When Alyssa Alillana graduated with a degree in Psychology, she didn’t expect to stay in Human Resources. Her goal was clear: save enough money to enroll in medical school. But what started as a temporary plan became a long-term career that has taken her from hotels to her current leadership role at SMX Convention Center.
“Right after graduation, my goal was to immediately look for a job so I can save money and enroll myself into a Med-School,” she shared in an interview with Financial Adviser PH. “Unknowingly, I have learned to love what I do in HR.”
From Temporary Role to Purpose-Driven Career
Alyssa’s first job was as an HR Clerk in a retail company, focused mainly on talent sourcing and processing applications. Later, she moved to the hotel industry where she continued to build her HR experience. It was there that her career truly took off.
“I started as an HR Clerk… then I moved to the hotel industry, still under Human Resources. Through hard work and perseverance, the company supported my growth,” she explained.
From a dual role as an HR Assistant and Executive Assistant to the General Manager, she steadily rose to a supervisory position and eventually became the head of the HR department. For several years, she managed HR operations across multiple hotel branches before deciding to take on a new challenge at SMX Convention Center.
Becoming a One-Woman HR Team
One of the most formative experiences in Alyssa’s HR career was her time as a solo HR practitioner in a start-up hotel.
“I used to work as a one-woman team under Human Resources in a start-up hotel. Aside from being the only HR, I was also assigned to be an executive assistant to the general manager,” she recalled.
This role allowed her to be involved in hotel operations and executive-level projects, giving her a deeper understanding of business strategy and the importance of aligning HR with company goals.
“Looking back, I appreciated how the power of willingness to learn helped me grow professionally while the company expanded.”
Passion Found Through People
Despite not initially planning for a career in Human Resources, Alyssa’s experiences gradually shaped her passion for people management.
“I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve helping and listening to people. Knowing that a career in HR involves shaping workplace culture and supporting employees through challenges made it fulfilling.”
Now, as a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®), Alyssa combines her psychology background with practical HR strategies to lead with empathy, structure, and a deep understanding of employee engagement.
