Editor's Note: Imagine leaving behind the ancient wisdom of acupuncture to navigate the dynamic world of tech recruitment. Min Juan’s career story tells of her bold leap from Traditional Chinese Medicine to a role at Google, weaving empathy and meticulousness into talent acquisition. Discover the unexpected ways that TCM skills enhanced HR practices, and uncover insights into embracing career pivots, pushing past comfort zones, and transforming unique experiences into a thriving tech career.

Ever imagined that someone who spent years studying the intricacies of acupuncture meridians would end up navigating the complex world of HR at Google? Well, that's exactly the path my career took, and it's been a journey full of unexpected twists and turns.

My professional journey started with a passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I spent three transformative years at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), followed by two more years at the prestigious Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. During this time, I immersed myself in studying acupuncture points, memorizing ancient texts, and practicing clinical skills. TCM, with its holistic approach to healing, instilled in me a deep empathy for people and a meticulous attention to detail.

From Healing with Needles to People-Centered Roles

After graduating, I dove headfirst into the world of acupuncture. Those five years were an incredible learning experience. Beyond the needles, I discovered the importance of meticulousness, attention to detail, and—surprisingly—sales skills! Connecting with people from all walks of life and helping them achieve their wellness goals was truly rewarding.

But then, a little voice inside me started whispering, "Is this all there is?" I felt a pull towards something new, something outside my comfort zone. To be honest, the thought of leaving a stable career in TCM was terrifying. But I knew if I didn't take the leap then, I probably never would.

While searching for jobs, I stumbled upon an opportunity to become a recruitment consultant. It was a complete 180 from the world of acupuncture, and I knew it would mean starting from scratch. Those two years at the recruitment agency were intense—like a boot camp for the corporate world. I became incredibly organized and structured, mastering the art of achieving sales targets through rigorous processes. Surprisingly, my background as an acupuncturist helped me in building relationships with clients, and my sales skills in selling packages in the acupuncture clinic translated to negotiating recruitment contracts and offer letters.

Joining Google: A Leap into the Tech World

Then came another unexpected turn. I landed a role as a TVC Sourcer (temp) at Google. Even though I didn't get the full-time position I initially applied for, I decided to give it a shot. As a sourcer at Google, I was thrown into the fast-paced world of tech recruitment. I juggled sourcing candidates with managing recruitment projects, putting my detail-oriented and structured approach to good use by creating efficient workflows. After a year as a TVC, I transitioned to a full-time role, and eventually as a 360 tech recruiter. This meant handling offer letters, navigating complex hiring processes, and building relationships with hiring managers.

6+ Years at Google: From Recruitment to Program Management

Now, here I am, six and a half years into my Google adventure, and six months into my latest role as a Program Manager on the recruiting team. It's been a thrilling ride, from acupuncture needles to navigating the complexities of talent acquisition at a tech giant. It’s a whole new learning curve - prioritizing competing demands, aligning with stakeholders, and finding creative solutions in the face of ambiguity. But the challenges are also what make it so rewarding. I'm learning and growing every single day, shaping my own path and contributing to Google's success in a way I never imagined possible.

Looking back, I realize that my journey has been anything but linear. It's been a series of unexpected opportunities, leaps of faith, and turning points. And through it all, I've learned that the skills we gain along the way—even in seemingly unrelated fields—can be our greatest assets.

Here are some of my learnings:

• Transferable skills are gold: My background in TCM, where meticulousness and empathy were essential, unexpectedly prepared me for the world of HR. Active listening, clear communication, and a genuine desire to understand people's needs were valuable in my recruitment journey. 

• Take the leap: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know where it might lead you.

• Embrace the unexpected: Even if things don't go exactly as planned, there's always a chance for something even better to emerge. Everything is a blessing in disguise.

• Step out of your comfort zone: Growth happens when you push yourself beyond what feels familiar.

If you're feeling stuck or considering a career change, my advice is simple: take that first step.  Reflect on the skills you already possess, and don't underestimate their value in a new field. You might be surprised at the incredible journey that unfolds!