PX: Mark, I understand that you grew up in PNG, can you tell us a little bit about that experience?
I grew up as an expatriate child in PNG from when I was one through till the age of fifteen, so for nearly my entire education and half my life.
Both my parents worked in Port Moresby as expats in the engineering and construction industry for the best part of 20 years, so I have been exposed to a lot of what Papua New Guinea has to offer.
PX: Wow! What a great fit for your new role with Peopleconnexion, how did like growing up in PNG?
It was fun! I can honestly say it was some of the best years I had growing up.
There are so many negatives that you hear in the media but the people are so nice! I really enjoyed the culture and it’s like anywhere, you have to immerse yourself in the culture and the area to take full advantage of what the country has to offer.
The schooling system was quite good, there was also a lot of other expat students there as well, and anyone who has grown up in developing countries will know what I mean when I say it’s what you make of it.
PX: To any expats with children that may be reading this, what would you tell them if they are considering the move with children?
It’s a big culture difference and you need to understand that if you’re coming from a big city. I think that the experience you get from a new culture is great and it allows you to develop a sense of understanding and knowledge into how people live in different countries.
Overall, I would recommend it to anyone but you must be open to the culture and take advantage of the opportunities in the country, don’t isolate yourself due to everything you hear
PX: How did you first get into recruitment and why?
I was working for Flight Centre at the time and I was approached to join a recruitment team that dealt within the travel industry, so it seemed like the right decisions because I’ve always wanted to work in recruitment.
I think recruitment is far more rewarding than your regular sales position as you are helping candidates land their dream jobs and you can see how excited they are when they get the right role for them!
PX: How would you sum up your approach to recruitment?
I?m very personable and I find it extremely easy to build quality relationships with candidates and clients. I take pride in making sure that the candidate is the right person for the job and that the company will also be the right fit for the candidate.
PX: Outside of work, what are you passionate about?
I love my sports and travelling!
I have a sports subscription to nearly every platform so I can watch literally anything! But my favourites would be the two big American sports the NBA and the NFL. That being said though, rugby league and rugby union are right there behind them.
PX: When you’re not in the office, where can we find you?
When I?m not at work I will always try to explore new areas! If I?m on holidays in the winter you will find me hitting the Slopes but if its summer I?d like to be somewhere tropical kicking back in the sun close to water.
PX: Top piece of advice for candidates?
Be true to yourself and don’t chase the money, the right fit in career will be so much more rewarding.