Profiles of our people

Howe Yuin

Name : 

Howe Yuin

Job Title : 

Associate Sales Team Manager

Location : 

Singapore

Joined company : 

Jul - 2009

Studied : 

Business Administration

Introduction

I majored in Management and minored in Finance for my business degree. Before I joined SThree I’d already worked in the industry – my previous role was in banking recruitment. I was introduced to SThree by a Rec2Rec company. After two-and-a-half years at my previous firm, I felt I needed to move on if I was going to develop.

I was looking for a company that was brave. One that would stretch me. And could fast-track me into a senior management role if I performed. It needed to be an ambitious project which could keep me engaged and challenged. SThree’s project in Singapore was perfect. The aim - to build a Singapore office run by Singaporeans, in just five years - excited me. Some would say it’s risky but it provided massive opportunities at the same time. It was exactly what I was looking for.

The Role

I did take a huge risk coming here. I went from established Consultant to Trainee Consultant overnight. Despite a totally cold desk with no clients and no candidates, I built up the Project and Change Management market from scratch. This got me promoted to Consultant within six months. Then I was promoted to Senior Consultant seven months after that. Today, I’m a Team Manager with a team of five - after just two years with the company.

My greatest pride comes from seeing two out of the three initial Trainee Consultants I took on become fully-fledged consultants. They’ve both come a long way, and I played a big part in that. I also have a significant input into the strategy for building the business - another of my favourite aspects of the job. In many ways, SThree have realised my aspirations and ambitions.

There were lows during my first four months here. There were enormous culture adjustments for me to make: a tiny setup team of three, building from scratch and going four months without a single deal. It was a far cry from my two-and-a-half years at an established recruitment firm. Looking back, that seems a lifetime ago now. My only other ‘low’ was probably when I just lost out on APAC Rookie of the Year in 2009. All because a starter changed the start date at the very last minute!

The most enjoyable part of my job is helping my team develop so they can maximise their full potential. My greatest achievement so far? It has to be getting promoted to Associate Sales Team Manager after only two years in the company. My team used to be criticised, now they’re lauded. Within the next eighteen months I will be promoted to Associate Business Manager – I’m on the right track!

Training

There has been very strong Learning and Development support throughout my progression at SThree. On top of that, I’ve had fantastic on-the-job training from my boss at Huxley Singapore. The APAC Regional Director, Matt, has been crucial to my development as well. They’ve both taught me a lot. Last but certainly not least, the training that I get from my leaders every day is invaluable. This comes in the form of them breaking down my limiting beliefs and constantly challenging me with stretching responsibilities. The Certificate in Management Essentials Programme CMEP is something I also cherish: it has unlocked management potential in me that I didn’t know was there.

Working at SThree

Working at SThree is so rewarding because you’re empowered as a valued individual. Everybody at the office, no matter how long they’ve been here, has the opportunity to voice their ideas and fight for them. It’s an open culture. People don’t take it personally if you disagree with them. Everybody understands that we all want what’s best for the company.

It’s a fun place to be. There’s always banter going round and the nights out and Lunch Clubs are always special. But at the same time, it’s a very meritocracy-based and competitive culture. Everyone is driven by the desire to achieve and be the best in the office.

I think what makes SThree unique is the fact that all the senior management is organically grown and promoted from within. Because they were once in the position of the trainees, they take the time to help them out. It’s a great way of doing things.

To thrive at SThree you need to have passion, ambition, competitiveness and a relentless drive to achieve the goals set out for you. You need to want to be the best you can be.