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This Week We Feature - Young Professional – Christina A. Rodriguez
The 25 year-old Young Professional, who was born in Canada, British Columbia, in a small town in the North, thoroughly enjoys her occupation in Insolvency and Reorganisations at the BVI branch of Deloitte and Touche, commenting that the company “has multiple dimensions, making it unique to other accounting firms.”
Ms. Rodriguez explained: “My mum moved my brother, sister and I down to Tortola in 1998 and she was a music teacher at Althea Scatliffe Primary School. We attended school and I grew up here, but we actually moved back to Canada so that I could graduate from a high school that a Canadian university would recognise. As a single parent of three kids, my mother struggled financially to provide for us in the BVI. Canada had better opportunities career-wise for her to manage.”
The Deloitte employee clarified the reasons for her family’s transition from Canada to the Virgin Islands: “My mother wanted us to see something different away from Canada, which was a great experience. I loved growing up here. I still have close connection with the friends I grew up with. Also, we were able to do things here that I don’t think I would have had an opportunity to do anywhere else.”
“In Canada, I would never have thought to go scuba diving, because the water there is so dark and cold, you’re lucky if you see a fish swim by,” she continued. “Here, it’s amazing what you can see – I mean the ocean is something alive and now I’m strongly committed to the protection of our environment. I love the water and doing any kind of water sports.”
Ms. Rodriguez returned to a description of her job role, saying “Primarily, what I do at Deloitte is insolvency engagements. I also provide corporate financial advice with regards to BVI tax issues and compliance protocol with clients. I’m also part of the Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Board.”
The Young Professional drew a link between her occupation, hobbies and love of the Virgin Islands, expressing, “Deloitte is one of those rare firms, where you work in a professional capacity, but you’re also incredibly encouraged to do community service, or pursue other hobbies and passions that you have, which is something I appreciate about the company.”
The Young Professional described what attracted her to work for Deloitte: “We have a few industries that Deloitte has experts in, the main industry being finance and audit. The others are in areas like energy and resources, manufacturing and life science and healthcare. It’s not just about audits,” she said.
“Deloitte was a huge opportunity for me in many ways,” she continued. “So many colleagues that graduated from university with me proceeded to work in jobs that didn’t utilise their degrees, or moved back home with their parents. I was able to use my degree, a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political History and Political Science, which I graduated with in December 2006, in returning to the Virgin Islands and working for Deloitte.”
“My degree came in handy with doing the liquidation part of my job, because I have to read and understand BVI company law, do a lot of administration work and research,” she said. “I am currently doing an online Masters Course for Sustainable Development, because in addition to it being an important topic for people of the Virgin Islands, I think it’s a viable market businesses can tap into.”
Ms. Rodriguez reiterated her passion for protecting the environment and how it helps with her occupation. “I’m the Treasurer for Green VI,” she said. “I believe having the extra outlet of being an environmental activist brings value to my professional life. I have met new people and learnt things I may not have learnt in the work environment to assist in my job.”
The Young Professional spoke of her motivation: “My drive comes from a really supportive family and wanting to set an example as the oldest of six kids,” she said. “My parents also provide great motivation for me as role models. My father is from Columbia and has led an amazing life, being employed in all kinds of jobs and my mother was a single parent, supporting three kids, including myself as I was growing up.”
The Young Professional talked about her broad travelling experiences and particularly her recent business trips with Deloitte. “Travelling has allowed me to network and expand my knowledge of the financial industry, by obtaining various perceptions on the world of finance,” she said. “In making these connections, that’s really the first step in elevating yourself from a junior level to someone who people will want to talk to, because you possess knowledge that makes you conspicuous among your peers.”
“For example, coming back to the office after travelling,” she continued. “I am able to voice a more founded opinion on BVI companies and finance, and how it relates to other financial centres globally, whereas before I could only talk about what I’ve read.”
The Deloitte employee explained how she hopes to progress in the future. “I have so many paths that I want to pursue,” she said. “Voluntary work is something I’m very passionate about. I’m also interested in international relations, human rights law and offshore finance. I just love to be part of things that really mean something. I don’t want to settle for the easy road.”
“My main ambition is to always do something that has a profound purpose,” she continued. “So I will always question my actions, asking ‘how is this helping someone?’ or, ‘how is this contributing to something greater?’ I just want to do things that matter.”
Ms. Rodriguez said the great element about Deloitte is that it challenges her and she is also contributing to the community. "So, there’s nothing I would change in my career to date. The way everything has gone has meant I’ve gained the experience I desired, and I really enjoy what I do,” she ended.
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