What's your job about?

As an HR Associate for Marie France Group of Companies, a pioneer of innovative slimming, skincare, and hair and scalp care solutions in the Philippines, I am fortunate to play a vital role in enhancing the workplace environment and fostering stronger connections between the organization and its employees. My role primarily encompasses employee engagement, from the planning stage to execution. I spearhead the coordination of a diverse array of events and initiatives aimed at nurturing a vibrant, collaborative, and motivated workforce. This could involve anything from organizing team-building activities that encourage camaraderie and communication to coordinating wellness workshops that empower employees to prioritize self-care to facilitating open forums that provide a platform for open communication and exchanging ideas. Beyond event management, I also dedicate significant time and effort to addressing employee relations issues, serving as a trusted intermediary who listens attentively, provides guidance, and works to resolve conflicts or concerns in a manner that strengthens the bond between the company and its most valuable asset – its people.

What's your background?

I grew up in the town of Olongapo City, Zambales, and graduated from St. Joseph College Olongapo, Inc. I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in college and graduated as Magna Cum Laude of our batch. After graduating, I opted for a gap year first to prepare and review for the board examinations. Fortunately, I passed the board examination for psychometricians held last August 11 and 12, 2024. The anticipation and anxiety of waiting for the results were palpable, and seeing my name on the list was a surreal experience. All the countless hours of diligent study and unwavering commitment finally paid off, and I could now proudly call myself a licensed psychometrician. 

While awaiting the exam results, I began job hunting, and once I received my license, I eagerly conquered the corporate world. Now, a month into my first job at Marie France, I realized that the transition to adulthood and full-time employment was not without its challenges, but the overwhelming sense of fulfilment derived from learning new skills, accomplishing tasks, and the privilege of living independently is unparalleled. 

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, I believe that an individual even with a different background can work in the field of HR. However, they must be willing to invest time and effort, as mastering the complexities of human resources requires extensive knowledge. Human resources is a people-centered discipline that requires a unique skill set to navigate effectively. Foremost, a people-oriented mindset is essential, as HR professionals serve as the critical link between an organization and its most valuable asset - its employees.

Equally important are exceptional communication abilities, as HR acts as a crucial liaison, conveying important information and policies to the workforce, while also advocating for employee needs and concerns to management. The ability to listen actively, speak articulately, and facilitate productive dialogues is paramount. With the right mindset, skill development, and dedication, individuals from all backgrounds can thrive in this dynamic, people-centric profession.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

As an HR Associate focused on Employee Engagement, what I love most about my role is having the opportunity to oversee events from their inception to execution. This experience transcends traditional job responsibilities as it transforms my work into a creative endeavor, akin to organizing a special occasion for someone dear, but in this case, it’s all about enhancing employee enjoyment and camaraderie. The process involves everything from brainstorming ideas and themes to venue selection, decoration, and ultimately bringing the event to fruition. It's incredibly rewarding to watch these initial concepts transform into a tangible reality through our collective efforts.

What are the limitations of your job?

Being a part of the employee engagement team demands significant physical and mental effort, as we must be actively involved from the beginning to the conclusion of events, especially executing company-wide events, the demands placed on the team are amplified exponentially. In consequence, the team must be prepared to put in long hours that frequently extend well beyond the standard 8-hour workday. Hence, meticulous planning and unwavering commitment are essential, as every last detail must be finalized to perfection before the event can commence.  Additionally, a strong, resilient mindset is also essential, as managing events can be quite stressful.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Go through life at your own pace. Pace yourself and live life the way you want to. After all, your journey is different to everyone else’s. Each person has their own timeline for achieving success, so make yours truly yours.
2. Even when you are too shy to put yourself out there or scared to try new things, just do it scared. Because each time you choose to show up for yourself, you build confidence. Remember, our thoughts only hold power if we permit them to.
3. Invest in yourself. Invest in your growth, dreams, and well-being. Take bold steps toward your vision, and surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.