Future You: Five questions with Valentina White
Intro
People come to UWL for different reasons. Some arrive at eighteen, eager to learn about potential career paths and chase their interests. Some come later in life, looking to advance their chosen careers. Others, like Valentina White, have settled on a business idea and are looking for somewhere to start.
Valentina studied Accounting and Finance at UWL after already having decided to begin an accountancy firm aiming to advise and educate clients on how finance isn’t just about money management but rather about personality, creativity, and good habits. In the last decade, Valentina’s company has won four major awards, and she herself has been nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year awards, as well as Best Chief Financial Officer and Best Financier. In her spare time, Valentina dedicates herself to mentoring and attributes her success to being brave enough to seek out mentors.
Main body
Why did you decide to start a business?
I knew almost nothing about accountancy when I first started, I just had a burning desire to make it right. All I wanted was to provide a quality accounting firm for Lithuanian communities."
What are the main values of your company?
White Accountancy is built on core values of Responsibility, Honesty, Communication, Efficiency, and Cooperation."
What is your advice to anyone wanting to start their own business?
To anyone wishing to start their own business, I have this to say. Be different. Don’t seek to be the best, just be unique and different. Find out your talents and what makes you feel passionate. You should never feel tired when working. If you’re tired, you may not be where you belong. So, find that thing that you can’t wait to wake up to. And remember, everything is a part of your unique journey. So don’t punish yourself. Business success comes from making consistent small steps. Big steps usually don’t last long."
What is your advice to any international students at UWL?
- Be open-minded and embrace new experiences. Studying abroad can be a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.
- Remember to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of studying and adjusting to a new environment, but it's important to take time for yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Lastly, enjoy your time abroad and make the most of this unique opportunity.
- Remember, if you want anything, if you have dreams, you can make them come true here, in UK. It’s the best place for opportunities. Just be open to it."
What do you think is the value of mentoring?
The mentee can gain access to the mentor's experience, knowledge, and networks, which can help them advance in their career or personal development goals.
The mentor can gain a sense of satisfaction from helping someone else and can also learn from the mentee's unique perspective.
The relationship can foster trust and open communication, which can lead to more productive and meaningful interactions.
The mentee can gain insight into different ways of thinking and problem-solving, which can be beneficial for their own development and growth."
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