You have been with RareJob for more than 6 years now; how did you find yourself entering the company?

I was excited to be part of RareJob! I was a fresh graduate, and getting into the company was a rollercoaster ride on its own. Imagine, I applied for three positions just to be hired! When I got in, I didn’t know what to expect. I guess I was just excited to discover what’s in store for me being part of this company.

What made RareJob an appealing company to be a part of?

Back then, I got a chance to meet the former CEO when I was still a student. I liked how he shared his vision of providing chances for everyone, everywhere, and right then and there, I knew I wanted to be part of this company.

I loved the fact that they would hire people who took any degree in college for certain positions back then. It was a chance for me to pursue a job that I really wanted to take, and my college degree wouldn’t hinder me from enjoying that. Indeed, it’s a company that promotes thinking outside the box. We embrace diversity of both people and ideals, and we incorporate that into our projects and initiatives.

I am aware that you’ve performed many different roles in varying positions; can you tell me more about your RareJob Journey so far?

In 2011, I was a home-based RareJob tutor, which I think really helped me with my current work as an office-based staff. By 2013, I was hired as a coach whose main role was to help tutors improve their lessons. I experienced helping in a project which reached out to tutors affected by Typhoon Yolanda back in 2013. Another project I was able to be a part of was the very first RareJob Ambassador Program. Now, I’m a Tutor Engagement Specialist.

For some of our readers, your position may sound quite unique. Can you tell me about your tasks and responsibilities?

It’s similar to the job of an HR staff. The only difference is that we don’t personally see our tutors because they are home-based. As a Tutor Engagement Specialist, it’s my responsibility to make our home-based tutors happy. We continuously think of ways to provide tutors with the best experience while they are teaching with us. Some of my tasks include planning and managing tutor events, managing tutors’ online communities, assisting tutors with some work-related requirements, and planning and implementing rewards-related initiatives.

It’s also our role to directly connect both the company and our tutors. Whenever there are projects or initiatives to be launched, we try to make sure that the tutors’ perspective is put into consideration. On the other hand, we represent the company whenever we meet our tutors and enlighten them whenever there are things that they do not understand about the company.

What is the challenge in handling engagement for home-based tutors?

I think there are two challenges when it comes to engaging home-based tutors. First, we don’t really get to see them. We have thousands of tutors, and they are located all over the Philippines. In this case, it’s really important that we get to reach out to as many cities as we can whenever we have events. This helps in making them feel that they are part of a family.

Second, since our tutors are independent contractors, they don’t get the same perks and benefits that employees receive so we really need to be creative when it comes to appreciating our tutors. That’s why we normally give away gifts, raffles, and travel bundles to our hard-working tutors. It’s like Christmas every month!

Can you share with me the most challenging and fulfilling event/activity you’ve handled so far?

I’d say it was the launch of the first RareJob Ambassador Program (RAP) back in 2015. I remember working with one manager and being assisted by one staff. From the conceptualization of the new initiative, working on it from the planning, launching, even until after the program had ended. Some highlights include events coordinating and arrangement of the Japan trip, social media promotions, and data monitoring. You can imagine that it was a lot of work for just 3 people.

After all that, I got to visit Japan and experience their culture. Somehow, I now understand the students’ perspective more. Until today, I use this experience and share it with tutors whenever I get the chance to talk to them. I think it’s really awesome thinking that since the first RAP was successful, the project has grown a lot in the years after.

You just recently had a Tutor Gathering event in Baguio, can you tell me more about it?

The tutor gathering is our biggest yearly event. We always change locations yearly. For the last TG, it’s always a treat to have any event in Baguio during December because you can really feel the holiday spirit. You can see Christmas everywhere! I love visiting and meeting the tutors there because they are always very welcoming.

It’s enlightening to know more about the perks of being a home-based tutor. What I’d like to know now is how it’s like to be a tutor-staff.

Even after I got hired as a staff, I still continued being a tutor because it helps me boost my finances. I think RareJob’s flexibility helps me juggle my schedule between being a staff and being a tutor. It’s a good thing I can teach in the office outside my work hours.

How has being a tutor helped you in creating your initiatives as a Tutor Engagement Specialist?

I think the experience really helps me to understand our tutors better. I use the same materials that they use, undergo the same training and certification that they do and follow the same SOPs. Because I’m also a tutor, I know what our tutors need.

You’re now 6 years and going strong in the company; what keeps you excited about your job?

Every event, project, and initiative: all are unique experiences. I get to travel to different cities yearly and experience the different cultures of our tutors. The events and projects they give me always challenge me to be better, and until now, I am still learning from the experiences I get as a part of RareJob.

Aside from that, I love the company’s environment and benefits! I’m originally from Laguna but I was given the chance to live comfortably in the RareJob dorm. I take the shuttle service without worrying about high fares and the free lunch is something I always look forward to. The work environment is also great! It’s like having a family here in Quezon City.

For those who are interested in following your career path, what trait should they possess to excel in project management?

I think one needs to possess really good time-management and multi-tasking skills. There’s really a lot going on with this job. Projects usually happen simultaneously and deadlines can’t be moved so this is very important. One also needs to be resourceful and creative because we always need to think of fresh ideas for rewards and activities geared toward the tutors. It’s also a good excuse to try out new services or restaurants. Lastly, one needs social skills to be able to communicate with our tutors. If the word “shy” is not in your dictionary and if you enjoy attending parties, then this is the job for you!

A lot of applicants may be unfamiliar with this position; what can you tell those who are still on the fence about applying for Tutor Engagement positions to encourage them?

It’s a fun and rewarding job. You’ll never get bored! It requires a balance of skills, talent, passion and compassion so you know you will really grow when you take this career path. I think it’s hard to find a job exactly like this in other companies. Not to mention, we’re helping thousands of people out there, it’s a job that really embodies what our vision “Chances for Everyone, Everywhere” truly means.