Star Zhang - HRP Specialist

Shanghai

I joined TMF Group...

Like most other freshmen students, I was looking for an internship in November 2020 when I came across a vacancy at TMF Group. Having read positive comments online about the workplace culture, I decided to apply. I was soon promoted to HRP Associate. This year, I was promoted again, this time to HRP Specialist. Overall, I'm very happy with my decision to join TMF Group.

I’m responsible for...

My role involves supporting clients with their monthly payroll, including reports and payments. I also provide policy advice and assist with audits. I currently support around 15 clients.

My career aspirations are...

HRP involves more than just entering data into Excel; it also involves setting up payroll systems and solving clients' problems to ensure their businesses run smoothly. My career path at TMF Group has allowed me to learn about and explore these facets of the role. I was motivated by my promotions from intern to associate and now specialist, which broadened my role and responsibilities. I see myself continuing to learn and progress, seizing opportunities and turning 'want to do' into 'can do.'

TMF Group has supported me by...

The TMF Group is my work family. The company enables me to grow professionally and connect with colleagues from all over the world. My manager and team are very supportive, which speaks volumes about the company. When I was an intern, my team helped me settle in and taught me the ropes, which was invaluable at the start of my professional journey.

TMF also looks after its employees outside of work. For example, they sent us materials when Shanghai was under lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Actions I took to empower myself...

As an intern, I proactively signed up for any training opportunities within the company to learn more about the business. I developed specific skills such as business writing and an understanding of local policies by sharing knowledge with my team. There is now a greater scope for learning through interaction with colleagues across cities. We even have a policy research team now, which is very exciting!

Career advice I would give...

Fast does not necessarily mean good! Take a moment to think clearly about what you want to do and what you can do, and then move forward without hesitation. No matter how difficult the path, trust yourself. It's not terrible to ask the wrong question, but evading it is worse.

Keep learning and be yourself.