Breaking into HR: My Journey from Newbie to Professional

Reflecting on my career path, my journey wasn't direct, yet each step led me closer to discovering my true passion in human resources.

My educational background was in accounting. I started studying accounting at the age of 13, from Form 1 to Form 5 and continued with the LCCI qualification after school. However, as I went deeper into the subject, I realized that accounting wasn’t something I was truly passionate about. While I respected the discipline and its importance, I found the calculations tedious and unfulfilling. After college, I entered the workforce, hoping to find a career path that resonated with me more.

My first job was as a secretary and manage simple accounting. I believed this role might offer variety and a chance to learn, but it turned out to be limiting where I only served one person, the boss, and followed a routine that felt monotonous. Determined to find something more engaging, I transitioned to an assistant role supporting a company secretary. However, this position also lacked challenges, dynamism, and opportunities to connect with others in the workplace.

I knew I wanted a role where I could contribute to something larger, helping not just one person but many. This realization drove me to keep searching until I landed a position at a multinational Japanese company. Here, I was assigned to assist the lead ISO auditor in developing ISO documentation for the organization and became an internal auditor for the system. It was my first exposure to a role that involved engaging with different departments and improving organizational quality. One specific ISO requirement stood out to me: every employee had to undergo at least one training session annually to enhance their work quality.

As part of my responsibilities as an HR cum ISO Officer, I began sourcing appropriate training programs for employees. I also led internal Quality Control Circles (QCC) to improve product quality and workplace conditions. This aspect of my job helping people grow through training and improving the work environment triggered a spark in me. I started to realize that I had found something I genuinely enjoyed, which is working with humans in human resources.

From there in 2011 onwards, my focus shifted. I pursued HR-related roles that allowed me to deepen my knowledge and skills in the field. My next job as an HR Executive introduced me to payroll and recruitment in addition to training. I started handling a broader spectrum of HR responsibilities, learning about the complexities of the profession.

Eventually, I found myself in the healthcare industry, where the challenges of human resources became even more intricate. In healthcare, HR isn’t just about recruitment, payroll, or training; it involves ensuring that employees meet specific licensing requirements mandated by the Malaysian healthcare authorities. This added layer of responsibility pushed me to further develop my expertise and adapt to the unique demands of the industry.

Looking back, my journey into human resources wasn’t a direct one, but each step prepared me for where I am today. From accounting to secretarial roles, and finally, to HR, I discovered that what truly fulfils me is contributing to the growth and well-being of people within an organization. It’s a career that aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact, and I’m grateful for every experience that led me here.

Stay Patient and Trust Your Journey