April 17, 2024

Navigating Global Career Paths: Insights from Rosie Cao's Journey

April 17, 2024/ Cindy Lin

Rosie Cao, a distinguished alumna of the GHRM-MBA program at the College of Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University (NSYSU), epitomizes the fusion of academic prowess and practical application in the global business landscape. In an illuminating interview, Rosie shared invaluable insights garnered from her transition from academia to the professional realm, offering guidance to students of the IBMBA and GHRM-MBA programs as they chart their career trajectories.

Currently, Rosie thrives in her role as a recruitment consultant at Michael Page, where she navigates the intricate terrain of talent acquisition with finesse and precision. Michael Page is a renowned global recruitment consultancy firm that specializes in placing candidates in permanent, temporary, and interim positions across various industries. Established in the UK in 1976, the company has expanded its operations worldwide, operating in over 35 countries and territories.

In Vietnam, Michael Page has established a strong presence, leveraging its expertise in recruitment services to cater to the country's growing demand for skilled professionals across different sectors. With offices in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Michael Page Vietnam provides tailored recruitment solutions to local and international businesses operating in the country. The company's services in Vietnam encompass a wide range of industries, including but not limited to finance, banking, IT, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, and consumer goods. Rosie's field of head-hunting lies in Engineering and Manufacturing.

Rosie evaluates the working environment at Michael Page as professional, supportive, dynamic, comfortable, and open-minded. The company pays great attention to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. Training programs aimed at enhancing employees' professional skills are provided comprehensively and systematically. She is completely satisfied with the current working environment.

Rosie secured this job thanks to her relationship with an alumnus of the NSYSU IBMBA program. This friend of Rosie's had a connection with a senior manager at Michael Page. It was this friend who recommended Rosie to that manager and allowed her to interview at Michael Page. Despite having to undergo an extremely rigorous and lengthy interview process including interviews, presentations, and observation, Rosie's perseverance, determination, and passion for HR work helped her surpass other candidates to secure the position.

According to Rosie, the recommendation of the IBMBA alumnus, her graduation from the NSYSU GHRM-MBA Master's program - an internationally taught program in English, her extracurricular activities (Vice President of the Student Association, and her participation in two business idea competitions), along with her fluency in English and Chinese, helped her stand out from other candidates applying for the position. Her only weakness was her lack of work experience. However, the company's leadership probably saw her potential and allowed her to prove herself.

For international students aspiring to pursue degrees and kickstart their careers in Taiwan or beyond, Rosie offers a comprehensive roadmap to success. She emphasizes the significance of cultivating a strong foundation in corporate affairs and human resources, coupled with proficient English presenting and project management skills. Moreover, Rosie advocates for the cultivation of self-discipline, adaptability, and a thirst for international exposure, essential qualities for thriving in diverse professional environments. Rosie extols the virtues of pursuing a master's degree in Taiwan, highlighting the incentives of proactive job searching, language acquisition, and network expansion within the country. She emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture and forging meaningful connections to leverage the plethora of opportunities.

As a human resources professional working in the recruitment field, Rosie has a clear understanding of the labor market situation in Vietnam. Over the past two years, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the labor market in Vietnam has become very challenging. Companies are all in a phase of downsizing their workforce. A single position may attract anywhere from 100 to 200 applicants. The recruitment process has become lengthy and meticulous, sometimes lasting up to 3 months. Ultimately, the company may only hire 1 out of 100 candidates, leaving the other 99 individuals who spent 3 months pursuing a position unsuccessful.

However, Rosie assesses that the market is still undergoing positive changes, and the demand for recruiting high-quality personnel for middle and senior management positions remains constant. Ho Chi Minh City continues to be a dynamic environment with numerous opportunities for international candidates seeking employment in multinational corporations. Da Nang is also a good option because recently, some chip manufacturing plants and electronic equipment factories have been established there, leading to an increase in demand for personnel. However, due to its geographical, cultural, and lower population density characteristics, the competition ratio for each recruitment position in Da Nang will be lower, making it a potential labor market.

