Career Path Selection – and Go On

When reflecting on my career path, the question always started what made you choose this career? For me, it is more like this career chose me. It presented me an opportunity, and I devoted my 100% into it.

Initially, I didn't think much on my career path when I landed my first job as a process engineer. It was a natural fit to my academic background in Process Engineering. The turning point came in 2016, just five days after welcoming my daughter into the world. A company announcement notified me of my redundancy. After the initial waves of shock, sadness, anger, and eventual acceptance, I found myself re-evaluating my career trajectory. The realization dawned that my expertise lay in a niche and limited industry—plasma vitrification. This prompted a decision to reshape my professional path. I aspired for a career that was not only in demand across various industries but also proved resistant to replacement by AI, with opportunities for continued growth into senior roles.

The subsequent job search was marked by numerous rejections. Eventually, I secured a position as Procurement Specialist in the Telecom industry. I deeply valued this opportunity and committed myself in this new role. I rapidly absorbed knowledge from my experienced colleagues through hands-on practice. Yet, I couldn't shake the feeling of a disparity between my actions and the overarching principles guiding the procedures. I yearned to comprehend the broader perspective and envision the path ahead. From mastering negotiation skills and navigating project, contract, and risk management challenges to delving into strategic aspects like supply network design and global logistics strategy, the realm of sourcing continually fascinated me, sparking a quest for deeper understanding within my chosen profession.

After researching, I found out about the highly respected certification provided by CIPS, known for its recognition in procurement and supply chain management. Realizing it could boot my credibility and career, I promptly enrolled in CIPS to embark on this transformative journey. Aside from being a procurement professional, I'm also a wife and a mother of two. Balancing multiple responsibilities can be challenging, especially when adding studies on top of everything else. I hadn't anticipated that pursuing CIPS would consume five years of my time.

For the past five years, each evening after tucking my kids into bed, I committed two hours to my CIPS studies. While there were exhilarating moments when I applied newfound knowledge to my work, more often, I got this sense of solitude. It was during these times that my family provided invaluable support. My children would come to me, offering hugs and kisses before bedtime, wishing me success in my studies. Meanwhile, my husband would sit beside me, either working or simply reading the news, offering his quiet companionship. With their encouragement and backing, what initially felt like a lonely pursuit blossomed into a shared journey of personal growth and accomplishment.

Throughout this journey, I have studied 23 modules, expanding my knowledge base significantly. This growth has not only sharpened my professional skills but also boosted my confidence in handling various business challenges. I've become better at identifying business needs, managing supply chain risks, and making ethical sourcing decisions. Additionally, I've begun to grasp essential leadership and strategic concepts within the realm of business.

As I approached the end of this journey on February 22, 2024, receiving my Level 6 CIPS certification filled me with pride, signifying the successful completion of my intensive study. The joy from this achievement inspired me to share the good news with my professional network. Subsequently, on March 13, my MCIPS chartership was officially granted.

Reflecting on my career journey fills me with joy. I've discovered a dynamic and resilient path in sourcing, and I'm proud of the progress I've made. Balancing family and studies was a challenge, but I'm grateful for the journey. Moving forward, I'm enthusiastic about continuing to contribute to my career. Now that my MCIPS chartership is official, I'm ready to embrace new opportunities and challenges. This journey has shown me that with determination and support, anything is achievable.