Cheryl Soh: An Odyssey from Academia to Headhunting

Cheryl Soh

Choosing a degree programme was akin to selecting the puzzle pieces that would eventually form Cheryl Soh's future. Five years ago, Cheryl embarked on a journey at Sunway Business School with a Degree in Accounting and Finance. This choice shaped her professional path and enriched her personal growth in unexpected ways. The programme's versatility and adaptability for various industries drew her in, with its impact extending beyond numbers and financial statements. It guided Cheryl through a transition from accounting to a role as a headhunter specialising in the accounting, finance, and engineering industries. As she navigated from academic endeavours to professional life, the adaptability instilled at Sunway Business School became her compass. The accounting and finance programme honed Cheryl's analytical prowess while fostering a mindset that eased her transition into headhunting.

While Cheryl's journey began as a headhunter, the path could have been smoother. Challenges tested her resilience, but the unwavering support and encouragement from her organisation, supervisor, and colleagues, coupled with the skills nurtured at Sunway Business School, paved the way for remarkable career progression. In four years, Cheryl was promoted three times, a testament to personal growth and professional achievement. Beyond the corporate corridors, her Sunway Business School education instilled a sense of responsibility towards society. The problem-solving abilities developed during financial analysis now play a crucial role in helping Cheryl address complex recruitment issues and find optimal solutions for both clients and candidates.

Reflecting on her journey as a student at Sunway Business School, it was a transformative experience that extended beyond the classrooms for Cheryl. The vibrant campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated faculty created an optimal environment for her academic pursuits. Memories stand out for lessons learned and the collaborative spirit fostered by student clubs and extracurricular activities. One cherished memory involves Cheryl organising a charity event, a testament to the collective ethos and practical communication skills nurtured at Sunway Business School. This experience provided a platform for her personal and professional growth and highlighted the importance of shared passion and collective effort.

Cheryl's extracurricular involvement in the Sunway Business School Student Concilium, Sunway Langualicious Club, and the Accounting & Commerce Society enriched her college life. These experiences broadened her horizons and fine-tuned her leadership and teamwork skills, proving instrumental in her career. Maintaining connections with coursemates has been a joy, showcasing the enduring bonds forged during their time at Sunway University. Despite diverging paths, social media and occasional meetups keep their camaraderie alive.

The Jeffrey Cheah Entrance Scholarship and Jeffrey Cheah Continuing Scholarship played a pivotal role in Cheryl's academic journey, alleviating financial burdens and allowing her to focus on her studies without the stress of student loans.

In the dynamic realm of the recruitment field, where change is the only constant, Cheryl's journey has been one of navigating through unprecedented challenges, especially during the unforeseen disruptions brought forth by the global pandemic. Adapting to the frequent industry changes required an agile mindset, a willingness to embrace the unknown, and an eagerness to evolve with the shifting tides. This constant state of adaptation fostered professional growth and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the recruitment domain.

To the next generation of Sunway students, Cheryl encourages them to embrace opportunities for learning and growth and foster a growth mindset. While the education and experiences at Sunway Business School lay a strong foundation, adopting a growth mindset ensures that challenges become stepping stones, setbacks transform into opportunities, and failures become valuable lessons. They are encouraged to stay open to new challenges, seek knowledge continuously, and never underestimate the power of networking and building meaningful connections.

In essence, Cheryl's Sunway Business School journey is more than just a journey—it's a tale of transformation, from numbers to networks, and a testament to the enduring power of education in shaping individuals for the dynamic professional world. May their journey be about what they learn and the mindset that propels them to unlimited growth and success.

Edited by
Arumugam Muthusamy
Sunway Business School
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