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How far would you go to secure your dream job? For alumnus John Madol it meant giving up his name.

When John arrived in Australia in 2005 after living as an orphan in a Kenyan refugee camp for 18 years, he vowed to do whatever it took to be accepted by his new countrymen. He wanted to work hard, learn new things and above all he wanted to be part of the Australian community. John wanted to be one of us.

So he changed his name from Deng John to the more anglo-friendly, John Madol.

By the time he arrived in Australia, John already had a family of his own to support so did not waste any time finding work. In broken English he asked for work at a local supermarket. The manager declined, and so John returned the next day and offering his services for free, in order to prove himself. It was a master move, and John soon found employment. During this time, he studied at TAFE and soon after undertook a double degree in Accounting and Finance at La Trobe University. Despite working nearly 40 hour per week to support his family, he proved himself a highly able and committed student.

Yet despite John’s qualifications, his tenacity to find opportunity, ability to work hard, and improved grasp on English, like other African Australians he was met with barriers to the workforce. In February 2011 John was granted a position in the NAB African Australian Inclusion Program, which helps African Australians gain invaluable corporate experience. Since then John hasn’t looked back. After finishing his job placement, he was retained by NAB in their tax team, and is now a market analyst.

Not one to take life in bite-sizes, John is also now completing a Masters of Finance. He recently returned to the Kenyan Refugee Camp to teach the children, share his experience, and offer hope to those who still remain.

John Madol is a true La Trobe success story.

Do you have a personal philosophy that you bring to your work?

Be positive and calm. Continue to learn and accept the challenges that come your way. Don’t be afraid of new things and learn to accept criticism.

What has been your greatest career highlight/s?

My greatest career highlight was when I was addressed 200 finance professionals at the Melbourne Convention Centre in May this year.

How has education changed your life?

Coming from a childhood without education, I believe that education is the key to a better life. I’m so proud of being a La Trobe graduate. From my life in a refugee camp and losing my parents in a war, I could never imagine that this could even be possible for me. I am thankful to La Trobe and thankful to Australia.

What is your lasting impression of La Trobe?

I remember the time I got the highest marks in my microeconomic test, beating more than 300 other students. This proved to me that I had the ability to achieve if I had the support and opportunity. I also remember Mary Apostolopoulos in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. She was very supportive to me.

What are your ambitions for the future?

One day I would like to work for the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, so that I could contribute to reducing global poverty in third world countries, especially Africa. I would also like to be a member of the Reserve Bank of Australia.

I have many dreams for my family. I wish them success in this great nation and hope they make a contribution to Australia. My brother’s kids are doing well at school and in sport. These things make be happy because I do not want my family members to fail in this land of opportunity.