Helping students - her forte

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Anusha Hewage, is the Managing Director of WEST 1 International, a specialist in UK education consultation. She is an officially appointed representative in Sri Lanka to some of the leading universities around the UK which offer excellent combinations of subject areas at Graduate and Masters Level.

Some of them include the University of Westminster, London Metropolitan University, University of Bedfordshire, University of Glamorgan, Manchester Metropolitan University and Royal Hollway University of London. WEST 1 also represents South Thames College, College of North West London.

All the universities are affiliated to accredited ‘Grade A’ colleges, approved by the British High Commission as per their requirements.

Therefore, providing comprehensive placements services is important to ensure that students are placed at the best possible university that is in line with their chosen discipline, and thus ensure they receive globally recognized qualifications from reputed institutions.

Q. What is the type of your business and how do you set about it?

A. Today’s students enter a highly competitive environment when they set about pursuing their higher studies. From selecting universities, accommodation facilities and everything related to universities abroad, especially in the UK, the task is a tough one that requires comprehensive research and is an extremely daunting one, especially if you are a first-time applicant.

Also the decision to study abroad is a big one, especially since it requires a fairly substantial financial investment, and thus, everything must happen right the first time. Providing my clients with the most honest and professional advice is my niche, and every student that walks through our doors are treated individually, based on their needs - and this tailor-made approach is valuable to them.

Based on my academic background which entailed studying in the UK, as well as having worked at some major companies there which include Midland Bank and the Audi Group of Companies, I offer a comprehensive and specialized consultancy service which enables students to travel to the UK for their education in a more organized and smoother process. My vision is to provide better and more committed services for my consultancy establishment which I named WEST 1 International.

Q. How do you balance family life and business?

A. That is no easy task. My father was always my biggest pillar of strength - he would always engage himself in it by discussing my work with me and helping along the way with valuable advice.

After he passed away, his loss has affected me deeply, but it will always be his courage that makes me go that extra mile. My father instilled in me the will to keep improving at what I do and also to help anyone who needs it. It is this that motivated me to go into my chosen field of work. Helping students is extremely gratifying. Work does take up most of my time, but I manage to balance it with my family life - giving my best to both worlds.

Q. What were the challenges you faced?

A. My biggest challenge was creating a reputed name for WEST 1, and ensuring that I become one of the most well-known in the industry. The quality of the service and creating trust amongst clients, ensuring they in turn recommended us to friends and family is the secret behind the success of WEST 1.

There is always a negative connotation associated with foreign education consultancy services, as most people have had bad experiences - they have been misguided, cheated, charged exorbitant fees and no results.

Therefore, creating a positive image has been difficult, but we have achieved that, but it has not been an easy road.

Q. What is your advice to women in business?

A. I think I am yet to reach the highest echelons in my career, but from my experience to date, I would say that if you want to start your own business, my advice would be that you must believe in yourself and your strength and capabilities. It is important that you only set achievable targets for yourself, and you have to be ready for progress that is slow, but steady.

It is impossible to reach dizzying heights overnight - so don’t expect that. I have learnt a lot from other successful business women in Sri Lanka and other parts of the world, reading about them and how they have achieved true greatness - find someone like that you admire, the knowledge you will get is of immense value.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I am very goal-oriented and I have set high standards for myself but there are still some goals I haven’t achieved yet. My biggest goal is to offer Sri Lankan students many pathways and a range of options to obtain recognized qualifications from the UK. I already work with some of the leading institutions in the UK, However, I intend to build my profile and to be linked with many more institutions which have proper accreditation and offer students various opportunities for higher education.

Q. As a woman was it an advantage to be in business?

A. No, I don’t think gender has anything to do with where you are in business. I strongly believe that a person needs a strong belief in oneself to get ahead and that is of paramount importance. For me I think the advantage was that I was actually a student myself in the UK who has gone through the entire process myself and managed be at good employment positions using the academic knowledge, overseas exposure, trainings and skills gained. So I am able to help students with every step in this process with my personal experience by studying, working and living in the UK.

Q. What are your achievements in business and family?

A. I have worked really hard over the years to make it what it is today. My consultancy firm and services offered today are recognized by concerned authorities in Sri Lanka and I have a great rapport with the various UK institutions and professional accreditation centers.

I also have a large number of students who are qualified and now top professionals in Sri Lanka and overseas and even today they and their parents are really pleased with the entire support and guidance we provided during their study period. WEST 1 was also recently appointed as a ‘Registration Centre for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) by the British Council in Colombo.

It is the quality of our services and our honesty that makes students contact us via word-of-mouth, which only means that we are well-known for our work and proven results. Balancing my personal life, my family and achieving the results I have with my work has been an achievement as well.

Q. What is your contribution to society?

A. Education is your biggest asset. I believe that my main contribution to society is helping students with making the right decisions, consulting them with regards to their choices regarding universities and disciplines helping them get the best education they can is my biggest aspiration. Doing this not only gives me satisfaction, but also helps the students and their families.

I certainly intend to look into improving more on these area so that I should be able to help many to obtain quality education and a bright future.