Not everyone ends up where they thought they would—and sometimes, that’s exactly how purpose finds you. For Benjie Unica, his career didn’t begin in Human Resources. It started with dreams of flying planes.
“I initially pursued pilot training… but it was during college—when I accompanied my aunt to DOLE and NLRC mediations—that I first saw the real-world impact of labor relations,” Benjie tells Financial Adviser PH.
That pivotal experience sparked something deeper. It opened his eyes to the power of people management, conflict resolution, and the potential to create real change in the workplace. From there, the journey toward a purpose-driven career in HR began—one built not on ambition alone, but on service, empathy, and systems thinking.
From Flight Plans to Frameworks
Benjie eventually shifted his studies toward business management, leaning into the intersection of structure and service. Over time, his career found its roots in strategic HR operations, where he combined analytical thinking with emotional intelligence.
Today, he works in a Help Desk HR role supporting global employees, focusing on case management, service metrics, and operational efficiency. But unlike traditional back-end HR, Benjie sees every process as a chance to make a difference.
“It’s not just about resolving issues. It’s about designing systems that make employees feel heard, supported, and respected.”
A Career Defined by Purpose—Not a Title
Benjie’s transition from aviation to HR wasn’t about abandoning ambition—it was about finding meaning in the human side of business. While pilots navigate airspace, Benjie navigates people systems—ensuring that what happens behind the scenes in HR directly improves employee experience.
His early exposure to government mediations at DOLE and NLRC taught him that how we treat people at work matters—and that HR isn’t just about compliance, it’s about compassion.
“That’s when I realized HR is both strategic and human-centered. It’s about enabling people to thrive while helping businesses grow.”
Systems With Soul: His HR Philosophy
In his current role, Benjie champions employee experience and HR service design. He works behind the scenes, analyzing escalation rates, response times, and Net Promoter Scores—but always through a people-first lens.
“Operational excellence with a heart—that’s my sweet spot,” he shared with Financial Adviser PH.
This mindset sets him apart. For Benjie, HR is more than policy—it’s a platform for building fairness, clarity, and community inside organizations.
Advice for Career Shifters and Aspiring HR Leaders
Benjie’s story is proof that your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line. Whether you’re moving across industries or discovering a new calling later in life, what matters most is alignment—between your skills, your values, and the people you want to serve.
“You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes the best careers are the ones you grow into, step by step.”
