Embracing Change and Growth at SHRI

Meet Benjamin, a cybersecurity staff officer in the RSAF Agile, innovation and Digital department (RAiD), who recently embarked on a new journey into Human Resources. "Before diving into HR, I spent considerable time in IT," Benjamin explains. "It's a field I found incredibly dynamic, yet I felt a knowledge gap in understanding HR — something essential no matter where your career takes you."

Motivated by a desire to bridge this gap, Benjamin chose to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma at SHRI. "I've always admired SHRI's prominence in HR education since attending the SHRI HR Congress back in 2010," Benjamin recalls. "Their reputation and industry recognition made them an obvious choice."

Transitioning into HR posed challenges, particularly grasping the breadth of the field. "HR covers a vast spectrum, from payroll intricacies to employment laws," Benjamin reflects. "These nuances are second nature to HR professionals but required diligent learning on my part."

Despite being initially unsure about fully transitioning, Benjamin sees HR's universal relevance. "HR impacts everyone, whether you're managing a team or your own career," he advises. "Understanding HR enhances your ability to support others and navigate workplace dynamics."

Currently, Benjamin contributes HR insights within his organisation while keeping an open mind about future career shifts. "I'm passionate about leveraging HR knowledge to improve workplace dynamics," he shares. "While I'm not yet fully committed to a career switch, I believe in staying open to new possibilities."

However, Benjamin's journey is not just about professional growth; it is also a testament to personal sacrifice and resilience. Last October, he donated his kidney to his daughter. "When I donated my kidney to my daughter, one of the unexpected consequences was the downgrade of my PES status," Benjamin explains. "This had no consequences on my current career, and I received tremendous support from my superiors, but it raised questions when I was applying for other active roles elsewhere."

Despite this, he remains resolute. "When we were deciding who would donate the kidney, I told my wife I wanted the bragging rights. Truth is, I couldn’t bear to see her go under the knife again, something she already went through twice to give birth.” On hindsight, it was the right decision because this may have affected her career posting.

Benjamin's journey underscores the value of continuous learning, exploring diverse career paths, and the profound impact of personal sacrifice. As he continues to integrate HR principles into his role, his story serves as an inspiration to those contemplating similar transitions into Human Resources. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our vibrant community!

If you’d like to be featured similarly in this series, click to join SHRI Membership – the only Professional HR Membership body in Singapore.