On November 25, Student Association of International Programs hosted a Resume Workshop, featuring Jamie Huang as the guest speaker. Beyond sharing her expertise in crafting resumes and cover letters, Jamie offered a glimpse into her broader career journey and the lessons she has learned from working in dynamic, international environments. Her career embodies her skill in human resources and her ability to navigate and bridge diverse cultural landscapes.

Currently, Jamie serves as a Senior People Solutions specialist at Suntory, a renowned beverage company. In her multifaceted role within the HR Shared Services division, she oversees key HR projects, including cross-national employee dispatch and coordination. Her responsibilities span markets such as Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, China, Singapore, and Vietnam, reflecting her expertise in aligning global strategies with local needs. The role often involves interactions with Japanese leadership to align strategies in large markets, reflecting a blend of global perspectives and localized strategies. With four years in this position, Jamie has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering inclusive and effective work environments.

The work culture at Suntory has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Since appointing a Taiwanese general manager, the leadership style has shifted to a more inclusive and engaging model. Jamie noted, “Compared to other countries, Taiwan’s team demonstrates strong cohesion. Our engagement surveys consistently yield good scores,” highlighting the team’s satisfaction with company policies and benefits. The dynamic culture also includes unique traditions, such as post-meeting socializing with bento boxes and occasional Friday wine-tasting sessions. Despite this, inclusivity remains a priority. “Even those who don’t drink aren’t excluded,” Jamie emphasized, referencing Suntory’s DEI training programs, which underscore the company’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all employees.

Jamie also highlighted a distinctive aspect of Suntory’s work culture: the Japanese concept of gemba, which translates to "the real place" in English. This principle involves observing consumers and retailers firsthand to gain insights into the market. “After work, we often head out for drinks, not just to relax but also to engage in gemba—understanding the dynamics of the market directly at the scene,” she explained. This hands-on approach illustrates Suntory’s commitment to stay connected to the realities of its business while fostering an engaging and collaborative work environment.

Flexible work arrangements and a results-oriented approach define Jamie’s work-life balance. At Suntory, employees have the autonomy to decide their work hours. “For me, work-life balance means having the flexibility to manage my time effectively,” Jamie explained. This includes being able to finish tasks at the office and continue working from home if necessary. The company requires employees to be on-site three days a week as part of its policy, but outside of these days, remote work is fully supported. Jamie’s role involves frequent interaction with international clients, often requiring her to adjust to their time zones. This flexibility not only accommodates the nature of Jamie’s work but also reflects the company’s understanding of the demands of a global workforce. By allowing employees to manage their schedules, Suntory ensures that both productivity and work-life balance are maintained—a key factor that Jamie values in her role.

Reflecting on her studies at NSYSU’s GHRM MBA, Jamie credits the program’s emphasis on soft skills and intercultural collaboration as invaluable assets for her career. “The all-English environment and group projects with international peers were pivotal,” she explained. The program provided a unique opportunity for local Taiwanese students like Jamie to engage in an immersive, English-speaking academic environment. Unlike typical local settings, where such exposure is limited, the GHRM MBA fostered a space for continuous language practice and cross-cultural understanding. Each discussion, group project, and collaboration required her to articulate ideas and negotiate solutions in English—an experience she describes as both demanding and transformative. This rigorous practice prepared her to thrive in roles requiring frequent communication with international stakeholders, a necessity in her current and past positions at multinational companies.

Jamie emphasized that while theoretical knowledge provides a strong foundation, the program’s real-world applications, such as working directly with industry partners, were the most valuable aspects for those aiming to enter the professional world. “If you’re not pursuing academia, industry experience and hands-on practice are far more important,” she said. She credits the program’s focus on teamwork with peers from diverse backgrounds for equipping her with the practical skills needed to excel in a global workplace. “The habit of speaking English confidently is crucial,” Jamie reflected. Her previous role at an international company further solidified this skill, teaching her the importance of overcoming language barriers and communicating effectively. “Through these experiences, I learned not to fear speaking English,” she shared, noting that this ability has been indispensable in her career journey.

Jamie’s transition from academia to the professional world was smooth, thanks to her pragmatic mindset. “I never expected theories to be directly applicable in the workplace,” she noted. Instead, Jamie emphasized the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance when facing challenges. This approach also helped her during internships, where she tackled case studies and proposed solutions as part of the hiring process. As the first president of Student Association of International programs, Jamie’s journey to her current role was self-driven. Resources like internship matchmaking were scarce at the time, so she relied on independent efforts to secure opportunities. “Do your research,” she advised. “You need to understand the company’s products and services before the interview.” Recalling her internship search, Jamie shared how persistence paid off, even when she couldn’t recall applying to certain companies. “For phone interviews, it’s crucial to present yourself confidently and highlight your value.”

Jamie also offered a candid evaluation of Taiwan’s job market for international students. She explained that while international companies are more open to hiring non-local talent, fluency in Chinese is often a decisive factor. “Unless you’re exceptionally skilled, companies may hesitate to incur the additional cost of hiring foreign talent,” she said. Opportunities are more abundant in sectors like high-tech or semiconductors compared to retail or fast-moving consumer goods, where local expertise dominates. Jamie explained that retail and FMCG industries, focused on local markets, rarely hire international talent due to their emphasis on domestic consumer needs and tight profit margins. In contrast, sectors like software or semiconductors, which often require specialized skills, are more open to hiring foreign professionals despite the additional costs involved. Jamie stressed the importance of leveraging unique backgrounds to stand out in competitive markets. “Finding specialized channels to showcase your skills can make a significant difference,” she advised.

Jamie Huang’s journey from a GHRM MBA student to Senior People Solutions specialist at Suntory is a testament to the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and proactive career planning. Her story offers inspiration for current students and alumni navigating the complexities of global careers, particularly in Taiwan’s evolving job market.