Aldan St. Omer, Completes Professional Certificate in Strategic Management

Aldan St. Omer, a talented young professional from St. Lucia, recently completed a professional certification in Strategic Management from Wharton University, thanks to the Caribbean Youth Livelihoods Internship Programmeme (CYLIP). This achievement marks a significant milestone in his journey towards becoming a successful entrepreneur and business strategist, working with small businesses in his community.

Born and raised in St. Lucia, Aldan has always been passionate about making a positive impact in the Caribbean region. He believes that empowering the youth is the key to transforming communities and driving sustained economic growth. This belief led him to apply for the CYLIP internship, a programme that aims to provide young people with practical skills and experience to enhance their career prospects.

Motivated by his ambition to make a difference, Aldan decided to pursue a professional certification in Strategic Management from Wharton University, one of the world’s top business schools. This three-part certification programme comprised short courses in Business Strategy from Wharton: Competitive Advantage, Introduction to Connected Strategy, and Strategic Management Capstone. Having completed these courses, in June 2023, Aldan was awarded a Professional Certificate in Strategic Management by Wharton University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with edX.

The first CYLIP intern from the 2023 cohort to complete a professional certification, Aldan demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to his studies. He noted the experience offered him the chance to gain a deeper understanding of strategic thinking, decision making, and implementation processes, and it also equipped him with the necessary tools to analyze market trends and identify growth opportunities for organizations.

Completing the professional certification in Strategic Management from Wharton University has opened new horizons for Aldan who aspires to develop a framework to improve the success rate of small businesses by streamlining business processes and assisting with identifying and capitalizing on potential niche markets. Armed with this prestigious qualification and newfound knowledge, he is now better positioned to pursue his dream of leveraging technology to support small businesses in climate sensitive socio-economic sectors in the Caribbean, such as tourism, and food security and agriculture.

Aldan’s accomplishment serves as inspiration to other young individuals in the region. It demonstrates that with determination and the right opportunities, Caribbean youth can break barriers and excel in their chosen fields. Aldan’s success is a testament to the CYLIP’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing them with the tools necessary to succeed.

As for Aldan, his journey is far from over. He plans to utilize his newly acquired skills and expertise in strategic management to drive positive change in St. Lucia and the wider Caribbean. He hopes to position himself and his business and to share his expertise with others to create opportunities for sustainable growth, empower other entrepreneurs, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region.

Aldan St. Omer’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the potential of Caribbean youth to shape a brighter future for their communities. With his passion, knowledge, and determination, Aldan is poised to become a driving force for change in his beloved Saint Lucia, and the wider Caribbean region.