Gabriela Gonzalez Otero
BSc Psychology, 2021 and MSc Organisational & Business Psychology, 2022
Before graduating with my MSc in Organisational and Business Psychology, I had already secured a Sales and Translation internship at AbBaltis through the EP scheme. I started in September 2022, but due to evolving business needs, my role quickly shifted from sales to project coordination. I was entrusted with organising AbBaltis' participation in MEDICA, the world's largest medical trade fair. Over the course of three months, I managed all aspects of the project, ensuring seamless execution while providing administrative support and assisting the Managing Director in other duties. Following the successful completion of the project, I was offered a full-time role as a Business Executive. In this position, I expanded my contributions beyond administrative support, focusing on strategic initiatives to support the Director and address key business challenges, particularly those related to people management and organisational development. This transition aligned perfectly with my academic background in business psychology, allowing me to apply my expertise in a practical setting. Over the past three years, my role has continued to evolve, and I am now the Head of People Operations at AbBaltis. In this capacity, I play a pivotal role in shaping the company's people strategy, fostering a positive workplace culture, and driving initiatives that enhance employee engagement, performance, and organisational growth. Additionally, I am currently undertaking a Senior Leadership Apprenticeship and MBA part-time, which will also contribute to my professional growth in the field.
My role is highly dynamic, meaning no two days are the same. My responsibilities shift depending on the company's needs, making each day both exciting and challenging. During recruitment periods, my focus is on the entire hiring process: from designing job applications and conducting interviews to onboarding new employees and ensuring a seamless integration into the company. On other days, I concentrate on organisational structure, working to align teams with the company’s strategic goals and fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment. Additionally, a key part of my role involves gathering employee feedback, analysing trends, and implementing process improvements to enhance overall workplace satisfaction and efficiency. In a nutshell, anything related to people and company culture falls within my scope. Whether it’s talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, or organisational development, I play an active role in shaping and refining our people operations to support both individual and business growth.
One of the most significant highlights of my career has been driving a substantial improvement in employee retention at AbBaltis. When I first started, retention rates were around 50%, but through strategic initiatives and a strong focus on people operations, I successfully helped increase this to 96%. This achievement was the result of implementing tailored support systems, refining onboarding and development programs, and fostering a positive, growth-oriented workplace culture. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing employees grow, both professionally and personally, as they overcome challenges and thrive with the right guidance and structure in place. Seeing individuals unlock their potential and contribute meaningfully to the company’s success reinforces my passion for people operations and organisational development.
My time at the University of Kent, both during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, was instrumental in shaping my career. Choosing to study at Kent was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself, and I will always be grateful for the opportunities it provided me. The knowledge and skills I gained through my courses, combined with the unwavering support from my lecturers and career advisors, played a crucial role in preparing me for the professional world. Their dedication to student success is truly invaluable, from providing insightful academic guidance to offering career advice that helped me navigate the transition from university to the workplace. Beyond academics, my experience at Kent also strengthened my confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities, all of which have been essential in my role today. The university fostered an environment that encouraged growth, critical thinking, and real-world application of business psychology principles, elements that have directly contributed to my success in people operations.
If you are looking to build a career in people operations or business psychology, the most important mindset to develop is one of continuous learning and self-improvement. Embrace feedback (be accountable) and use it as a tool for growth. Resilience is key in this field, as you’ll face challenges when managing people and navigating organisational dynamics. Stay curious and never stop learning, read widely, educate yourself, and keep up with industry trends. Emotional intelligence is also crucial; understanding people, communicating with empathy, and building strong relationships will set you apart. Networking is equally important, so take the time to connect with professionals, seek mentorship, and build meaningful relationships that can open doors throughout your career. Lastly, stay humble- no matter how much experience you gain, always be open to learning from others.
Yes, I was actively involved in several extracurricular activities during my time at Kent, all of which enriched my academic experience and helped me develop valuable skills for my career. I was a member of the Psychological Society, where I engaged with like-minded peers and deepened my understanding of the field. Additionally, I served as an Academic Peer Mentor, supporting fellow students in their studies and helping them navigate academic challenges. As a Student Buddy, I provided guidance to new students, helping them adjust to university life. Beyond these roles, I also took part in research projects in my free time, for instance contributing to the HOSH Project. These experiences not only strengthened my academic foundation but also enhanced my leadership, mentoring, and teamwork skills, qualities that have been instrumental in my professional journey.
One of my favourite memories from my time at Kent was being supervised by Dr. Dawn Nicholson. She played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of business and people management, teaching me invaluable lessons that I continue to apply in my professional journey. Her guidance, support, and expertise not only helped me grow academically but also inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact. To this day, she remains one of the people I look up to in my professional life, and I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge and mentorship she provided.
If I could go back, I would love to fully embrace and enjoy the university experience even more. Unfortunately, due to Covid, I missed out on nearly two years of in-person interactions, events, and campus life. While I made the most of my time at Kent academically and through extracurricular activities, I would have loved to experience more of the social and networking opportunities that come with university life. That said, I am still incredibly grateful for the education, support, and connections I made during my time there, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Yes, I am still in touch with both Kent alumni and academics. I remain actively involved in recruiting graduates from Kent, having attended the university's Careers Fair for the past two years to connect with and support the next generation of students. Additionally, I keep in contact with some of my former lecturers, reaching out from time to time for guidance and to maintain those valuable professional connections. It’s been great to stay engaged with the Kent community and continue to build relationships with those who played an important role in my academic journey.
At the moment, my immediate focus is on completing my second postgraduate degree and applying that knowledge to my role at AbBaltis. Over the next few years, I plan to continue growing in my position, further refining my expertise in people operations. In five years, I aim to become a Chartered Business Psychologist and eventually pursue a PhD to deepen my research and further contribute to the field. In parallel with my career development, I am also in the process of launching my own business, dedicated to helping women find jobs and equipping them with the tools and confidence to thrive in their careers. This venture is especially meaningful to me, as I am deeply passionate about empowering women in their professional journeys and creating opportunities for them to succeed in the workplace.