Employer
Samsung Malaysia Electronics
Job
Management Associate, HR Strategy and Engagement
Qualification
BSc in Business Management and Marketing, Cardiff University, UK, 2020
Has been with this company for
9 months
Can you tell us what you generally do in your job?
As a management associate, I get the chance to work in different departments every three to four months. My duty involves learning as much as I can within the given rotation period.
In my current assignment, I am playing a part in ensuring our supply chain of products is at the optimum level. On top of that, I also manage relationships with our external stakeholders.
Before joining the team, I didn't have the skills or knowledge, so I would say what I generally do in my job is to learn as much as I can. I try to make every rotation a highlight during my stint at Samsung.
What would you say is the coolest daily task?
The coolest daily task would be learning something new every day, be it something as big as managing a project or as small as working the office printer.
Stepping into my first job, I was clueless and had no idea what to expect. In turn, I appreciate the opportunity to learn directly from someone who has years of experience in the field, shadowing them and aiding them whenever I can.
I’m sure not many fresh graduates are as lucky as I am, and for that I am honoured.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt from your probation period at work?
The greatest lesson I've learnt is to be proactive in seeking opportunities for myself. At work, everyone is so occupied with their responsibilities; they rarely have the time to reach out to you to make sure you are learning and progressing. Thus, being proactive makes you noticeable to your colleagues. They witness the independence and value that you bring to the team.
In a fast-paced environment, nobody is responsible for your progress but yourself, regardless of how strong the support system is at work.
Sure, there will always be peers who will guide you, but they wouldn't know what's best for you unless you speak out.
How do you motivate yourself when the going gets tough?
At times when I feel overwhelmed, I would follow this regime: Take a breather, a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Visualising the full picture of any situation helps me to see how far I have come. By doing so, I am reminded that with every step that I take, I am one puzzle piece closer to completing the full picture.
Taking a step back has allowed me to see the things that I have missed or overlooked. I know when to slow down, bring myself back into a tranquil state and reset my mindset, and then start again.
If you could go back to your university days, what would you do differently?
Be more open-minded towards experimenting with new things and getting out of my comfort zone; for instance, running for a post in the Student’s Union or diversifying my social circle.
I would not run away from failure, instead, accept that failure is a stepping stone to carry me further in life.
I would have less tunnel vision and pay more attention to the balance between academic studies and social life. I'd also agree to opportunities that come with great responsibilities and focus more on developing both inter-and intrapersonal skills.
What is your advice to fresh grads who are having a tough time finding jobs?
Be resilient! Don’t give up even when things may not be looking bright. What is rightfully yours will come to you if you persist.
Do not fear feedback. Always ask and understand why you were rejected even though it may be hard to hear. And if you find yourself still in the unknown while searching for the right job, continue to expand your knowledge and skill portfolio.
Lastly, be more receptive towards opportunities, be it big or small. Take full advantage of them, don’t procrastinate nor be afraid to ask questions if you need clarification.
