From Classroom to Career: Experience Sharing by Our Graduate Employability Programme Trainee

As part of our Team MRCB series, we sat down with a young and enthusiastic HR practitioner, Zarith Kamelia on her experience with our Graduate Employability Programme.

Q1: Congratulations on being part of Team MRCB as a full-time employee! Could you share your previous experience as a trainee in the Engagement & Culture unit?

Thank you! My experience as a trainee was truly transformative. Coming from a finance background, I embraced the opportunity with an inquisitive mindset and an open mind for any new experiences that came my way. Working with diverse colleagues and engaging in different projects has allowed me to grow fond of expanding my skills in HR and become more passionate about making a positive impact on the employee experience.

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Q2: How has the experience shaped you to be the person you are?

The experience has shaped me in so many ways. Being an introvert, it was initially challenging to engage with different personalities. But with the unwavering support of my mentor and the exposure to diverse projects, I gained the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and became a more outgoing and adaptable individual. The opportunity to lead a company-wide employee engagement survey was a defining moment that boosted my self-belief and helped me become a more effective and approachable team player.

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Q3: What would be the biggest accomplishment you achieved during your time here?

Leading the company-wide employee engagement survey was definitely my biggest accomplishment. Being entrusted with this significant project, I was given the opportunity to design, conduct, and analyse the survey and subsequently assist in curating strategies based on the findings was a gratifying experience. It not only allowed me to demonstrate my skills but also contributed to creating a more engaged and motivated workforce.

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Q4: Coming from a finance background, would you consider yourself a data driven person? ?

Absolutely! Coming from a finance background, I've really developed a knack for a results-driven approach. I strongly believe in making data-driven decisions to assess the success of engagement initiatives and employee performance. Analysing data allows me to measure the impact of our efforts and devise strategies to continually improve the employee experience.

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Q5: Other than engagements, what else does your role entail?

Beyond engagements, my role extends to various areas. I actively participate in upgrading the organisation's intranet and managing internal inquiries through the live chat, which involves delving into backend systems. I find it essential to continuously learn and explore new skills outside the HR field, and these experiences have broadened my expertise.

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Q6: Any advice for fresh grads out there who will embark on the corporate world?

My advice would be to embrace change and take on new challenges with an open mind. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as it is where true growth happens. Make mistakes, learn from them, and stay humble. In the early stages of your career, seek guidance from senior colleagues and be passionate about your work. Remember, personal and professional development go hand in hand, so invest in both aspects to create a meaningful impact in your chosen field.