Alan Tan, APAC HR Director at IHI Asia Pacific, has emphasized that there is no universal formula for arranging education and employment. During an interview with HRadiO reporter Umairah Nasir, Tan observed that career pathways are growing increasingly non-linear, particularly for Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
Today’s young professionals are more frequently merging professional duties with academic pursuits, taking sabbaticals for travel, or returning to coursework at later career stages. Tan is currently enrolled in a Master of Science in Human Capital Management and Analytics at NUS while directing a regional HR division.
No single correct sequence for education and work
Practical work experience can also reshape how individuals perceive and engage with education. Tan suggests that firsthand exposure to professional environments facilitates the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. “There is no right and wrong, but it really depends on the individual,” he explained.
Formal credentials remain essential, yet learning extends beyond them
Tan does not anticipate a decline in the value of formal academic qualifications. While academic achievements can assist in securing initial opportunities, ongoing skill development, practical experience, and lifelong learning are key to advancing further. His own pursuit of a master’s degree following roughly a decade in regional HR exemplifies this integrated approach.
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Engaging in academic programs alongside Gen Z has introduced Tan to novel perspectives on workplace trends and HR practices. Many of his younger peers approach HR with distinct priorities, demonstrating heightened interest in domains such as analytics, AI, and specialized areas like compensation and data analytics.
Classroom dialogues reveal fresh viewpoints
A discussion on recruitment methodologies provided one illustration. While conventional hiring processes often rely on interviews and psychometric evaluations, Tan noted that his Gen Z classmates also showed the significance of “vibes” between candidates and teams.
Classroom discussions highlight generational differences in recruitment
In a classroom discussion on recruitment, Alan Tan observed that while traditional hiring methods focus on interviews and assessments, Gen Z students emphasized the importance of interpersonal connections between candidates and teams.
