Career Journey: Insights from a Learning & Development Senior Manager

In this blog, Yana shares her story on how she turned her enthusiasm for learning into a thriving career at PSI. From her initial role in Clinical Operations to pioneering digital training initiatives and leading major projects, her story showcases PSI’s commitment to helping colleagues achieve personal and professional growth.

I was fortunate to join PSI while pursuing my Master’s in International Humanitarian Relations. Unlike what my friends experienced with their employers, PSI had a friendly and supportive atmosphere, well-developed business processes, and genuine attention to each employee. My colleagues cared deeply about their work because their roles, big or small, made a significant impact by helping people access more efficient treatments.

PSI encourages horizontal career development, allowing employees to find the right fit while retaining expertise and business knowledge. I joined in 2008 and spent my first two years in Clinical Operations and Events Management. My passion for training and acquiring new knowledge naturally led me to the Training and Resourcing (T&R) department, where my career has flourished. Initially, I handled administrative tasks, identified areas for improvement, and eagerly took on new responsibilities. At PSI, if you suggest an improvement, you’re often given the opportunity to implement it, which never intimidated me.

As I became more efficient in my regular duties, I took on additional tasks, and my ideas were welcomed. My focus gradually shifted to training, and I developed an interface to digitize the resume preparation and maintenance process, resulting in the CV Module—my first major project within T&R. I also became a trainer, developed courses on Time Management, Presentation Skills, and Train the Trainer topics, and pioneered user-friendly online trainings. These projects enhanced my PowerPoint, design, and team-leading skills.

Over the years, I became an ICF-certified Coach, which improved my interpersonal skills. This expertise proved invaluable as I led the integration of an external Learning Management System (LMS). This project not only digitalizes PSI’s learning practices but also transforms them, offering employees better opportunities for growth and development.

PSI truly supports its people, whether facing personal challenges or global crises. My own experiences confirm that PSI values its employees above all. Being an employee-oriented company, PSI provides ample opportunities for development and career growth. For me, it’s a rewarding and inspiring journey—I’m both a beneficiary and an organizer of these opportunities.

Interested in taking the next step in your career? Discover what makes PSI so unique and explore our open job opportunities. 

 

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