Luxury Insights From ‘Michael Wattanaariyakit’: An Alumnus’s Take on HR Executive in Luxury Retail

In today’s competitive landscape, the luxury retail sector requires a keen understanding of high-end products and a deep appreciation for the people who make the business succeed. HR is an important position that finds highly potential employees who can satisfy those valuable clients and make the company thrive. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Michael Wattanaariyakit, an alumnus of Global Human Resources Management at NSYSU and current HR Executive for a well-known global luxury retail brand in Thailand. With a focus on sourcing candidates and developing employee engagement strategies, Michael shared valuable insights from an HR in this industry.

Before pursuing his Master’s degree, Michael had experience in the luxury hotels and retail industries as a human resource officer and supervisor. Meanwhile, during his study in GHRM at NSYSU, Michael had an opportunity to be an intern in a luxury hotel in Taiwan. The internship offered an opportunity for Michael and Taiwanese employees to work together in a diversified workplace, preparing them and the company for working on an international scale. His HR experiences and Master’s degree in Global Human Resource Management allowed him to work in diverse environments, which shaped him to be a skillful HR with a strong background in the luxury industries. Hence, his academic background and work experiences made him an outstanding alumnus. Furthermore, reflecting on his time at NSYSU, he appreciated the university's incredible scenery. He loved the campus's scenic views of mountains and sea, which allowed him to unwind and relieve stress during his studies.

After completing his Master's degree from GHRM-MBA, he got a recruitment offer from a luxury retail company as a human resources executive in Thailand, also focusing and coordinating with the Vietnam branch. As an HR executive in a famous luxury retail company, he shared valuable insights about working in the luxury industry. He also emphasized how challenging the position is when working in a diverse environment. Michael found it challenging working in a diverse workplace. As an HR executive, one of his responsibilities is to foster a positive work culture and develop engagement initiatives. Hence, he highlighted the importance of cross-cultural understanding in the workplace. 

“Working in international organizations where there are employees from different racial groups, no one has the right to judge another's culture by their cultural standard." 

Also, remote working with his Vietnam branch is challenging as he cannot investigate the problems that occurred himself. To overcome this challenge, he implemented essential tools that can support them, instead of telling them what to do. It is more effective when he lets them do their tasks themselves, as they know the issues the best; and provides them with comprehensive support. 

Furthermore, Michael, an expert HR executive hiring the right candidates, gave us some recommendations for students interested in entering the field of luxury retail. He explained that beyond basic qualities like reliability and integrity, they should have a personality that aligns with each brand’s character. Plus, experience in the luxury sector is also crucial, as mid-level positions typically require a background in similar roles. For mid-level positions in luxury businesses, fresh graduates with no experience in a luxury-related field might be a big challenge. Michael also highlighted the importance of maturity, communication skills, and positive attitudes when working with high-end clients who expect exceptional service. He noted that these characteristics are key to maintaining a luxury brand's high standards and image.

In summary, Michael’s insights into HR in the luxury retail sector reveal the critical interplay between understanding people, especially people from different cultures, and managing his responsibilities with HR analytics and decision-making. His journey highlighted the importance of cultural awareness, hoping that current students would be concerned and prepare for their future careers in any field. Also, his valuable insights into the luxury industry are inspiring and informative.

[GHRMMBA] Success Stories from Thai Alumnus ‘Reianthong Vongseangkam’: How to Stand Out in the Job Market

Reianthong, a Thai alumnus of the GHRM-MBA program of National Sun Yat-Sen University, shared valuable career insights and job-hunting tips with the Student Association team in a recent online interview, which offers students in the management department advantageous insights and tricks when looking for jobs. 

During his study at GHRM-MBA, Reianthong not only focused on his academic learning but also took advantage of attending extracurricular activities to develop the abilities he needs for his future. He was the founder of the Hult Prize at NSYSU, and got an internship at the Rising Star Summer Internship Program of CTBC Bank in 2021 for two months. His academics and extracurricular responsibilities that he had pursued shaped him to become an outstanding alumnus.

After completing his Master's degree from GHRM-MBA, he quickly secured a role as an Organization Development Manager at Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, a multi-category retail leader and the flagship company at the roots of the Central Group in Thailand. As an Organization Development Manager, two years in this role, following his experience as an HR Strategy and Project Management Office Manager, he shared valuable insights into the complexities of OD. He emphasized how challenging and dynamic the position is, as it requires highlighting the critical link between employee development and financial performance of organizations. By applying both HR and business principles, his work focuses on driving the growth of the organization through the growth of its people, highlighting the critical link between personal development and organizational success. Plus, he recommended from his OD perspective that highlighting the critical link between employee development and financial performance of an organization. Thus, in his opinion, understanding business models and commercial priorities is the most critical skill that supports any HR to truly have value-added to the organization.       

