The only drawback when I decided to venture out of legal field is that I
need to gear-up my knowledge in business area, in particular financial
analysis and business plan, in another words to see things with a different
pair of eyes. I was fortunate that throughout my transition period, I met an
excellent mentor whom has guided me to become a better professional.
Also, I believe an extra curiosity will always help you along the way. To get
to know how business does their work and to talk in their wavelength, you
need to see them in action. Therefore, I make proactive efforts to
participate in internal business meetings so I am able to understand how
business works better.
The Journey
After two years of working at Maybank, I took a gap year to pursue Master
of Laws (LLM) at University of Reading, UK. Thereafter, Maybank assigned
me to the UK office for three months beginning January 2015. However,
three months turned to years. I am still in London and now tasked to lead
the human capital strategy for both London and New York operations.
I think going outside of my comfort zone helped me a lot in moulding me
into a better person (of course, I am still learning). During my first three
months, I regularly leave office close to midnight just to get a good grasp
of everything because only by having a strong foundation you can propose
for new changes. It was really tough and I still remember I used to skip
lunch just to have that time to cry over the phone to my parents and close
friends.
But after a while, I slowly got better hold of my footing at Maybank
London and became more confident in the execution of my duties. When
my three months’ assignment was about to expire, I got a job offer with
one of the big banks in London and that’s when I realised that it’s all worth
it. I told the management about the situation and they offered me a good
career progression plan that only an insane person would say no to. Until
today, despite few lucrative offers to join other institution I am still very
loyal to Maybank because this institution keep on pushing me to raise the
bar higher and to break my personal glass ceiling. It gives me a sense of
satisfaction. At the age of 30, I am already at the management role -
responsible for two most advanced markets in the world. Of course, what’s
there to complain?