AN NTU JUNIOR WHOM LUCY TAN did not know gave her a memorable moment as a Human Resource (HR) manager at 3M, a United States conglomerate. The mechanical and aerospace engineering graduate came for an interview for an engineering position. She had the most depth compared with five other candidates. “I did not let her know that I was her senior but I was proud of her performance,” said Lucy. The NTU graduate got the job, beating the rest from overseas universities.

Another highlight was leading the 3Mteam to win the MAXA Manufacturing Excellence award in 2007. “That was my proudest moment,” said Lucy. A panel of international judges decides on the award, the highest accolade for manufacturing excellence in Singapore.

Lucy is well placed to do a HR job. She had held an operational role and understands 3M's business. Lucy said, “I positioned HR as a partner to help other departments achieve their goals. The business units trusted me and gave me the buy-in.”

In order to further equip herself, Lucy took up a part-time HR diploma course. She learned HR planning, recruitment, compensation and benefits, and employee relations. The transition was not too difficult for Lucy. The HR director of a business unit mentored her and her HR colleagues helped her. Lucy spent four years in HR from 2006 to 2010.

Excelling in the HR operations of a giant company such as 3Mis no mean feat. 3MCompany produces thousands of products for diverse markets. Its core strength is applying its more than 42 distinct technology platforms — often in combination — to a wide array of customer needs. With $35 billion in sales, 3Memploys 76,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

Today, Lucy is back to her operational role as the Regional Manufacturing and Supply Chain Manager. Her HR role benefitted her. “It prepared me for my current role where I have to liaise with colleagues from China, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the Americas,” said Lucy.

Another lady pioneer who found her engineering background an asset in HR is Joesphine Chua. Josephine was the business HR development manager at Avago.