Embracing the unexpected can be uncomfortable for many of us, but it is often where the most profound growth occurs.
Take it from Jobelle Ariola, Aboitiz Land’s Technology & Risk Solutions Head, whose journey isn’t just about resilience – it’s about transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth. Starting outside IT, Jobelle’s positive outlook and risk-taking spirit propelled her into a career brimming with innovation and personal development.
Let’s explore Jobelle’s story and discover how leaping into the unknown paves the way for our tech-driven future fueled by constant learning and growth.
So, when I said yes to sharing my journey with all of you, I needed to pause. I actually thought, “What did I get myself into?”
I’m not used to telling my story to the general public because I’m usually a shy person. Kahit na marami sa inyong di naniniwala? But I guess more importantly I am worried if there is really something I can share that can be of value. With that in mind, I decided to open up about how I got into IT.
I did not graduate with an IT course, nowhere near in fact. Can anyone guess what my course was? I am a BS Psychology graduate. How did I get here?
At the time I looked for a job, I was gunning for an HR generalist role, but my first company proposed a different post after my interview. They asked if I wanted to try and become an ERP software project coordinator. When they explained what it was, I figured, “Why not?” It was a very interesting job, and I knew I would learn a lot from it so I took it. I took the risk. Little did I know that decision was the start of a roller coaster ride which led me to where I am now.
Naturally, venturing into unfamiliar territory was daunting. My early years in project management were a whirlwind of learning—studying the technology, applying it in real-world scenarios, and staying abreast of emerging trends while managing the expectation of clients. As hard as it was, it did not stop me. I was able to cope, catch up and do well. In fact I realized this is what I want to do. There’s no turning back at that point.
Years later, I took a chance in Aboitiz Land and I was hired as a Project Manager, handling the first version of a customer-based application. But as fate would have it, the pandemic soon disrupted our plans. Priorities shifted, our team became leaner, and, eventually, I was entrusted with a new role as team lead of IT. Suddenly, my focus expanded beyond timelines and features, to nurturing a team that could thrive amidst the chaos. Team management is harder than handling projects so to speak.
Initially overwhelmed, I reassessed my approach. Fortunately, the company fosters a culture of growth. I’ve met leaders who equipped me with invaluable mentorship on team and people empowerment. I was kept grounded by a very supportive squad that has shaped my journey through highs and lows. Most of all, my creativity was always challenged by the different departments and stakeholders with their ideas and initiatives. Together, we rose to the occasion, turning challenges into opportunities. Our collective resilience ignited a wave of innovation, leading to the creation of successful projects such as Vecino App, SAP HANA, Vendor Portal, EAS revamp, RPA, Solv-IT, and countless other transformative solutions.
It’s a journey that has taught me to navigate challenges with resilience, to transform obstacles into opportunities, and to never underestimate the impact of a collective passion for innovation driven by a great sense of accountability and teamwork.
Let me end this sharing with my favorite quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, it says, “You can gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”
Keep innovating!
