For many starting out, taking charge of your own career seems like a hurdle, but Shaw’s willingness to take up opportunities has provided her with a rewarding profession
Continuous learning and enriching experiences have been the main themes in QBE Senior HR Business Partner Rachel Shaw’s rewarding career. Upon completing QBE Insurance’s Graduate Program in 2009, a sense of determination and drive has allowed Shaw to achieve a career she is happy with.
“I started out with QBE as a graduate for a year and a half, where I was able to work across different facets of HR,” says Shaw. “Prior to joining QBE, I’d been working in industrial relations for a couple of years and was studying as well. I took advantage of the opportunity QBE offered me, a really great program where I could get experience in the general HR roles across all different areas.”
At the end of the program Shaw stepped into a HR business partner role working directly with business leaders. But working overseas was always a serious and very appealing career option, and after two years, Shaw actively sought out a role in QBE North America, transferring to New York.
“I was a lead HR Business Partner working with our Corporate Risk and Legal Departments. After almost two years in this role, I successfully applied and obtained a secondment opportunity with QBE Asia Pacific. During this time, I spent ten months working in Asia, seven months in Hong Kong and three months in Singapore. Now I’m back in Sydney working on a global project to rollout a new HR Information System at QBE.”
Shaw notes it’s been an invaluable lesson becoming mindful of cultural differences in terms of the type of work people do and how they go about their jobs.
“I was establishing relationships with people that weren’t used to working with my department in a certain way, and having to initiate opportunities to break down that barrier,” says Shaw.
Shaw believes her success can be attributed to her flexibility, and a willingness to raise her hand for opportunities that pass her way. Whether it’s becoming part of a committee, or a group, or putting your hand up for a project, these breaks are always a great chance to network, says Shaw.
“You have to find the right organisation that fits with what motivates you… For me it’s an organisation that is forward thinking in terms of diversity and inclusion and providing global mobility opportunities. It depends on the individual.” Ultimately, being self-motivated, taking initiative and working for what you want leads to success, says Shaw.
“I’m a strong believer in an organisation that doesn’t just hand you things. I see [an employer] as an enabler. It can help you get there if you have the right skills and aspirations. QBE is definitely the right organisation that can facilitate your growth if you have the will and desire.
“I don’t think it should ever be a case of an organisation handing you an opportunity. We should be handed things out based on our merit and strengths. In terms of the North American opportunity, no one tapped me on the shoulder. It took me about six months to discover and secure that position, as QBE didn’t have the internal channels in place.
“So if you want something you have to go for it, regardless of whether you’re female or male.”
Written by: Thea Christie