[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)

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

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