How I Got Into Talent Acquisition And Why I Like It So Much

When I was a teenager I had no idea what university specialization to choose from. Lack of guidance, leap of faith or just following the masses directed me towards economic science. Throughout the University years as much as the direction of my studies was suggesting, I was supposed to become an accountant.

As I got to be more and more interested in international experiences and I was aspiring more and more to travel and see the world, something that my parents never did or didn’t even consider as an option but something that my immigrant brother was living, has put me on the scout of activities around going global. I didn’t have to look too much, as there was a local chapter of an international organization* in my campus.

Studies wise I should have joined the finance team of this organization but in reality I never liked finance too much, and as I was asked to express my areas of interest and just follow what I liked, I went for the department in charge of international internship- truly the why I actually joined the organization, to see more and experience more of what it means to be surrounded by foreigners.

Fast forward 4 years later, I was after a full time 1-year volunteering role in Mexico City still working for the same organization, still into providing international internship experiences to young people from all over the world. I have never felt tired of this job, I have never forgotten the why I do it and I have never even for one second lost sight of the impact my work has for someone who seeks those experiences.

So there I was, a fresh grad in economic science told to become an accountant, with about 4 years of intense experience in an international organization into providing experiences to young people and with one year of living on a different continent doing something that most of my family and friends didn’t understand. I was so confused about what’s next and if there is one single question someone asks himself about the future, for sure I’ve asked it too.

But then I remembered that I joined the organization for going global and it was time to go for my own international internship (I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right: I was preaching about something myself has never lived; funnily enough I have been doing this ever since). I knew I want to go somewhere far, somewhere different, and S-E Asia seemed to be a good destination. It was not easy to summarize those years into what I want to do next, but I managed to put together some options of activities I wanted to do.

Fast forward 5 years later, after almost 2 years of living in India being in a global Indian tech company into Talent Acquisition and Internal Staffing business and returning on European lands continuing in Talent Acquisitions roles for global technology/engineering organizations, I am found humbled and grateful to have looked for it during university times: international experiences. With time this got refined to providing transformational experiences for people who are passionate about something. That something was technology in my case.

I have spoken to thousands of people all these years and if there is one question I have asked during every single interview is what’s that you’re interested in, what’s your passion, what makes that flame burn. I cannot say that everyone has it, that everyone is clear about why they do what they do, but there are so many out there who love their professions. My personal statistic is at about 40%. Imagine if everyone would follow their dream professional calling, I think this world would be just by a little bit a better place.

You might wonder why is this so important, oh it is and you can’t imagine how much. Because of hardship and complexities of global organizations, of ever changing environments and ambitious corporate plans, it won’t work for unpassionate ones. Sooner or later. With the note, of course, for the ones who aspire to work in global companies like myself. Also because one needs to be happy at work and employee happiness equation is half solved if you have employees that are genuinely interested/passionate in their profession. My experience says so.

Here’s my tale about talent acquisition and why I am really hooked to it. They say after about 10.000 hours of practice one becomes a master, a professional, an artist. That’s about 5 years or so. Guess I got my artist status in global corporate talent business :)

To my fellow Talent Acquisition peers: What is your story about getting into this field? Choice or coincidence?

To everyone: Do you believe in being passionate about your profession is the ingredient for job satisfaction? What if not being passionate, does it mean not enjoying? Any experiences/learning you’ve come across?

Would love to hear your perspectives. Thanks for reading!

Talent Acquisition Artistly yours,

Ana

*The international organization is called AIESEC. Read more about it here: https://aiesec.org

Article initially written on careeryourway.blog