Recently, I attended an interview for the position of Senior Executive, Human Resources. The panel consisted of two interviewer; a Professor and a Doctor. As usual, I began with a self-introduction where I shared my current job scope, achievement and responsibilities, all of which I believed would highlight my credibility for this position.

In the beginning, I felt confident answering their questions. However, there was one particular question from the Professor that truly challenged me. He asked:

” Why did you take this course for further study? It is not related to your career right now. You studied Human Resources for your degree, but now you are pursuing a Master’s in Energy Management. Isn’t that unrelated?”

At first, I did not expect this question to affect me. But as he repeated it, I realised it was meant to test not only my academic decisions but also my clarity of vision.

I answered calmly:

For my degree, I chose Human Resources Development because I believe people are the most valuable asset in any organisation. It gave me a strong foundation in managing people, training and organisational development. Later, I pursued a Master’s in Energy Management because I recognised that modern organisations are not only focus on people, but also on sustainability and resource efficiency.

At first glance, these tow fields may seem different, but I see them as complementary. HR focuses on managing and developing people, while energy management focuses on managing resources and promoting sustainable practices. When combined, I bring a uniques advantage; the ability to support both human capital growth and sustainability goals.

For example, I can design training and engagement programs that encourages employees to adopt energy-saving practices, or I can support Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives where people and sustainability must work hand in hand. This alignment is becoming more important as Malaysia moves forward with ESG goals and the National Energy Transitions Roadmap. So, rather than seeing my background as unrelated, I see it as uniques strength that allows me to contribute to HR, sustainability and even cross-functional roles where people management and green initiatives meet.

Despite my explanation, the Professor pressed further; Which one do you really want to focus on – HR or Energy? What exactly did you learn in this course? was it truly related to your career? Did you know the subjects you would take before you enrolled?

I continued to answer calmly and respectful but inside his persistence left me feeling down and little disappointed.

However, as I reflected later, I reminded myself of an islamic perspective:

• Ilmu (Knowledge) in Islam is never wasted. Rasulullah S.A.W said, seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every muslim. Whether in HR energy or Management, knowledge equips me with skills and insight that can be benefit not only myself but also my organisation and society.
• Islam encourages us to embrace both fardhu ain (religious knowledge) and fardhu kifayah (worldly knowledge that benefits the ummah). My background in HR helps me develop people the core of any organisation while Energy Management equips me with the ability to contribute to sustainability, a pressing global concern. Both serve the greater good, which is highly valued in Islam.
• Allah reminds us in the Qur’an; It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know. (Al-Baqarah 2:216). This verse comforts me that even if others don’t see the alignment in my studies, Allah has His wisdom and plan for me.

With this mindset, I choose to see my educational path not as unrelated, but as a trust from Allah. It is a way for me to contribute to organisations in both human development and sustainability, which are both part of the islamic principles of Maslahah (Public Benefit)

Therefore, although the Professor’s words made me feel down at that moment, I now see them as a test of my conviction and clarity. Instead of disappointment, I carry pride that my journey is unique, purposeful, and guided by the values of Islam; to seek knowledge to benefit others and to contribute to both people and the environment.