Cathy Yu's GHRM Journey: Turning Passion into Purpose
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Before Cathy stepped into the classroom of Global Human Resource Management (GHRM MBA), she already had extensive experience in HR. At Vine Management Consultant, Cathy spent four enriching years as a Talent Development Project Planner, collaborating with over 500 corporate clients across various industries. Her daily work involved crafting tailored training solutions and guiding numerous developmental projects. Although she enjoyed facilitating growth for others, Cathy soon realized she needed to invest in her own professional growth as well.
Taking the leap to return to school while working full-time wasn't an easy decision, but Cathy knew it was essential. GHRM MBA stood out not just as an educational opportunity, but as an exciting gateway to broaden her horizons. It provided Cathy with a dynamic learning environment, a diverse network of peers from around the globe, and rich cross-cultural experiences that reshaped her perspective.
Today, Cathy thrives in her role within the HR team at Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan. Her responsibilities are diverse and fulfilling, blending creativity, strategic thinking, and interpersonal connections. Cathy designs e-learning courses, boosts employee engagement through various initiatives, and organizes important events such as the annual Spring Banquet and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). She also takes on critical projects at the corporate level, including renewing competency models, developing onboarding programs, and leading training sessions for newly appointed supervisors.
Cathy attributes much of her success to key lessons learned during her GHRM MBA journey. One of the most impactful was viewing HR as a strategic partnership—understanding it from a business perspective rather than just an administrative function. She also embraced cross-cultural communication by engaging with classmates from diverse backgrounds, which honed her teamwork and interpersonal skills. Courses like HR Analytics played a crucial role in strengthening her ability to communicate compelling stories through data. In addition, she significantly polished her presentation and communication skills, a vital capability in any corporate environment.
For those aiming to stand out in today’s competitive job market, Cathy offers practical advice: prioritize action over perfection, as companies value employees who deliver results and not just ideas; remain curious and adaptive by continuously learning and evolving professionally; foster emotional intelligence (EQ), which is indispensable for effective teamwork—especially in HR; and own your unique strengths by clearly articulating your personal contributions and value.
Cathy also shared valuable tips for those dreaming of joining prestigious companies like Swire Coca-Cola:
Customize your resume: Highlight your achievements and impact rather than just listing responsibilities.
Understand the company deeply: Go beyond the brand to grasp the company culture and values.
Demonstrate initiative: Proactively engage in internships, projects, or volunteer work to showcase your drive.
Be genuine during interviews: Authenticity helps create meaningful connections with potential employers.
After joining Swire Coca-Cola Taiwan, Cathy continued to grow and learn through real-world experiences. She mastered stakeholder management by collaborating effectively across diverse functions and organizational levels. Time management also became a critical skill, as efficient prioritization proved essential to handle her workload. Most importantly, she learned the value of combining professionalism with team spirit—balancing both to create impactful and lasting results.
“It gave me confidence, a broader perspective, and an inspiring community. If you're considering joining, go for it, embrace the challenge—your future self will thank you”
– Cathy Yu
Reflecting on her transformative GHRM MBA journey, Cathy emphasizes it wasn't merely a degree—it was a turning point in her life.
Written by: Stanislaus 蔡緗倫
