What is your background?
I grew up in Quezon City and studied at UP Diliman from kindergarten until college. My major was Speech Communication, though it wasn't my first choice initially. I had wanted to study Broadcasting Communication but didn't get a slot for that course after passing the entrance exam.
My major in Speech Communication focused on communication in different settings like interpersonal, organizational, and cultural, as well as theater and performing arts. It was vital for getting things done and improving my ability to communicate with others. My college journey was just the start of my personal development, especially for my career path.
This majors have fields like advertising, marketing, public relations, and development sectors to choose from. At first, I thought I wanted to work in the government since studying at UP Diliman made me realize I wanted to serve my country. But over time, I changed my mind about pursuing that.
Prior to working at BPI, I had sales experience at a startup company. I was unemployed for six months but took a break by choice. A friend suggested I apply for a sales position at a startup, which I initially had mixed feelings about as I couldn't see myself in sales. But I accepted the role of Growth Lead Specialist, responsible for generating leads and making sales calls to drive business growth. The product was LinkedIn Talent Solutions for hiring needs.
It was a challenging job in a field I couldn't envision myself working in. Our small team of only five members made me realize I prefer collaborative environments. I resigned in March 2020 when the pandemic started, and my boss told me I had talent in sales.
When the pandemic hit, I came across a job posting at Shopee through a friend. I applied for a marketing role as a Relationship Manager, handling Chinese sellers and ensuring their satisfaction. I had to manage campaigns and identify business growth opportunities despite language barriers. The booming e-commerce platform required us to work harder than ever.
My Shopee job burnt me out, and I questioned if this career path was right for me. I told my boss about opportunities there, knowing the hardships Relationship Managers face. During onboarding, I was impressed by their learning materials. I asked if they had learning and development roles, and got the chance to write some articles. This made me discover my passion for creating educational content. But when I applied for a learning and development role at Shopee, I was rejected, realizing I wasn't meant for this company.
How did you discovered the job openings at BPI?
A friend told me about a job opening in learning and development at BPI, in which a field that I'm interested, so I applied for it. Although I do not have extensive experience, BPI recognized my passion for the role and accepted me.
How does it like to be a Strategic Programs Officer at BPI?
I started at BPI last June 2022 as a Strategic Programs Officer. It was challenging transitioning from a small startup to a traditional company with more hierarchies. My tasks include developing and implementing programs for the segment, improving customer experience, analyzing performance, and giving recommendations to senior management. I also conduct research and collaborate across teams.
When I started, there was already an established program that I had to continue and enhance. It was a major career shift so I had to adjust and learn the learning development process and program management from the ground up. One difficulty was the lack of formal theoretical experience - I had to learn a lot on my own, especially project management. Being self-starting was crucial.
My role is quite independent as part of the Strategy Management and Business Support team in corporate banking. We develop projects requested by Relationship Managers, particularly learning and development programs, to ensure they are the best. I generate strategies, solve problems, and ensure programs get completed on time.
Another challenge was adapting to the processes followed in the banking industry which are very strict and organized - something I wasn't used to initially. But it taught me to be more meticulous.
Now with two years at the bank, I've developed and implemented various programs catering to career development needs. It was a journey involving a lot of testing, but the trainings were well-received by employees and group heads. Their support and feedback are important to meet quality standards.
Does your current salary meet the expectations with BPI?
Yes, one of BPI's goals is to provide its employees with amazing benefits, such as transportation and medical allowances, as well as performance bonuses. It's important to me that my pay aligns with the role I was given, and my experience at BPI is a testament to that.
Can you share the range of your salary, the benefits, and allowances?
For my role and rank, the Bank could offer anywhere between 25,000-50,000/month depending on previous experience and other credentials. Officers also receive a travel allowance of around 5,000-15,000/month depending on rank, medical coverage ranging from 150,000-300,000, and a minimal clothing allowance per year. We also have quarterly bonuses and performance-based payouts.
Can you give us a walkthrough of your day as a Strategic Programs Officer at BPI?
BPI currently has a hybrid setup. When working from home, I wake up thirty minutes before starting. I always eat a hearty breakfast as it helps me focus. Before leaving work, I reflect on problems faced and how to approach them the next day. I usually check our project list so I don't lose track of progress.
My work involves email correspondence - communicating with higher-ups to set up meetings and discuss strategy development progress.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...