4 minute read
Since graduating from the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE) with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2006, Gloria Jiang has become an expert in both operational and strategic human-resource (HR) practices.
As the current Vice President of HR at Societe Generale, China, she oversees all aspects of staff recruitment and HR services, while providing strategic business advice to the organisation’s senior-leadership team.
Gloria shares her succinct, instinctive responses to our questions on talent management in the world of banking, COVID-19’s impact on the industry’s employment market, and her career advice and top tips for CBE students.
Q. Can you tell us about your career path and what led you to the role you're in today?
I started my career working in consulting firms, focusing on project management, and later became an HR professional in banking.
Persistence, resilience and being proactive are the key personality traits that led me to my current role.
Q. Over the next few years, what do you think will be the top priorities for talent management in the banking industry?
There will be high demand for technological profiles, which highlight an individual’s use and knowledge of technology and new media. There will also be a focus of recruiting more female talent in the industry.
Q. What is your advice for students who are looking for work after their overseas studies in Australia?
Know where you passions and interests lie, and make a career plan. This will incorporate taking steps to evaluate your professional options and developing a strategic plan to achieve your goals.
Q. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the employment market in your industry?
Due to the travel bans and restrictions that have been in place, a fundamental impact of the pandemic is that it has significantly reduced international mobility opportunities.
Q. How did your study at CBE prepare you for your career?
Aside from the day-to-day build-up of the fundamental knowledge I learned in the classroom, my experience at CBE improved my interpersonal and organisational skills. These attributes have benefited me and helped make me who I am today.
Q. What are some common mistakes that job applicants often have in their CVs?
Big chunks of text and huge unbroken paragraphs are a recruiter’s worst nightmare, especially when those recruiters are looking at hundreds of CVs every day.
Q. What should current students do now, if they wish to work in the banking industry in China?
Look for internship opportunities in the banking industry during your study breaks and holidays. Rome was not built in a day, so start taking steps now to prepare for the future.
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of specialised programs. Click here for more details.