According to Rosie, the most widely used job websites in Vietnam, in order, are LinkedIn, Vietnamworks, and CareerBuilder. The position she currently holds was also advertised on LinkedIn. However, she received a recommendation from a senior management member, so the most important reason that helped her secure her current job is effectively leveraging personal relationships.

In conclusion, Rosie Cao's journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities that await those who dare to dream and excel. Her insights serve as a guiding light for students of the IBMBA and GHRM-MBA programs, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to carve out their paths to success in the dynamic world of global business. Her perspective on the labor market in Vietnam would also be extremely useful for students who intend to develop their careers in the Southeast Asian region in general, or Vietnam specifically.

NGUYEN LE QUANG

IBMBA Program

College of Management - NSYSU

Vice President of the 112-2 International Student Association

April 17, 2024

Mr. Sacha: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Professional Achievement

April 17, 2024/ Cindy Lin

Mr. Sacha's journey from the scenic French Alps to the professional arenas of Europe and Asia is a story of resilience, ambition, and a commitment to continuous growth. Beginning with a bachelor's degree in Applied Foreign Languages & Economics at Grenoble Alpes University, Sacha cultivated a deep interest in languages, cultures, and the dynamics of global business. An exchange program at the University of Nottingham was a turning moment, introducing him to his future life partner and a shared path toward academic and professional excellence.

Together, they furthered their education in International Business at Nottingham Trent University's Business School. Sacha's desire to delve into Human Resources Management led him to the Global Human Resources Management English Program at NSYSU in Taiwan. Despite facing administrative and cultural challenges, Sacha's determination, supported by mentors and peers, turned obstacles into opportunities for personal and professional development. A significant academic experience was his study of Cross-Cultural Management under Dr. David McConville at NSYSU, equipping him with essential skills for diverse workplace navigation.

Sacha's professional career began at Account Receivables at VF in Nottingham, before moving to London for an Accounts Receivable Manager role at Faction Skis. He then moved to Sales with his subsequent role as a Business Development Representative at Finastra in London, which highlighted his exceptional ability to drive revenue growth, constantly exceeding sales targets was even awarded Global BDR of the Year. Further roles in the world of Cryptocurrencies as a Sales Executive at Curv, Private Banker at HAYVN, Sales Director at DFNS, and then back at HAYVN as VP of Client Coverage, showcased his strategic insight, relationship-building expertise, and determined commitment to delivering client and stakeholder value. Reflecting on his career, Sacha highlights the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and the development of meaningful connections to build your network. He advocates for authenticity in sales, stating, "To achieve success in sales, it is crucial to remain authentic and remember that you are not just selling a product but also yourself to establish connections in the market. At the start of a career, one often has to go through long hiring processes, building strong CVs and motivation letters that will hopefully stand out, etc. However, the stronger you grow your network, the more you can get job offers and inquiries about your next move, without going through the traditional CV and applications route. This is all due to the connection that." This insight highlights the importance of building lasting industry relationships based on trust and integrity.

Sacha believes that HR courses have been instrumental in understanding human behavior, improving interpersonal skills, and enhancing his ability to connect with clients on a human level—skills that are invaluable in sales and client relationship management.

Sacha's journey demonstrates the transformative power of education, perseverance, and strategic thinking. His story not only showcases his personal and professional achievements, but it also inspires ambitious professionals to embrace continuous improvement, adaptability, and the importance of building meaningful connections in the global business landscape. Congratulations to Sacha and his partner on their remarkable journey, embodying the essence of academic excellence and the relentless pursuit of success.

Westly Chung

IBMBA Program

College of Management - NSYSU

President of the 112-2
International Student
Association

June 18, 2023

《GHRM MBA_Alumni interview》Embarking on a Transformative Journey: Jason's MBA Experience at NSYSU

June 18, 2023/ Cindy Lin

Choosing the right university and program for your MBA studies is a pivotal decision that can shape and determine your future career path. We were privileged to have a talk with Jason Yang, a former student of GHRM MBA program who now thrives in the tech industry as a Product Manager (PM) at Advantech Co.,Ltd. Jason shares his insightful experiences, shedding light on the benefits of studying at NSYSU and offering valuable advice to current and prospective students. Jason's journey is not your typical student-to-graduate story; he is an American-born Taiwanese and had already been in Taiwan for several years before deciding to pursue his MBA. His experience provides a unique perspective on studying abroad and its advantages.