Reflecting on his journey, he credited his academic skills and the experiences he had during his time in Taiwan for shaping his professional skills and mindset. He talked to us about the challenges and rewards of studying at NSYSU. He highlighted how adapting to a new culture and language broadened his worldview and strengthened his research skills. He gave him a chance to reflect on himself, which benefited him from working in the business field.

“Studying a Master's degree abroad is the beginning of serenity.”

He also noted that studying for a master's degree abroad became a key opportunity during his job search in Thailand and internationally. Studying for a master's abroad not only gave him a better chance to get better knowledge in the field and salary, but it also provided him a wonderful opportunity to have more time to reflect on himself. It made him think of himself as a 'global citizen' who can live or work wherever he wants, not just in Taiwan or Thailand—spending time in Taiwan helped him understand his identity by focusing on the "why" to stay focused, resilient, and productive.    

After sharing his job insights, Reianthong shared tricks he used to get the job, which made him exceptional compared to other candidates. 

Key tricks to be an outstanding candidate from an expert HR perspective: 

• LinkedIn and the STAR Model for Success:

A significant part of the interview was dedicated to practical advice on utilizing LinkedIn effectively—a tool that, according to Reianthong, played a critical role in his job search. He introduced the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as a framework for showcasing skills and achievements on LinkedIn.

Situation: Describe the context of the role or challenge.

Task: Outline what you were tasked to do.

Action: Detail the specific steps you took.

Result: Highlight the positive outcome and how it benefited the company or project.

• Keyword Optimization

"Start by identifying the key skills and qualifications the position you’re applying for is looking for," Reianthong advised. Looking at job descriptions and noting down the important keywords. Once those keywords are identified, students should ensure those skills are stated on their LinkedIn profiles. 

• Highlight irreplaceable achievements: "They should reflect your skills but also demonstrate why you’re an irreplaceable candidate."

He also stressed the importance of tying unique achievements to those skills. "Your achievements should be something that sets you apart from other candidates," he said. "Think about what you’ve accomplished that others might not be able to replace you."

• Build your connections:  Job search sites are powerful tools for connecting with professionals and alumni in the field. Referral is crucial when you are looking for a job. "Don't hesitate to reach out and create your connections with other alumni or professions in the company that you are looking for."

• The right time to look for the jobs: The first quarter will be a perfect time to start applying for a job, as most people who want to change jobs will resign after they already got their bonuses, so many positions will be vacant during that period. 

The online interview with Reianthong provided students with a unique perspective on how to be outstanding candidates. His story served as a reminder that challenges, such as studying abroad, can become strengths in one’s professional journey. In closing, Reianthong encouraged students to "focus and reflect on yourselves to sharpen your sense of self.”

Interview with Priscilla Diani Kumaradewi: From NSYSU's GHRM MBA Program to Navigating Taiwan’s Job Market

Priscilla Diani Kumaradewi, an Indonesian graduate from NSYSU's Global Human Resource Management (GHRM MBA) program, enrolled in September 2022, shares her professional journey and valuable experiences. Her story is an inspiration to other international students who are pursuing their own career paths in Taiwan.

Priscilla is currently working in the Recruitment and Talent Acquisition department in the company she is working for, where she is responsible for hiring and training new employees. Her responsibilities include administrative tasks such as drafting job requirements and working with her boss on recruitment strategies. The diverse work environment, which includes Indonesian, Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Filipino employees, demonstrates her ability to thrive in a multicultural environment. Interestingly, Priscilla's job came through a personal referral from a friend, a reminder of the importance of networking and connections in securing employment opportunities. When it comes to job interviews, Priscilla stresses the importance of knowing what you want and being passionate about your field, adding that passion and expertise helped her stand out from other candidates.

Reflecting on her time at NSYSU, Priscilla is particularly grateful for the practical skills she gained from the Human Resource Competency Development course led by Professor Professor Shyh-Jer Chen and Professor Heidi Chang. The course's emphasis on real-world applications, such as guest lectures from alumni, gave her the tools she needed to succeed in the professional world. "In the working world, practical skills are more useful than just theory," Priscilla notes, underlining how her education at NSYSU provided a solid foundation for her current role.

 Prior to enrolling at NSYSU, Priscilla studied International Affairs, which gave her strong communication and collaboration skills. Her previous work experience at the Stella Maris International Seafarers' Center in Kaohsiung, where she worked with international NGOs, further developed her ability to work across cultures. This experience, together with her studies at GHRMMBA, provided a strong foundation for her current career in recruitment and talent acquisition, allowing her to excel in a diverse and dynamic work environment.

After graduation, Priscilla was driven by her desire to stay in Taiwan, which led to a focused job search that lasted about two months. She was fortunate to find a position with a company run by Indonesians, which recruits graduates from Taiwanese universities, particularly those from Southeast Asia. This cultural fit made her transition smoother and highlighted the importance of targeting companies that match your background and expertise. Her story is a testament to the value of persistence and strategic job hunting in a foreign country.

