From Biomedical Engineer to Financial EducatorYes, I took up engineering back in College so if there's anyone who can attest to this famous phrase, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone", that would be me. Hello! My name is Chai Santiago. I have been blessed to have started my financial journey with IMG (International Marketing Group) in 2013, at the age of 22. I'm a graduate of Manufacturing Engineering and Management with specialization in Biomedical Engineering from De La Salle University. You might be wondering how I ended up pursuing a job in the Financial Industry. Why did I choose IMG over all the other multinational companies that I could apply for? Let me share with you my story. I started attending the Financial Literacy Classes in IMG in 2008 when I was 18 years old. Back then, I had no plans of changing careers. There was no way I would put to waste my 5 long years in Engineering (considering we're trimestral). Needless to say, I was adamant that I would be a corporate slave after graduation, a predictable choice for college students or fresh grads. In 2013, just a few months after my graduation, my life shifted. In February of that same year, I attended an IMG Convention in Singapore with my parents. At that time, I was still deciding whether I would go for the typical 8 to 5 corporate job or pursue a career in the financial industry. During that convention, one of the speakers, Rex Mendoza, asked all those who are serious about spreading financial education to stand up, and since my only engagement at that time was with IMG, I stood up, and then he started narrating this story... "I want you to imagine that you are in the desert with all of your loved ones, family, friends, and a whole lot of other people. You've been journeying for quite some time now with no food, no water, nothing. You're all hungry and thirsty. All of a sudden, you found an oasis! My question is, what are you going to do with the oasis? Will you share it? Or will you keep it to yourself?" He paused. "I want you to know that IMG is the oasis of the financial services industry. The question is what will you do? Will you share it? Or will you keep it to yourself?" That was the story that changed my life. Of course it wasn't an easy decision for me. Choosing this career meant I'd be back to square one but I prayed for it, sought guidance, exposed myself to the industry even more, and prayed even more. The answer then and the answer now continues to be clear. I was made for this. I've always been passionate about teaching -- and now, I couldn't be more grateful to teach about financial literacy through the best and fastest growing financial services company in the Philippines - IMG. So as a response to Rex Mendoza's closing remark, this is me saying YES! to sharing the oasis with you. We conduct regular Financial Literacy Classes in our office and I also do one-on-one coaching. If you're interested please click the button below. :) Were you blessed by this article? Maybe it's your turn to share the oasis! Pass the message. Excited to journey with you, ...Chai P.S. To learn more about IMG, you may visit our official website: img-corp.com |
About the AuthorChai Santiago is a graduate of Manufacturing Engineering and Management from De La Salle University who later on found her passion and purpose in the Financial Education industry. She is a Certified Financial Educator® (CFEd®) under Heartland Institute of Financial Education (HIFE) and a Financial Coach at International Marketing Group (IMG). Categories |