For Frances Opulencia Bongolan, a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), the road to HR wasn’t carefully mapped out. In fact, it wasn’t planned at all. But one unexpected assignment abroad would soon lead her to a career where she found both purpose and passion.
“I consider myself an ‘accidental HR,’” Frances told Financial Adviser PH. “My journey into the field began in 2019 when I moved to Qatar. I initially joined a company as a GM Assistant, but just three months into the role, I was entrusted with HR responsibilities. It was unexpected, but it marked the beginning of a career that I’ve grown to love.”
What started as a task turned into a calling. The moment Frances stepped into HR, something clicked. She wasn’t just helping with paperwork—she was helping people.
“When I started working in HR, I realized how fulfilling it is to help people and be part of their growth,” she said. “I think it comes naturally to me. I’m genuinely happy when I can assist someone and see the positive impact of that support.”
Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the right role finds you when you’re not even looking.
But Frances didn’t stop at instinct. Wanting to excel in her newfound career, she immediately began investing in her growth. She enrolled in a six-month HR and Admin course in Qatar, laying the foundation for what would become a deeper journey into strategic HR leadership.
“To deepen my knowledge, I pursued certifications like CHRP and CHRM,” she explained. “These expanded my understanding of strategic HR practices and gave me a clearer vision of what kind of HR leader I wanted to become.”
Today, Frances sees HR not just as a function—but as a force for transformation within organizations. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a tough career decision or creating a workplace that values psychological safety, Frances sees her role as one of empowerment and impact.
“One key lesson I carry with me is to always listen with empathy,” she said. “In HR, we deal with people’s challenges, hopes, and vulnerabilities. Being a good listener and responding with understanding has helped me build trust and find better solutions.”
Her certifications didn’t just boost her technical skills—they also reshaped how she was viewed by others in the workplace. The CHRP credential, in particular, elevated her professional credibility and positioned her as a knowledgeable, strategic partner.
“The certifications gave me confidence and structure,” Frances shared. “They also allowed me to step into more advanced responsibilities and contribute more meaningfully to organizational culture and decision-making.”
Looking back, Frances never imagined that relocating for a job outside her field would lead to discovering the career she was meant for. But sometimes, purpose arrives disguised as a detour.
“I never planned to enter the HR field—it found me,” she said. “But once I was there, I discovered a passion and purpose I hadn’t felt in previous roles. It became clear that this was where I was meant to be.”
Now, with formal training, international experience, and certifications to back her leadership, Frances is proof that not all great careers are planned—some are built from bold pivots, deep listening, and a commitment to growth.
“HR is not just about policies and procedures,” she reflected. “It’s about people. And for me, it’s about making work better—one person, one decision, one conversation at a time.”
