Helisha’s journey of MORE: From Management Trainee to Junior Business Analyst

Passionate about inspiring great people, RCL FOODS offers exceptional development opportunities to self-motivated, talented individuals that enable them to achieve their career ambitions! Through a fast-paced, accelerated learning environment, Management Trainees, like Helisha Pillay, are empowered with the development, experience and mentorship needed to take them to leadership levels within RCL FOODS.

We touched base with Helisha to find out more about her journey from Management Trainee to Junior Business Analyst…

1. Before we get to know the ‘work’ Helisha, tell us a bit more about the ‘24hr’ Helisha.

The ‘24hr’ Helisha loves spending time with her family and friends. I love seeing that those around me are happy, and I always try my best to offer a helping hand – or a shoulder to cry on. My favourite person is my 2-year-old nephew; he brings me the greatest joy! I am also passionate about traveling and I have recently discovered that cooking and baking really sparks a sense of creativity within me!

2. Tell us about your career journey from Management Trainee to Junior Business Analyst?

I was fresh out of university when my journey at RCL FOODS began. What lay ahead felt confusing – and totally unpredictable – for a Supply Chain graduate to find herself in an IT graduate program! Fast forward 2 years into my career, I was promoted to Junior Business Analyst, where I have been exposed to and involved in world-class project delivery and execution.

3. What does a day in the life of an IT Junior Business Analyst look like?

The diversity of my work ensures that no two days are the same. There is always an array of hard pressing projects that need to be delivered. This includes engaging with various business stakeholders and tailoring project delivery to suit the needs of the business. I am also involved with providing support to the business users and ensuring that all our systems are up and running smoothly.

4. Which one of OUR WAY values most resonates with you and why?

“MORE YOU” and “MORE FUN” both resonate with me. At RCL FOODS, we

are always encouraged to bring MORE of ourselves to work. The Helisha at home is the same Helisha at work. I do not have to pretend to be someone else in order to be accepted and respected. Everyone who has spent time with me knows that I am all about having MORE FUN! Whether it is celebrating a birthday or simply sharing a joke, I feel comfortable bringing “’fun” into the workplace because it is always welcomed and encouraged at RCL FOODS.

5. What do you enjoy most about your current role?

As a Business Analyst, I get to build relationships with people from multiple areas of the business and I enjoy providing them with value-added solutions. I get to hear interesting stories on how people do their jobs, the problems and opportunities that they’re facing, and I get to join them on the journey of achieving their goals.

6. What are some of the main challenges that you face?

One of the pressures of working in IT is having to develop solutions that will cater to the needs and wants of the stakeholders. Managing expectations becomes difficult when the business needs, or user requirements, are constantly changing. Another challenge is changes in business processes, because new requirements have to be accepted while postponing planned project deliverables.

7. What has been your proudest moment at RCL FOODS?

One of my proudest moments at RCL FOODS was being earmarked for the Emerging Leaders Program. Being selected was truly a significant part of my career. My journey with RCL FOODS, as well as being a part of the Management Trainee Programme, have afforded me many opportunities to grow, learn and develop new competencies.

8. Lastly, what advice would you give a young graduate who is entering the working world?

The world is your oyster, and you can achieve anything that you put your mind to. Embrace every opportunity, and always be willing to listen and learn. Keep in mind that, while your degree will open doors for you, it is your resilience, creativity and work ethic that will skyrocket you to where you want to go. Never be afraid to ask questions and remember that if there is no struggle – there is no progress! Finally, always be authentically YOU!

Helisha is just one of the many inspiring graduates who have gone through our Management Trainee Programme and is now thriving in her career at RCL FOODS.