What's your job about?
Universal Robina Corporation is a local fast-moving consumer goods company that provides delightful snack options for a wide variety of markets all over the world. Aside from this, they also ensure that quality talent is recruited to enable consistent service all throughout the locations our products are present in. With this, they set up programs not just to acquire talent but also to retain them, one of which is the Management Trainee program which I am a part of. Connecting this with what I specifically do, I am part of the Human Resources department and have been involved in both Talent Acquisition and Total Rewards efforts. In Talent Acquisition, I coordinate with hiring managers on which profiles they would like to get, and then I look for qualified candidates on various platforms before proceeding to the interviews and onboarding. As a way also to strengthen employer branding, we partner with different organizations and conduct campus events to make URC’s programs and initiatives known. As for Total Rewards, I am mainly involved in the compensation strategy and implementation throughout the organization. This essentially means ensuring that we provide the best possible package to compensate our employees all throughout the company and reward them for the work that they put in for the organization. This also involves studying the market to make sure that we constantly provide competitive packages to retain them and continue to enrich their career.
What's your background?
I grew up mainly in the Philippines but I’ve also experienced staying abroad in my pre-school years because of an international assignment of my father. I’ve also had a short study-abroad program when I was in college. I studied in Arise Kindergarten in Singapore and then moved to Assumption Antipolo where I spent my elementary and high school years. I went to Ateneo de Manila University and pursued a degree in Management Engineering which is a course that focuses on quantitative data specific to business management (in short, a LOT of Math!). I’ve also had the opportunity to study at Kozminski University in Warsaw, Poland during my junior year as part of our Junior Term Abroad program. I’ve had 2 internships-- one in a quick-service restaurant chain and another in a multinational beauty company. I was referred to URC by my previous manager and I’ve been with the company for around 10 months already. Despite HR not being one of the usual tracks to pursue for someone who graduated with my course, I personally was drawn to it even as early as my internship days because of how complex and strategic the work is. Little did I know that Math and Excel skills are critical and greatly needed in HR. Aside from this, I am someone who is fond of discovering new insights, skills, and stories from other people which is why I guess HR is naturally the track I wanted to pursue ever since.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes, definitely! Coming from a different background myself, I can say that it is possible and sometimes even better. Although there are technical skills required, these can be taught and learned along the way. What is more important is the attitude of being resilient to change, open to learning, and disciplined to give the best possible output always. My advice to people who are interested to pursue HR and trying out my job is to be open to learning and ready for challenges. Do not underestimate the power of discipline and attitude because sometimes, these will bring you further than hard and technical skills.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I think the coolest thing about my job is seeing the impact of your work on the careers and lives of the people you interact with. When I was still in Talent Acquisition, one of the most time-consuming tasks was doing interviews because you never really know what kind of candidate you’ll come across; but, once I get to talk to a high-potential talent, eventually offer them the role and onboard them to the company, I feel that all the hard work and effort exerted are all worth it.
What are the limitations of your job?
Being part of HR, it is inevitable that you will handle sensitive and confidential information about employees. For me, this can be considered a limitation at times because of the responsibility that comes with it. You should know how to use the information properly and professionally. Aside from this, another limitation is that there is a certain level of expectation that you are familiar with the company processes and systems of the company already. Although it can be a limitation, it pushes you to familiarize and train yourself to be able to deliver better.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
First, do your best not to compare yourself to others. I say “do your best” because I know that it’s not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes the pressure is inevitable given the different paths we take but remember that you are where you are for a reason! And in line with this, the second piece of advice is to do your best wherever you are. You may not know it yet but where you are is your stepping stone to where you are meant to go next so do your best today and every day. Lastly, practice and hone your Excel skills! Trust me, it will be of great help.