The following interview is carried out with a graduate of the Faculty Mindaugas Vaikšnoras, senior specialist at the Department of Finance and Accounting, Druskininkai Municipality Administration who studies Business and Public Sector Economics at Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities in 2008-2012.
Why did you choose studies in Economics in Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities?
I wanted to study Economics in Vilnius University in Kaunas, and my choice of this particular study programme has several reasons. First of all, this study programme is interesting and provides the knowledge and skills essential in the modern labour market. Also, Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities has the most highly competent lecturers who create equal rights for everyone looking for university education. I liked the close academic community and an especially cosy environment.
What aspects of the study years have left the biggest impression?
The most memorable was the final exam. We were required to show the knowledge and the skills of its practical application we had acquired throughout the 4 years. I also remember the long hours before the final exam I had spent with books and my notes, and the intensity of waiting for the final results.
What did the studies give you?
The studies in Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities gave me an extensive mental outfit, a lot of practical skills, skills to work in a team, and provided an acknowledgement in front of the eyes of the society. In order to acquire university education, it is important to have priorities and weigh your abilities as well as reach for the goals by having the right attitude and working hard and constantly improving.
What would you like to say to current and future students at Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities?
According to the Chinese philosopher Meng Dzi, “There are a lot of those who do something without having any idea what for”; thus, I would like to wish current and future students to know what they want from life and stay strong when facing the first study challenges.
What does a university need in order to educate leaders?
The most important is the experience acquired throughout many years, excellent scientific traditions, ability to motivate a personality and help students to form their own principles of individuality.
Can you tell us more about your job?
When I graduated, I wanted to go back and work in my home town. I was attracted by the booming resort of Druskininkai. A few weeks after graduation I found out that there was an ongoing competition at the State Service for the position of a senior specialist at the Department of Finance and Accounting, Druskininkai Municipality Administration. I decided to enter the competition, and managed to get the job.
I have been working at the Druskininkai Municipality for almost two years. My field of activities is wide, i.e. I help to form and implement a finance management policy at the Druskininkai Municipality, I plan the upkeep of the administration and analyse the use of funds for these goals. Also, I participate in the project group for the municipality administration’s budget, I analyse how the administration budget is implemented, I evaluate the economic ground of finance indices and change in targets. I also get to work with the organisation of rent taxes for State demesne and water bodies of internal State waters fund as well as analyse tax collection outcomes. In addition to the administration of the municipality’s small and medium business development programme implementation, I also carry out financial administration of other projects implemented in Druskininkai municipality. Throughout my experience of working in this position, I have already had opportunities to participate in many conferences in Lithuania, Poland and Belarus.
What are your objectives?
My goal is to climb the career ladder and never give up. I look for rational solutions to any problem I face. I do not have a recipe for success, yet I lead by the Latin saying “Per aspera ad astra”, which means that ultimate goals and success are achieved only through hard work.