This blog isn't just a story about landing a first job after college. It’s a story about finding purpose, passion, and a place where authenticity truly matters. From stepping into the FT Manila office as a fresh graduate to becoming a Talent Specialist for our Customer Care team, Hannah’s journey is one of growth, self-acceptance, and advocacy. Hannah shares how embracing identity, championing inclusivity, and living authentically at work have shaped not only their career but also their why.
Starting at FT: My Role, My Why
Hi, I’m Han! I joined the FT Manila fresh out of college back in 2023 as a Customer Care Associate, and I’m now proud to be the Talent Specialist for our Customer Care team. It’s been a journey of growth, gratitude, and grounding, and I honestly never imagined I’d find a workplace that values advocacy the same way I do.
Whenever I interview or meet candidates, they ask, “What’s the culture like at the FT?” And my answer is this: beyond the global prestige, I chose the FT because of how we champion our people through initiatives like our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Back in university, I was always passionate about causes: whether it was about inclusion, gender equality, or student empowerment. I used to worry that corporate life might push those passions aside. But at the FT, it’s the opposite. I’ve found a workplace where advocacy isn’t just supported, it’s encouraged. We’re not just here to work. We’re here to make a difference, and that to me is everything.
Finding Myself: The Journey to Self-Acceptance
Realising I was bisexual wasn’t something that came with fireworks or a lightbulb moment. It happened during my teenage years when everything else in life already felt chaotic. Between school pressure, friendships, and just figuring out who I was, this added layer of discovery felt overwhelming. I kept it to myself for a long time, not out of shame, but because I didn’t want other people’s opinions to shape how I viewed love or identity.
Some people accepted me easily. Others questioned me. But the biggest lesson I learned? I don’t owe anyone an explanation. How people treat me, in or out of work, reflects who they are and not who I am.
FT and My Authenticity
One of the most beautiful parts of working at the FT is being surrounded by people who have never questioned who I am. I’ve only felt embraced. When I got promoted to Talent Specialist, I was overwhelmed (in the best way) by the kind words from my teammates: “You’re perfect for the role,” “This was meant for you.” It made me feel seen not just for my skills, but for me. That’s what bringing your whole self to work should feel like.
The Challenge: Choosing Which Voices Matter
Living authentically isn’t always easy. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is choosing who to listen to. Society is loud. Stereotypes are louder. But over time, I’ve learned to filter the noise. I’ve surrounded myself with people who support me, uplift me, and remind me that my authenticity is my power. I’ve redirected my energy to advocacy work because the bigger picture will always matter more than the opinions that try to shrink me.
Feeling Safe, Feeling Empowered
People often ask, “What makes you feel safe at work?” For me, it’s the people. While I obviously can’t say I’ve met everyone at the FT, every collaboration I’ve had has made me feel safe, included, and respected. That speaks volumes about our culture. Safety doesn’t always come from policy (although that matters too); sometimes it’s as simple as being treated with kindness and respect every single day. I’m just lucky enough that the FT has both!
A Moment of Liberation: Coming Out
Coming out wasn’t a grand announcement. It was quiet, personal, and powerful. I still remember the moment I told my mom. I just said it (with a lot of tears, of course!). And from that moment on, I felt lighter. I felt free. I didn’t need to hide or pretend. I was simply living my truth, and that truth started with family.
Navigating Stereotypes with Strength
I’m a woman. I’m bisexual. I’m young. And all three come with their own stereotypes. But I’ve learned to equip myself with knowledge. I never want to be caught off guard or silenced when someone questions who I am. Being informed is empowering. It’s helped me stand my ground, speak with clarity, and stay true to myself, because truth and knowledge are power.
How Identity Shapes My Purpose
Self-awareness has been my greatest tool. I’ve always loved journaling, reflecting, and asking: What do I want? What do I value? What do I need to work on? Understanding my identity from what empowers me to what challenges me has given me direction. It’s shaped my goals, passions, and the kind of leader and teammate I want to be. Growth starts with knowing who you are.
Pride at the FT: A Community in Colour
FT Manila's 2025 Pride celebration was everything I love about our workplace: inclusive, empowering, fun, and rooted in purpose. We kicked off with SOGIESC 101 by LoveYourself PH, which gave us a deeper understanding of identity and why allyship goes beyond a title. It's a responsibility. That was followed by What’s the Tea? 3.0, a candid and compassionate conversation about how misogyny and homophobia show up in daily life and what we can do to challenge them.
But it wasn’t all talks and discussions. We had Binggo Ka Dzae!, our own queer-themed bingo hosted by homegrown talent Verna Saintz (an FT employee who does drag performances!), and a trivia night called Golden Hour: Celebration of Our Story, blending LGBTQ+ pop culture with FT knowledge. And of course, we showed up in numbers at the RUNRIO Pride Run, each step a celebration and a call for equality.
These weren’t just activities. They were reminders that Pride is about visibility, connection, and collective strength. When you show up to work and see your company showing up for you, not just in June but consistently, it makes you feel like you truly belong.
I guess what made it meaningful wasn’t just the activities, but also the message: You are welcome here. You matter. You belong. It was a reminder that Pride isn’t just a month. It’s a movement, and we’re part of it.
To Future FT Candidates: Be You
If you're thinking of joining FT, and you're wondering if you can bring your whole self to work, my advice is simple: Do it. Be you. Speak up. Celebrate your story. At the FT, you’ll find people who won’t just accept you, they’ll also root for you. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s nothing better than owning your story and making the best out of it. Who you are is already unique, so why not be proud of it?
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