Shen Haoqin, New Student of 2021 FMBA FT+: Returns to the Workplace with Confidence Built up by FISF

Release time：2021-10-30    

Differentiated services to achieve breakthrough in the workplace

The economic integration of 2015 allowed the insurance industry to prosper in Hong Kong. In this period, Shen Haoqin worked in Hong Kong Brilliant Insurance Broker Limited, welcoming new opportunities and challenges in her career. She didn’t worry about getting customers in this beneficial market while the competition also grew more intense at the same time. The main problem was how to persuade customers to use her insurance company in the context of increasing product homogenization. To address this issue, Shen developed the idea of exploring new channels through “differentiated services”. “Since most products are alike, we can try to make a breakthrough from the perspective of services.”

Shen believed that attentive and detailed services could earn customer trust and arouse their faith and interest in products; rather than providing empty talk of product advantages. “Not only do we pick up and send off customers, we will also arrange itineraries , offer travel advice and provide additional services for customers, which is exactly what our competitors lack.” Her strategy aimed to go above and beyond for customers.

With Shen Haoqin operating as Business Development Manager using this strategy based on good reputation, the company was able to successfully attract dozens of active channel teams. In addition, the channel performance in this period helped raise the performance rating of the company.

Alongside exploring new channels, Shen also paid attention to maintaining regular customers. “Our major channels were Shanghai and Guangdong. There were only a small number of practitioners from the mainland working in the insurance industry in Hong Kong. I can speak Mandarin, which may make me more approachable to some customers. This would help develop a friendly communication between us.”

To effectively maintain communication with customers goes much beyond business strategies, it requires heart-to-heart communication. The ability to maintain customer loyalty provided Shen with a strong sense of achievement. “I once received an early-stage customer who joined our company after in-depth cooperation. I think this can be considered a kind of recognition.”

Sorry I am not sure what you mean here, it may be better if you say something along the lines of “Although there was intense competitions she was still confident in her ability to attract customers”

Pressing the pause button in business, a full-time mother determined to protect the happiness of her family

The choice between family or career is often a difficult question faced by working women. Shen believed that there was no standard answer. “Everyone has their own ranking of values. Some women who feel more fulfilled in business may get depressed and bothered by returning to family. But for me, I consider the comprehensive interest of my family when making my decisions.”

In order to assist and help her parents, she chose to return to Shanghai, after 7 years’ studying and working in Hong Kong. Despite the increasing success of the business, she once again stepped back to family to ensure her child’s healthy growth. Each time she made her choice without hesitation.

To help with the transition from a professional elite to a full-time mother, Shen applied a more active psychological implication to release the pressure during the intermediate stage of transition. “The easiest way is to smile at the mirror, if that still doesn’t work, then I’ll go out and have a big meal. After all, there is nothing that cannot be healed by delicious food.”

When referring to her character transformation, Shen said it was a difficult choice. “My baby is allergic to milk protein so is unable to drink milk powder. I have to feed him with breast milk, he is my child so I needed to take the responsibility of taking good care of him. I didn’t struggle much before finally deciding to resign. It felt like a natural choice.”

Whether it was working nine to five or taking care of her baby’s daily life and needs, Shen Haoqin handled everything with grace. She even arranged some “customized courses” according to his interest and hobbies. “Every day we have a dedicated time for painting and a story. Sometimes we learn some English and listen to music. He also goes for walks and watch insects in the garden. It’s a happy and enriched life.”

After her baby falls asleep, she will make full use of the time to read and learn, or do some business. “I majored in statistics in undergraduate years. I would take some time to compose statistic reports for others to maintain my professional sensitivity.”

Aiming to return to the workplace, gathering energy at FISF

From the very moment she decided to be a full-time mother, Shen Haoqin also started the countdown for her to return to the workplace.

When her baby reached the age of one, she started to send resumes to various businesses but failed to recieve a satisfying offer. “Maybe the interviewers were worried that I might need to focus on taking care of my little baby.” As there was no desired company available for the time being, she decided to return to school for further study. After encouragement from a friend also learning at FISF, she submitted an application for admission to its full-time FMBA program.

In terms of future career planning, Shen wished to develop her experience in a steadier large investment bank or public fund. Therefore, she needed to accumulate financial knowledge and theoretical practice. “FISF FMBA has set up an international platform with a comprehensive system of financial knowledge. The program also offers many chances for internships which can build a good bridge for me to return to the workplace.”

In addition to making progress in her major, returning to school is also a valuable opportunity for Shen Haoqin to rebuild her professional confidence. “Attending school will bring more possibilities. It is never too late for further study so never give up.” She was quite sure that the journey of “gathering energy” at FISF FMBA will definitely aid her journey towards a new and prosperous future.