On Thursday 13 March, the Department of Marketing at FEMA at the University of Malta hosted a dynamic seminar, bringing together current students, alumni, and industry leaders for an insightful discussion on research, career development, and the evolving role of technology in business.
The event featured presentations by two former students from last year’s cohort, Ms Kylie Decelis and Ms Kaya Callus, who shared their dissertation research with an audience of students, faculty members, and industry professionals. They discussed their research journey, the challenges they encountered, and how they navigated them—offering valuable advice to those about to embark on their own dissertation process.
Following their presentations, a panel discussion featured industry experts Mr Malcolm Briffa, Chief Officer Business and IoT at Melita Ltd., and Ing. Jonathan Ferrito, Head of Human Resources at GSD, who explored the impact of education on career progression. They emphasised that the knowledge and skills gained during university studies serve as a strong foundation—not just for earning a degree, but also for thriving in the workplace and advancing into managerial roles. Both speakers stressed that attitude and aptitude are critical in career growth, with continuous learning, critical thinking skills, and evidence-based decision-making being essential for leadership success.
The seminar concluded with a second panel discussion featuring academics from the fields of Marketing, Business & Enterprise Management, and Tourism, who provided insights into what constitutes strong academic research and an impactful dissertation. Kaya and Kylie rejoined the discussion, sharing their personal experiences and reinforcing the importance of time management, discipline, and maintaining clear and consistent communication with their supervisors—a factor they found crucial in building a productive working relationship.
The event served as an inspiring and informative session, bridging academia and industry, and equipping students with valuable insights as they approach their final year research projects.
