4-min read
What Opportunity Can Look Like at Magna
When new employees ask me about opportunities at Magna, I often share my own story. I started in an entry-level role in the shipping department at Pullmatic, a Magna Powertrain division in Canada. At the time, I couldn't have imagined that one day I would become the division's HR manager.
What I learned along the way is that your first role doesn't have to define your career.
I grew up in Ludhiana, India, where my father operated a small textile workshop. Watching the effort it took to support employees and keep a business running helped shape my appreciation for people and the role they play in an organization's success. Later, I earned bachelor's degrees in science and education and became a high school teacher, where I discovered how rewarding it was to help people learn, grow and succeed.
"I love my Magna journey because it's shown me that growth often starts with a willingness to take the first step."
When I moved to Canada, finding work wasn't always easy. Joining Magna became a turning point for me and my family.
After joining Magna, I looked for opportunities to learn and grow. I advanced into a master scheduler role and took advantage of Magna's tuition assistance program to attend night school, eventually earning an associate's degree in human resources management. Those opportunities helped open new doors and put me on a path toward a career in HR.
Today, as HR manager, I try to be visible and accessible to employees across all shifts. I schedule my day around shift changes so I can connect with people starting or ending their workday, answer questions and talk about development opportunities.
Looking back, my experiences as a teacher, an immigrant and now a Magna employee have shaped the leadership approach I still use today, which is based on connection, communication and respect. Those experiences taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, listening to their goals and helping them see opportunities they may not yet see for themselves.
One message I share often is that development goes both ways. Companies can provide opportunities, resources and support, but employees also need to raise their hand, pursue new challenges and continue building their skills.
That's why I encourage people to never settle. Let your team know you're interested in learning more. Volunteer for additional responsibility. Be open to opportunities that may not seem like the obvious next step.
My Magna journey has given me purpose and personal satisfaction, but it has also taught me that growth rarely happens all at once. It happens one opportunity at a time. That's why I tell every recruit and new employee that there is no single path to success at Magna. The opportunities are there for those willing to pursue them.
We may be from different countries, but at Magna, we welcome everyone. We value your talent and there are lots of opportunities. I know because I'm living it and still growing.
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