Student Stories

“Everything happens for a reason.” – Aristotle

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Briefly share the highlights of your current career portfolio and your interest in Human Resource Management.

Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds has been a highlight of my career. Working with expats has given me invaluable insights into their unique leadership and working styles, as well as a deeper understanding of local business culture.

Although Human Resource (HR) was never part of my career goals, I enjoyed studying it as one of my modules during my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. When I received an offer for a HR-based role, I took it on as a challenge and a new adventure in my career. As I dove into HR and tackled daily HR-related tasks, I discovered that I enjoyed it. Meeting and communicating with different individuals fuelled my passion for the profession. HR provides me with the opportunity to connect with people and make a positive impact in their lives, something I truly relish.

What are the challenges you face in your current career and how do you overcome them?

As an HR professional, I face the challenge of bridging the gap between management and employees.

Effective communication is key to ensure a positive work culture that motivates and drives higher productivity. To achieve this, I strive to build strong relationships with both management and employees by proposing ideas that would satisfy everyone’s needs, and ultimately create a workplace that is conducive for everyone.

Another challenge I encounter is the constantly evolving job market. As an HR professional, I play a crucial role in marketing the organisation to job seekers by highlighting our unique selling points. In today’s job market, companies offer various benefits such as hybrid working, corporate memberships, and performance bonuses to attract and retain top talent. To stay ahead of the competition, it is important to keep up with the latest trends and offer competitive perks to retain our current employees while also attracting the future workforce.

What motivated you to take the Master of Business Administration at The University of Newcastle, Australia?

I have always been inquisitive with a strong appetite for knowledge, constantly seeking to expand my understanding of various topics. After completing my Bachelor of Business degree with The University of Newcastle, Australia (UON), I felt comfortable with the teaching style and professors, and so I decided to pursue an MBA with UON to further my education. I was eager to challenge myself and gain new insights into the business world.

What were the most valuable takeaways from the progamme?

All the modules were valuable, but I found that the soft skills I gained were even more beneficial. One such skill was time management, which became essential as I juggled four modules per term, each with its own set of quizzes, individual assignments, and group projects. This experience taught me how to prioritise my workload and manage my time efficiently.

Teamwork was another crucial takeaway from my studies. As the saying goes, “teamwork makes the dream work,” but it’s not always easy when opinions clash. Working on group projects with my fellow teammates helped me develop effective communication skills and work better in a team environment.

What was the motivating factor behind your progression with us from Diploma to Master’s Degree?

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the way my dad managed his employees and grow his business. This sparked my passion for business, and I was eager to learn more about what it takes to succeed in this field.

After completing my business diploma, I realised I wanted to dive deeper into the various aspects of Business. I was particularly interested in understanding the external factors that could impact a business, as well as the internal strategies needed to effectively run a business. This desire for knowledge led me to progress to a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

What do you miss the most about your time at PSB Academy? 

I certainly miss the freedom and flexibility that comes with student life, where I get the opportunity to volunteer for events. During my time as a student, I had the opportunity to be a Buddy leader, where I met university students from Korea. Being a part of PSB Academy’s (PSBA) vibrant student community allowed me to connect with many people and build lasting friendships.

One of the most memorable experiences I had as a student was emceeing PSBA Awards and Appreciation Ceremony in 2019. The PSBA’s staff were incredibly supportive and patient in coaching me.

How would you advise students who are considering Human Resource Management as their first career?

Don’t let the intimidating perception of HR professionals discourage you from pursuing a career in this field. Every day presents a new set of unique challenges and situations that require a fresh perspective and a quick response. If you’re someone who enjoys the excitement of dealing with different issues on a daily basis, then HR is definitely the field for you.