 Priscilla believes that Taiwan's growing Southeast Asian worker market offers many opportunities, especially for international students. Her company caters specifically to this demographic, and as the number of Southeast Asian workers in Taiwan continues to grow, so do the prospects for job seekers from the region. However, she also acknowledges that international students can face challenges, such as adapting to the local work culture and overcoming language barriers.

 Priscilla also highlights the reasons for studying a Master's degree in Taiwan, pointing to the abundance of scholarships and the international reputation of Taiwan's universities. She mentions that NSYSU's College of Management, which holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, is highly regarded and offers a world-class education. For international students, Taiwan offers both academic excellence and financial support, making it an attractive destination for higher education.

 In sharing her story, Priscilla offers a roadmap for international students seeking to build successful careers in Taiwan. Her journey from studying at NSYSU to working in recruitment and talent acquisition demonstrates the importance of practical skills, strategic job searching, and cultural adaptability. Her experience serves as an inspiring example of how international students can navigate the complexities of the Taiwanese job market while staying true to their professional passions.

Written by Yen. International MBA Programs Student Association President.

[GHRM MBA] Alumnus Shares Unique Journey from NSYSU to Leading Recruitment Role in Czech Republic

Honza, our former student of the GHRM-MBA program at the College of Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU), has embarked on an extraordinary journey that bridges continents and cultures. His experiences, from studying in Taiwan to his current position as a headhunter in the Czech Republic, will offer valuable insights for every student in the Management department.

Honza's decision to pursue his MBA at NSYSU was driven by the desire of a European soul, wanting to have more adventure and personal growth. Reflecting on his time in Taiwan, he describes it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse himself in a new country and culture. Despite having previous experience with international exchanges and summer schools, Honza found the two years spent at NSYSU to be transformative.

During his studies, Honza embraced every opportunity for personal and professional development. He actively engaged in student associations (SA) and had an amazing experience with his SA team. He also took on teaching assistant (TA) roles and taught English during the heavy of the schoolwork, and preparing for his thesis. Honza also joined the internship program of ZOOYL Ltd. remotely. Here, he was responsible for social media content creation and administration, campaign proposals, and customer experience. He built the fan page from scratch and in 2023 he mentored at the “Amazon Accelerator Program 2023 South Region Group workshop” in Kaohsiung (Taiwan).  While these commitments sometimes meant sacrificing leisure time with friends, Honza believes that his dedication and preparation have ultimately paid off.

After graduating, Armed with his master's degree and a newfound sense of confidence, Honza dove headfirst into the job search. He updated his resume, highlighting his international experiences, language proficiency, and expertise in global HR strategies. Despite his qualifications, Honza faced challenges as his application could not go to hand of the recruitment. He came up to the agency to speed up the process. Unfortunately, they have a system to prioritize the needs of different positions in the job market, and HR is not one of them. Due to the plenty of HR applications sent in every day in all agencies in Czech, Honza waited for a while before realizing the situation. At that time, his family saw him go through a struggle and his father recommended that he try the recruitment consultant first. It was also not a smooth process since he got rejected in the first interview, and after they went through all of his papers again, The Grafton Recruitment company called him and gave him a shot. And Honza did show them what they saw from him and trusted him was valued.

Over the next five months, Honza immersed himself in his role at Grafton Recruitment, pouring his heart and soul into every task and interaction. Honza's role extends beyond traditional recruiting tasks. In addition to finding candidates and arranging interviews, he provides comprehensive support to three recruitment teams, including pre-screening interviews, onboarding, and report generation. He worked hard to improve the company's reputation while also providing benefits to customers. His dedication and unwavering work ethic didn't go unnoticed. And he was soon offered a promotion to join the HR department. Honza's vision in the new role is internal HR, where he plans to apply the knowledge and skills gained from his time at NSYSU. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth, acknowledging that his journey from student to professional is far from over.

From the experience he had when finding a job in the Czech and himself after working as a recruitment consultant, there is some valuable advice he had for any students who want to work in this dynamic job market. The company recruitment in Czech will not look at your grade or score to evaluate your ability. They are always seeking positive and active candidates. Honza shared his timeline in Taiwan during his interview, he mentioned the questions from the interviewer mostly about how he spent time in Taiwan, what activities he had joined, and how he handled the busy tasking schedule when he had an internship and assignment at school. Besides, Honza addressed the requirement of most companies in Czech that applicants should be fluent in at least two languages. From this, we can understand more about the job qualifications of this European country and also know which talents will fit into this working environment. All this experience is more precious and merit when we can know from Honza, and be able to share the joy with his new journey.

Honza's journey from NSYSU to a prominent role in recruitment serves as an inspiration to students in the Management department. His story underscores the value of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and maintaining a forward-thinking mindset. As Honza continues to chart his career path, he remains grateful for the foundation laid during his time at NSYSU, confident that it will continue to guide him toward future success.

(Written by Tran Anh Loan, International MBA Programs Student Association Vice President)