Jessica's return to the Philippines with Robert Walters' Balikbayan programme

"Robert Walters goes beyond a typical recruitment process—it’s not just about filling roles. Even after placement, the consultant continues to check in, which made me feel supported and helped set proper expectations." 

Jessica Pilapil recounts her Balikbayan experience as a lucky opportunity that began with a recommendation from another colleague. As a Business Analyst in Singapore, Jessica enjoyed working in a multicultural environment that offered both comfort and challenge aligned with her experience.

The challenge

However, the contractual nature of her work made her anxious about her job stability. Her one-year contract was tied to a work visa that had to be renewed annually. Originally, she was only exploring the market for new job opportunities that offered more diverse compensation; she was not actively looking for a way to return to the Philippines.

Connecting with Robert Walters Balikbayan - Return Home Programme

A Filipino colleague introduced Jessica to the Balikbayan – Return Home Programme. Around this time, she began entertaining the possibility of finding stability back in the Philippines.

While Jessica shared that there was no major challenge that blocked her motivation to return to the Philippines, she admitted that the waiting time made her anxious at times. Thankfully, Robert Walters supported her throughout the entire process and ensured that she was considered for opportunities compatible with her needs, skills, and experience.

Finding the right role

Jessica highlighted how Robert Walters’ consistent communication, updates on possible job opportunities, and timely catch-ups made her feel less alone throughout her Balikbayan experience.

What was particularly special about the process was the company’s attentiveness to candidates. Robert Walters also prepared Jessica for interviews, which was crucial as she was unfamiliar with how the local hiring process had evolved.

“Robert Walter goes beyond a typical recruitment process—it’s not just about filling roles. Even after placement, the consultant continues to check in, which made me feel supported and helped set proper expectations.”

After negotiations with clients, Jessica was successfully placed in a company in the Philippines that matched her career goals and expectations.

In reflecting on her Balikbayan journey, Jessica emphasized that her consistent interaction with Robert Walters never felt transactional. She felt that Robert Walters was not simply focused on filling an existing role or driven by placement incentives.

Success story afterwards

Today, Jessica enjoys a flexible work schedule that provides her with an ideal work-life balance and allows her to spend more time with her family. With a growing team, her current role provides proper compensation, security of tenure, and company benefits.

Jessica’s story highlights how unexpected opportunities can sometimes lead to meaningful change. What began as a simple search for new opportunities in Singapore eventually led her back to the Philippines.

A chance recommendation from a fellow Filipino opened the door to a more stable, flexible, and fulfilling work environment—proving that sometimes, the right opportunity finds you when you least expect it.