A Scientist’s Yearning for Business

I joined Honeywell Group through the Honeywell Excellence Programme (HEP). As a STEM graduate, prior to joining Honeywell Group, I worked as a research analyst in a science oriented organisation. While I enjoyed what I was doing, working extensively with industry players across the food value chain to develop new methods of analysing and detecting toxins in food items to ensure that only safe and wholesome products get to the consumer, I found myself yearning for something else; I wanted a career in entrepreneurship and business management.

Honeywell Excellence Programme as a Springboard

So, I was super excited to be selected as one of the candidates for the Honeywell Excellence Programme (HEP) – Cohort 9.

Initiating a career change made me learn something profound about myself: for me to be satisfied and successful, my work needs to be centered on solving real problems and generating real solutions. So, I had high expectations when I joined Honeywell Group. Also, because I had just clicked the reset button on my career, I needed to be in a place where I would hit the ground running with my expectations and soar. I needed a place where learning is prioritised, where I would be quickly exposed to the right knowledge and gain in-depth understanding of both the local and global business landscape, ‘by doing’. 

The Honeywell Excellence Programme commenced with a 2-week induction, which was a great way to be introduced to the different facets of the business, the business leaders, as well as other bright and intelligent candidates in the programme. We had very productive conversations with the management team - seasoned and astute business men and women in their own right - as we explored new ways to solve real problems and deliver progressive change. The interaction was a pointer to the pervasive culture of learning, respect and inclusion in Honeywell Group. It also showed that Honeywell Group cares about the experiences of her employees and takes deliberate steps to pass the message that each suggestion and contribution counts, not just on paper but in the daily activities embedded in the business processes.

Learning, Growth and Development

On the subject of processes, the Honeywell Excellence Programme was very immersive. Touted as a mini-MBA programme, HEP had a comprehensive curriculum, delivered by seasoned business executives who are experienced in a variety of sectors relevant to both the local and global economy. So, with childlike enthusiasm, I plunged into the depth of learning and it has been an amazing journey. 

The Programme gave me excellent training and was the springboard to support my transition to a career in business. Post training, I have been involved in numerous projects across the real estate sector, energy sector and foods & agro allied sector (FMCG). After about two years of project and performance management, I began to focus on corporate development and business strategy in the FMCG sector. In my current role, I am involved in improving operational effectiveness and efficiency as well as developing new growth strategies and evaluating potential business opportunities. 

An Enabling Place for a Working Mum

While the work is diverse and demanding, the mental rigour required keeps me continuously engaged and the support from the business and other team members keeps me excited on the job. As a working mom, one question I’m frequently asked is, “How do you manage the work life balance?” I quickly respond by saying that when I’m at work, I don’t feel like a working mom, I feel like a deserving, empowered and contributing member of the business, contributing my quota to ensuring the prosperity of the organisation as a whole. Though there are some trade-offs, being in a supportive environment like Honeywell Group provides the flexibility necessary to balance my family and professional life while I continue on an upward career trajectory. 

Come and be Empowered

Honeywell Group is a place that empowers you to learn and explore a variety of knowledge domains, acquire new skills and challenge the status quo. The extent to which these opportunities are harnessed is up to you. Be your best self, seek as much feedback as you can get, develop a good support system, learn, learn and learn.