While we have often talked about the role of management in career growth, we haven’t emphasized enough the importance of personal initiative and continuous learning.
In this episode, we will explore the journey of Ng Jiamin, a team lead at Oom Private Limited, who decided to pick up a new skill in digital marketing after realizing her passion for it.
Joining us is Melvin Fam, the head of the SEO department at Oom, who supported Jiamin in her upskilling journey.
Jiamin’s story is relatable to many of us who have found ourselves at a crossroads in our careers, yearning for something more fulfilling and meaningful.
After five years in the engineering field, Jiamin felt that her work had become repetitive and mundane.
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that she stumbled upon digital marketing and became intrigued by the world of search engine optimization (SEO).
She realized that there was much more to the digital landscape than she had ever imagined.
Jiamin’s curiosity led her to explore digital marketing further, and she decided to pursue a career in this field. However, she faced a challenge: she lacked the necessary skills and knowledge.
This is where Melvin and Oom Private Limited stepped in.
Recognizing Jiamin’s potential and her ability to communicate effectively, Melvin saw an opportunity to train her in digital marketing and SEO.
Jiamin was referred to Oom by a friend and went through the company’s workforce conversion program, which provided her with the necessary training and support to transition into her new role.
The program Jiamin participated in was designed to bridge the gap between her existing skills and the skills required for her new role. It consisted of online courses and practical exercises, such as role-playing difficult customer interactions.
Jiamin found the program enjoyable and manageable, thanks to the abundance of online resources and the support provided by Melvin and her team.
She was able to learn the technical aspects of digital marketing through self-study and on-the-job training.
One of the key takeaways from Jiamin’s journey is the importance of personal responsibility in career growth.
She firmly believes that individuals are responsible for their own learning and growth.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to come their way, individuals should actively seek out resources and take the initiative to learn new skills.
Jiamin emphasizes the need to be open to learning and to put oneself out there. She encourages individuals to explore their interests and passions, even if they lack prior knowledge or experience.
Melvin echoes Jiamin’s sentiments and emphasizes the role of adaptability and openness to learning in career advancement.
He believes that individuals should take advantage of the numerous online resources available, such as YouTube and SkillsFuture, to acquire new skills and knowledge.
Melvin also highlights the importance of mindset and attitude in embracing change and seizing opportunities for growth.
He shares his own experience of transitioning from a career in educational sales to digital marketing, driven by his passion for gaming and problem-solving.
The conversation with Jiamin and Melvin sheds light on the need for a supportive ecosystem that encourages and facilitates upskilling and reskilling.
While personal responsibility is crucial, employers and the government also play a significant role in providing resources and support for individuals seeking to acquire new skills. Companies like Oom Private Limited recognize the value of investing in their employees’ growth and development.
They actively seek out training programs and government initiatives, such as the Career Conversion Program for Professional Executives, to upskill and reskill their workforce.
The implications of this discussion are far-reaching. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, individuals must be proactive in adapting to change and acquiring new skills.
The traditional notion of a linear career path is becoming obsolete, and individuals must embrace lifelong learning to stay relevant and competitive.
Employers, too, must recognize the importance of investing in their employees’ growth and providing opportunities for upskilling and reskilling.
By fostering a culture of continuous learning, companies can ensure the long-term success and satisfaction of their employees.
In conclusion, the journey of Ng Jiamin and the insights shared by Melvin Fam highlight the power of personal responsibility in career growth.
Individuals must take charge of their own learning and actively seek out opportunities for upskilling and reskilling.
While employers and the government can provide support and resources, it is ultimately up to individuals to embrace change, adapt to new technologies, and continuously learn and grow.
The future belongs to those who are willing to step out of their comfort zones and seize opportunities for personal and professional development.
So, what are you waiting for?
Take that first step towards a brighter future today.
Listen to the episode on Apple, Overcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform.
