggled to find the motivation to take that next step.

That changed in 2020. At the time, I was working as an Operations Assistant at a shipping agency. The COVID-19 pandemic, though challenging in many ways, offered a moment of pause and reflection. It gave me the time and clarity I needed to realign with my long-term goals. In October 2020, I took the leap and enrolled in a degree programme.

Soon after, an exciting opportunity arose. I transitioned into a role as Sales and Marketing Manager at a local company, where I began gaining valuable experience in team coordination, deadline management, and day-to-day operations. This was a major step forward, allowing me to apply the concepts I was learning in a real-world setting.

A year later, while still pursuing my degree, I embraced another opportunity—this time in the car rental industry, a field I’m passionate about. I took on a leadership role, managing a team of 15, which marked my first experience leading at this scale. This position not only deepened my passion for management but also gave me hands-on experience in applying my academic knowledge to practical challenges.

For the past two and a half years, I’ve continued to grow in this role. I’ve seen my team thrive and my own professional skills evolve significantly. This journey has reinforced my commitment to a career in management, and I look forward to applying the insights and experience I’ve gained as I continue both my academic and professional development.

How has the BA in Management helped you in your career?

The BA in Management has played a pivotal role in both unlocking new career opportunities and supporting my growth within them. When I began the course, I was working as an Operations Assistant. Not long after, I stepped into a Sales and Marketing Manager role, where I began building key leadership skills and applying what I was learning to real business scenarios.

Eventually, I advanced to my current position as Operations Manager, where I lead a team of 15. The knowledge and skills I gained through the programme have been instrumental in helping me manage people effectively, make sound decisions, and implement leadership strategies that drive both trust and productivity.

Looking back, I can confidently say that the course provided the foundation I needed to succeed and grow. Without it, I don’t believe I would have been able to progress as I have or lead with the confidence I now bring to my role.