Ma. Louise Pauline Sta. Ana – Customer Service Representative

Hi, I am Ma. Louise Pauline Sta. Ana, you can call me Pau. I am a cat mom to a very lovely cat. I am a graduating student from Adamson University, currently taking a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. I did not imagine myself being a working student a few years back, because my mother is eager to let me graduate just with her own efforts, but as I am journeying on my last year of college, I realiSed I wanted to build experience as early as I can and learn about finances and what it’s like in the corporate world. Of course, I wanted to lessen my mother’s burden of paying off college tuition and other needs that she gives me. I am nothing but grateful to my mom, and I wanted to give back to my family as early as I could. But life can be hard sometimes. I struggled financially because my mom had to cut off my allowances and just give me what she could, so I really struggled and barely survived supporting my own studies with the minimum wage here in the Philippines.

I started out working freelance as a data entry processor for a multinational coupon business, transcribing images into text for discount coupons to be bought by consumers. When I was going to the last semester of 3rd year of college, I did my on-the-job training as a laboratory assistant for a water supply company, where I gained experience more aligned with the field that I am currently taking. At first, I was scared to take the risk to apply for an on-site job, but I did it anyway. I applied to different BPO companies; I was lucky to be accepted by 2 companies, and I had my options. I chose my previous employer, and I did not regret it. I had the opportunity to work from home for the past 6 months with the client that I worked with in a US Finance & Banking account. In just 3 months of working with them, I managed to be one of the top performers of the whole customer service team in our branch, and I did get a lot of bonuses for the job well done. I have worked with a great team as well, but unfortunately, the team suddenly struggled with being on good terms with our immediate supervisor. It was an experience to be with a good client; the bonuses I had got me through my first semester of my last year of college, but the toxic treatment was not what we expected. I regret leaving such good company and teammates, but what we could not attain was the bad treatment.

The experience that I had just previously is not going to let me down; I am still here, standing strong and believing that better things are out here for me. I have faith in what is destined for me, and with the skills that I have and the eagerness to learn more about what’s ahead for me, that is my strength.

Before, we had a small town restaurant family business that I used to manage. I have customer-facing experience where I encounter different kinds of people every day for almost 2 years of running the business. There are people that have a pleasing personality, and some just won’t go for what we serve, but that is what I have learned: not all people are for you, and only those that appreciate and see what you can really offer will support you. I did not learn just that on handling the business; I also learned to communicate in a professional manner, manage our social media accounts with creating posts for ads and marketing them online, handle customer inquiries, cook and serve food, handle and manage our people, schedule stocking up, and do daily, weekly, and monthly audits with the profit and stocks of our business.

For the past few years that I have gotten through different fields and experiences, I have learned a lot from meeting people and getting to know them. It has taught me the importance of adaptability, effective communication, and collaboration. I have managed to navigate with different work styles, solve problems creatively, and respect cultural and professional differences. These experiences have enhanced my ability to prioritise tasks, manage time efficiently, and approach challenges with flexibility and innovation. Above all, working with people from various backgrounds has broadened my perspective, improving my emotional intelligence and decision-making skills.

Working at home is very different from being at an office. I have experienced that with my previous company, but I know that this setup is what’s best for me and my family. I believe that providing for my family is one of my priorities, but being with them and spending more time with them is what we can do best. Life is too short to waste and not be with the people that you love.

I aim to grow more and achieve more wherever my destiny takes me and with that, to learn more skills and knowledge along the way for my own good and for the company that I will work for.

For a copy of Ma. Louise’s resume, please click here.