When it comes to future-proofing your career, Elmer Sarmiento doesn’t believe in choosing between industry and academia—he’s building in both.
As a Certified Management Accountant (Australia), and a lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, Sarmiento is proof that staying relevant in today’s workforce means mastering more than one lane.
“I’m not making a career shift but rather expanding my professional path in higher education and corporate training,” Sarmiento told Financial Adviser PH. That includes lecturing on risk management for international finance institutions while still managing a leadership role in corporate finance.
What fuels his drive to juggle both? One word: curiosity. “Always remain curious about how to improve,” Sarmiento shared. That curiosity is what keeps him engaged, evolving, and competitive—no matter how fast the industry shifts.
He’s quick to point out that being a standout professional today requires going beyond technical mastery. “Someone who can see the bigger picture—whether enterprise or market level—has a trait that will not be automated,” he said.
That’s where teaching becomes more than a side gig—it’s a strategic advantage. Engaging with students and thought leaders forces him to distill complex ideas, stay ahead of trends, and continually challenge his own thinking.
But if you think having multiple roles is easy, think again. It takes intention, adaptability, and a relentless focus on growth. “Take new challenges, move around into different roles within your company—but keep your core skills intact and integrity unsullied,” Sarmiento advised.
His mindset is simple: never get too comfortable, because the market won’t wait for you to catch up. “Risks are necessary to grow. Do not allow your comfort zone to pull you down.”
The takeaway? If you want a career that lasts, don’t limit yourself to one space. Explore, teach, lead—and stay relentlessly curious.
