
Andre Balgar is a Security Team Leader at Unipet. He valued ABE’s supportive and flexible learning environment that helped him apply theory directly to real-world challenges. His long-term goals involve achieving a Masters in Business Management, followed by a Doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Read his full stoy below:
''My name is Andre Balgar, and I’m from the quiet community of Platanite Trace in the south of Trinidad and Tobago. I come from a supportive and hardworking family who taught me the values of humility, dedication, and service to others. These values have guided me throughout my personal and professional life. My career in security and public service has been both challenging and rewarding. From serving in the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard to taking on leadership roles in the public health and corporate sectors, each experience has helped shape the person I am today, as the Security Team Leader with Unipet in Trinidad and Tobago.
I chose to study with ABE because I was looking for a qualification that didn’t just focus on theory but also had a real-world application in leadership and business strategy. The ABE programme stood out to me because of its practical approach and international recognition. It felt like the right fit, especially as someone who has a Masters degree in National Security and Intelligence Management and working in demanding roles, I needed a course that I could relate to and apply immediately. I studied through the School of Practical Accounting as the lecturers there were truly dedicated and not just to teaching the syllabus, but also ensure we understood how to use what we were learning to grow personally and professionally. They created a learning environment that was supportive and flexible.
ABE is becoming more recognised and respected in Trinidad and Tobago, and I think employers are beginning to see the value in ABE graduates, not just as people who are academically equipped but also ready to make meaningful contributions in the workplace. I’ve seen firsthand how it opens doors and builds confidence, not just in others’ perception of you, but in how you see your own potential. Now that I’m close to completing my ABE qualification, my next step is to start my Masters degree in Business Management and then continue to a doctorate in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I want to deepen my understanding of leadership and policy so I can play a stronger role in shaping security and development strategies across the region.
The best thing about studying with ABE has been the way it’s helped me grow, not just as a professional, but as a person. The ‘Leading Strategic Change’ module in particular pushed me to think differently about leadership, especially during times of uncertainty. It helped me find clarity in complexity and gave me the tools to lead with purpose and guide changes not just in my professional life but also in my personal life. Through ABE, I’ve developed skills in critical thinking, policy development, and strategic communication that have helped me become more effective in my job and more confident in my leadership. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly but from learning, adapting, and staying true to your values. If I could offer some advice to other students, it would be to stay committed, even when it gets hard. Make time to reflect on what you’re learning and how it connects to your life. Learn how to efficiently manage your time, and above all, be kind to yourself. You are growing, and that alone is something to be proud of.''