Driven by her desire to grow as a HR professional, Jona Soh started her journey with SHRI Academy by enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in Human Capital Management (PGDipHCM) programme in 2024. Graduating as a Bronze award recipient during the 74th Joint Graduation In-Absentia was more than a professional milestone for her, but a testament of her growth towards becoming a more strategic leader in the field.  

Reflecting on her journey, Jona shares, “Graduating from SHRI Academy has been an immensely fulfilling and enriching experience. Not only have I deepened my HR knowledge, I have also built meaningful connections with peers from diverse industries.”  

Ensuring her skills would align with the IHRP Body of Competencies was a key priority for Jona, and she found that SHRI Academy’s programme offered the right blend of knowledge and strategic insight that allowed her to stay relevant in the evolving HR landscape.  

Balancing work, study, and personal commitments was not easy, but Jona credits her success to discipline and the unwavering support she received throughout her journey. “I was fortunate to have a strong support system in place – my family, SHRI lecturers, and peers were all very understanding and encouraging. Their support made a significant difference in helping me stay motivated and focused,” she shared. She also highlighted the flexibility of the programme, which made it easier to manage her various responsibilities 

One of her most valuable takeaways was developing critical thinking through real-life case studies - a skill Jona now applies directly to workplace situations. “Observing the way the lecturers' facilitated discussions have also taught me practical techniques I now use to lead focus groups and conversations at work. These are insights you don’t find in textbooks.” 

Exploring the business partnering side of HR was a new experience for Jona, who started her career in Learning & Development. The Business Partnering modules deepened her understanding of how to align HR strategies with business objectives, equipping her with the confidence and competencies that ultimately inspired her transition into a new role. 

Today, Jona serves as a HR Business Partner, leveraging the insights gained during her time at SHRI Academy to move beyond operational HR and contribute more strategically to business growth. 

To HR professionals considering the next step in their journey, Jona advises, “Know what you want to get out of the programme, and make sure it aligns with your career aspirations. Be open to learning from your peers as it will broaden your thinking and network.”  

Find out more about how you can become a more strategic and effective HR leader:  https://shri.org.sg/courses/postgraduate-diploma-in-strategic-human-capital-management/