Jason's decision to pursue his MBA in Taiwan was not a straightforward choice. Having been in Taiwan since 2010, he initially came to teach English and later worked in a trading company. However, he aspired for more than just teaching English, as he saw the limitations of relying solely on it as a long-term career. Jason explains how he was convinced by the reputation of NSYSU, considered one of the top 10 schools in Taiwan. Although his journey had a few hurdles, including missing paperwork during his initial application, Jason's determination led him to NSYSU's GHRM MBA program. One of the first things that struck Jason about NSYSU was the breathtaking scenic view of the campus. Reflecting on his time at NSYSU, Jason expressed admiration for the campus's natural beauty, which he found unparalleled. Nestled near the beach, NSYSU offers a serene and idyllic setting that invigorates students. He emphasized that NSYSU's campus made up for this by providing a magnificent environment conducive to study and personal growth.

What’s more, NSYSU GHRM MBA offers students a wide selection of opprtunities to study overseas such as dual degree in many renowned universities. Jason made perfect use of school resources and got a chance to study at UC (University of California) Riverside in the United States. Having previously studied at UC Riverside, Jason drew comparisons between the teaching methods employed at both institutions. He noted that UC Riverside heavily relied on the case study method, wherein students worked together to solve real-world business cases. In contrast, NSYSU embraced a more diverse teaching approach, combining various methods to deliver a comprehensive educational experience, which gave him chances to work collaboratively with classmates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This collaborative and cross-culture environment fostered lively discussions and encouraged students to explore various solutions to business challenges. The emphasis on teamwork and the exchange of ideas enriched Jason's learning experience, allowing him to gain a broader perspective on global business practices.

The GHRM MBA program equipped Jason with valuable and practical skillsets that have proven instrumental in his career progression. After taking a variety of business classes, he found that his Excel proficiency, honed through data analysis coursework, has been particularly beneficial in his business roles. Jason emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with Excel, as it is a widely used tool in various business positions. It provides the perfect way to generate informed decisions, which is applicable to various roles in the business world Furthermore, he illustrates the multifaceted paths available for MBA graduates in the tech industry, whether it be marketing, engineering, or product management. As a product manager in the tech industry, Jason shares insights into the necessary characteristics for success in this role. He highlights the importance of being hardworking, organized, and adept at collaborating with different departments. Effective teamwork, communication, and presentation skills are essential in managing cross-functional teams. Jason emphasizes that the path to becoming a product manager is not limited to a specific educational background or certificate, showcasing the diverse routes individuals can take to enter the field. Moreover, recognizing the challenges faced by students without prior work experience, Jason points out the significance of internships in gaining a competitive edge in the job market. With experience working as a people & organization consulting intern at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He shares his own internship experience, acquired through the recommendation of his thesis advisor, and the benefits it brought to his career. Jason acknowledges that internships provide valuable practical knowledge, serve as a stepping stone to higher-level positions, and enhance the chances of securing full-time employment.

Drawing from his own experiences, Jason offers practical advice and suggestions to current MBA students. He advises them to embrace their time at NSYSU, make the most of their free time, create lasting memories with friends, and maintain a work-life balance. Furthermore, he explains the importance of continuous learning through reading books, particularly recommending titles related to product management and behavioral psychology. Jason also encourages students to seek internships to leverage real-world business experience and gain practical insights. Lastly but not least, proficiency in Excel is certainly an addition and useful ability. Students, thus, are suggested equipping themselves with such software skill before stepping into the workplace since it is highly demanded in all business sectors. All in all, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to have an insightful talk with Jason, learning about what he is doing, how has the skills acquired from GHRM MBA benefited his career and what advice can be given to our current students.