Crossing Disciplines to Unlock New Possibilities
Irene Liao graduated from the Department of Information Management at Ming Chuan University. After leaving campus, she did not immediately enter the IT industry; instead, she joined a marketing agency as a social media editor. At first, she believed her career would naturally grow within content marketing and brand operations. However, at a certain point, she realized she was eager for greater challenges. Through a chance opportunity to reassess her interests and long-term direction, Irene decided to step off her original career path and take on a completely new challenge in the cloud industry.
For her, changing careers was not an impulsive decision, but a strong desire to prove to herself that she was capable of more. When a friend introduced her to HigherCloud, she applied without hesitation. Commuting daily from Taoyuan to Taipei while adapting to a new role and environment was demanding, but Irene described that period as “formally stepping into a new chapter of life.” It was a challenging yet hopeful beginning—and the starting point of her journey in the cloud industry.
A Team That Feels Like Partners—and More Like Family
Looking back on the interview process, Irene still vividly remembers the impact of the two-stage interviews. The sales manager and the CEO not only asked professional questions, but also took the time to share insights that helped her see the broader landscape of the cloud industry. Through those conversations, she deeply felt HigherCloud’s culture—professional, pragmatic, and open.
After joining the company, she discovered that the culture was even warmer than expected. Within the department, colleagues interact naturally like friends, openly sharing information and reminding one another of important details, with no sense of holding back. Across departments, collaboration remains smooth and friendly.
Irene describes HigherCloud as “a place where everyone is willing to work together, take on challenges together, and grow together. The people here are not just colleagues—they feel more like family.”
Learning, Challenge, and Growth Happen Along the Way
As a cloud sales specialist, Irene’s role is dynamic and full of challenges. From client development and needs assessment to troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration, every task presents a new learning opportunity.
When working with clients, she must understand both industry contexts and technical requirements to propose concrete solutions. Internally, she coordinates timelines, communicates progress, and ensures projects move forward smoothly.
She laughs, “Every day I’m switching between different roles—consultant, salesperson, coordinator, executor. But that’s exactly why I feel myself growing so quickly.” She also found cloud technology far more interesting than she initially imagined. From unfamiliarity to gradually understanding architectures and services, she now proactively explores technical knowledge and engages deeply in projects—an unexpected but rewarding career path.
Supportive Teammates and Strong Leadership: The Greatest Foundations for Growth
When talking about her growth at HigherCloud, Irene is most grateful for the support she has received from her leaders and teammates.
First is HigherCloud’s CEO, Hanson Chen, who brings extensive sales experience and a deep understanding of both technology and customer needs. In project discussions, he consistently approaches challenges from different perspectives, helping Irene break through blind spots. “Sometimes his expectations are very high and detail-oriented; other times, he encourages us to be bold and try new things,” Irene shared. “Whenever we discuss challenging projects with him, he often helps us find critical breakthroughs and offers timely guidance.”
Another person who has had a significant impact on her is her direct manager, Business and Marketing Manager Lilian Hsu. To Irene, Lilian is not just a manager, but a mentor and a strong source of support. She leads the team with positivity and collaboration, working alongside members as partners. Whenever Irene encounters obstacles, Lilian is always there with encouragement and direction. “I’m truly fortunate to have a manager like her,” Irene said.
Building a Cloud Career Through Continuous Growth
As she becomes more established in her role, Irene has begun planning for the long term. She hopes to obtain more cloud-related certifications, participate in industry events, deepen her technical knowledge, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of cloud market trends. She believes the cloud industry is not just a job, but a career path that allows for continuous progress and growth.
“The cloud industry evolves rapidly,” Irene said. “I want to keep growing and become a partner who can truly support clients through their transformation journeys.”
At the end of the interview, Irene expressed heartfelt gratitude to HigherCloud for providing a platform that allows her to try, grow, and experience countless moments of support and encouragement. “Everyone here is like a gear in a larger system—connected, supporting one another, and driving the company forward together. I’m truly grateful to be part of it.” She also shared a message for those considering joining HigherCloud: “If you’re willing to learn and challenge yourself, this is a place that will help you grow far beyond what you imagine.”