From internship to industry leadership: How a bioengineer found his calling as a logistics professional

The Unexpected Beginning

Never in his wildest dreams did Roopesh imagine that his passion for anime would catapult him into a senior leadership role at Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global powerhouse in consumer goods known for iconic brands like Gillette and SKII.

Thanks to the close attention he paid while watching his favourite animations, Roopesh noticed the appearance of P&G logo during the sponsorship credit roll. This piqued his interest, and after reading up about the company which has a regional headquarters in Singapore since 1987, he applied for their internship programme — the first step in his unexpected yet remarkable journey with them.

Impressing the interviewers with his experiences in the army, Roopesh secured an internship position in Product Supply at P&G. Despite the role not being closely related to his field of study in bioengineering, he wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity.

The company’s flat organisational structure allowed him to receive direct feedback from leaders and contribute as a full-time employee would. Although the eight-week internship was demanding, he relished the hands-on experience, comprehensive training, and the company’s system built on trust which enabled him to thrive and excel.

By demonstrating his ability to think critically about business challenges and propose practical solutions, Roopesh received a job offer from P&G upon graduation, even amid the challenging economic conditions at the time.
 

Embracing Change to Grow

Initially planning to build his credentials, earn an MBA and move on like many young, ambitious professionals, Roopesh’s career trajectory took an unexpected turn at P&G.

“The company promoted me several times and gave me diverse roles every two to three years. Everything is planned for my continuous growth!” Roopesh exclaims enthusiastically.

P&G’s culture of job rotation and robust training programmes exposed Roopesh to a wide range of experiences, keeping his career dynamic and engaging. Over 15 years, he rotated through eight roles across various functions, from demand forecasting to managing complex supply chains in overseas markets.

Each portfolio change demanded a steep learning curve but P&G’s support system, including workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and structured onboarding processes, facilitated the smooth transition. This strategic variety equipped him with a broad understanding of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry and nurtured his development as a leader.
 

Building A Global Perspective

Roopesh’s journey took an exciting turn with a two-year assignment in the Philippines, a pivotal experience that shaped both his professional journey and personal growth.

As the Demand Planning Director for the Philippines, Roopesh managed supply chains across the country’s 7,000 islands, adapting to the unique behaviours of Filipino consumers. Immersed in a different and complex market, he gained first-hand insights into local realities, navigated cultural differences, and even experienced an earthquake.

“In Manila, earthquakes are a common occurrence. In contrast, the ‘crises’ we face in Singapore, such as daily inconveniences, are more scaled down. Living there, I saw the resilience of Filipinos in maintaining a positive outlook despite dealing with more intense challenges,” he shares.

The overseas experience proved invaluable in shaping Roopesh into a more effective and versatile leader. His frequent travels to different markets overseas, and time in the Philippines has sharpened his problem-solving skills, and enabled him to build a robust global network. 

However, it came with personal sacrifices. Unable to relocate his family to Manila due to his wife’s career commitments in Singapore, Roopesh juggled being away from home with daily calls and frequent trips back to Singapore to be with his wife and children. He credits his wife for her unwavering support during this time.
 

“She was doing a full-time job taking care of our three boys, while managing her work. It’s incredible!” Roopesh says with a grateful smile. “My wife is truly the champion behind my success.”

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Reflecting on the past 15 years, Roopesh feels accomplished. He attributes his rewarding career to the overseas exposure that has broadened his horizons and the like-minded colleagues with whom he has built meaningful relationships.

Living by the motto, “enjoy the journey, not the destination”, he remains focused on the future. While he has achieved significant success and is satisfied with his recent promotion, he acknowledges the importance of staying hungry and looking for new challenges. He aspires to take on even greater leadership roles which may involve relocating again in the future.

Yet, amidst his professional ambitions, Roopesh’s priorities are clear. Home is where his heart is — rooted firmly in Singapore with his family. He is committed to cherishing time with his loved ones and excelling in his current role, embodying the balance he has strived to achieve between his professional ambitions and personal life.
 

This article, originally published on gov.sg, is brought to you in collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).