'Two promotions in one year; Bao-Han did it'

A year ago, we spoke with Bao-Han about her work and her ambitions within Robert Walters. She had a clear goal in mind: to become a senior consultant. And not only did she become a senior, she can now call herself managing recruitment consultant. 

Bao-Han, two promotions within a year. How did you manage that?

'After our conversation last year, it actually happened very quickly. We were still in the middle of the pandemic at the time, but not much later I noticed that companies were already hiring new people more frequently. I kept in good contact with my clients all that time, and when the market picked up, they quickly knew where to find me. My portfolio grew and I was able to make rapid progress.

In April I was promoted to senior consultant. In subsequent discussions with my manager, I indicated that my next step would be to lead a team. We then worked that into a plan. As of September, I had my first colleague working under me to gain experience. At the end of that year, this went so well that I was able to advance to the position of managing consultant supply chain. Now I manage two colleagues.'

In what ways have Robert Walters and your manager helped you on this promotion path?

'At Robert Walters, personal development is key. If you are open to moving into a more demanding role, the organization is keen to help you with that. There are weekly one-on-one meetings with your manager in which we discuss what is going well and what could be improved, and in which you can indicate how you would like to develop yourself. 

There are also special programs to help you with this. After our last conversation I went through the senior track, and now I am in the management skills track. Together with a coach you work out your core quadrants, what are your strengths and weaknesses, and what do you struggle with. The nice thing is: the things you learn can immediately be put into practice and discussed again at the next session. It's a great way to develop yourself.'

What do you like about your new role? 

'I especially enjoy helping my team get better and transferring my knowledge. If they achieve a success, it feels like a success for me as well. 

It's quite tough sometimes, because you actually have a kind of dual role. You are still busy with your own work as a recruitment consultant while you also have to guide others. For example, you go along to meetings with clients. But I try to be as good a manager as possible, build up my team and help them become successful. For now, my goal is to settle into this role and master everything well.'

You've been working for Robert Walters for over three years now. What makes this organization so enjoyable?

'That attention to personal development I mentioned earlier is very important to me. You don't stand still here, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.  

But just as important are the nice, open and social colleagues and the atmosphere in the office. Successes are celebrated, and if you like it there are great parties. Our summer and winter parties are known for being very outgoing.

The atmosphere is also very good. We also enjoy doing things together outside of work. Last November we went to Madrid with the whole team, and another trip to Lisbon is planned for May.'