In the ever-evolving world of careers, no two journeys are the same. This is especially true for Tien, whose path from studying IT to becoming an HR Operations Supervisor in a bustling Animation Studio in Australia is nothing short of inspiring. In this blog, we’ll dive into Tien’s story, her role, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re considering a career in HR or simply curious about the field, Tien’s insights are sure to resonate.

What Does an HR Operations Supervisor Do?
Tien works in the HR operations team for an animation and visual effects studio in Sydney. Her role is a blend of strategic planning and hands-on problem-solving, ensuring smooth processes from onboarding to offboarding. Key responsibilities include:

Recruitment: Conducting interviews and managing hiring processes.

Payroll: Ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.

Employee Support: Addressing visa concerns, contract reviews, and performance management.

Team Leadership: Managing a small team and providing guidance on HR processes.

Tien’s day is packed with variety, from handling payroll deadlines to supporting employees with visa issues and preparing for performance reviews. Her role is a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of HR, where no two days are the same.

A Day in the Life of Tien
Tien walks us through a typical day in her role:

Morning: Conducting interviews for a backfill role and discussing next steps with the recruitment team.

Mid-Morning: Managing payroll deadlines, ensuring employee contracts and compensations are updated accurately.

Late Morning: Advising a department manager on transferring a team member to another studio location, including work permits and entitlements.

Afternoon: Reviewing contracts drafted by her team, preparing for performance reviews, and consulting with immigration lawyers on visa cases.

Late Afternoon: Addressing an employee’s visa concerns and providing reassurance.

End of Day: Checking in with her team members to offer support and guidance.

Tien’s day is a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of HR, where no two days are the same.

Tien’s Journey into HR
Tien’s path to HR wasn’t linear. She started her career in administration within the nursing and healthcare industry, where she worked closely with the HR team. This exposure sparked her interest in HR, leading her to transition into an HR and recruitment officer role. After gaining experience, she moved to her current position in the animation and visual effects industry, where she has been for over four years.

Tien’s journey highlights the importance of transferable skills and the value of gaining exposure to different areas of a business. She emphasizes that HR wasn’t initially on her radar, but once she discovered it, she knew it was the right fit.

Challenges and Rewards of HR

Challenges
Bureaucracy: Navigating red tape and balancing employee needs with organizational guidelines.

Misconceptions: Overcoming the stereotype that HR is solely about enforcing rules.

Emotional Labor: Managing sensitive situations, such as redundancies and personal employee issues.

Rewards
Helping People: Tien finds fulfillment in solving problems and supporting employees.

Building Relationships: Connecting with talented and creative individuals across the organization.

Diversity: Working in an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and backgrounds.

Advice for Aspiring HR Professionals
​
Tien offers valuable advice for those looking to break into HR:

Embrace Learning: Whether through formal education or on-the-job experience, continuous learning is key.

Gain Exposure: Start in roles that allow you to work closely with HR, such as administration or customer service.

Build Relationships: Networking and building connections within the industry can open doors.

Stay Passionate: A genuine passion for helping people is essential for success in HR.

Tien also shares a powerful quote by Gary Tan that has guided her career: “At every job, you should either learn or earn. Either is fine, both is great, but if it’s neither, quit.” This mantra reminds her to prioritise growth and fulfilment in her career.

Education and Continuous Learning
Tien holds a Bachelor of Business with a major in Human Resource Management. While she secured her first HR role before completing her degree, she credits her education with helping her advance her career. She also emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, short courses, and leveraging free online resources to stay updated in the field.

For those considering a career change, Tien recommends volunteering or taking on roles that provide exposure to HR functions. These experiences can help build a strong foundation and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Final Thoughts
Tien’s journey into HR is a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for helping others. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a career in HR or looking to make a career change. Whether you’re drawn to the problem-solving aspects of the role or the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, HR offers a dynamic and rewarding career path.

Listen HERE to the full episode of A to Z Jobs to hear more about Tien’s experiences and advice. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring career stories!