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HR conversations with Joinrs 
At Joinrs, we go beyond just matching candidates with opportunities. In addition to facilitating connections, we conduct insightful interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Through these conversations, we provide valuable insights and perspectives to our users, enriching their knowledge and experience on our platform. Join us in exploring the depth and breadth of expertise across various fields to enhance your career journey. Today María is sharing her journey and advice with us!
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María González Hernández
HR Technology Functional Lead
1) You studied in Spain, did your Erasmus in Finland, and now you work in Belgium. How has this international journey influenced your professional and personal growth?
I grew up in a small village in Spain, Piedrahita, and I’ve always been curious about the world beyond. That curiosity took me to summer English immersion programs in the UK and Canada and then to Finland for an Erasmus exchange while studying Psychology at the University of Salamanca. Today, I live in Belgium and work in the Netherlands.
This journey has only deepened that curiosity and has truly shaped both who I am and how I work. I have learned that real growth happens when you are willing to step out of your comfort zone. For example, when I joined Dow, I never imagined myself in Reporting & Analytics with a background in Psychology. But when the chance to take a regional role came, I raised my hand. I didn’t have all the answers—but I was curious and ready to figure it out. That moment unlocked a new passion: turning data into stories that drive real decisions.
My career has followed a similar path—starting local, grew into country-specific responsibilities, then progressed to initiatives with regional impact, and today, global projects at Dow.
With each step came more complexity, more diverse stakeholders and also more opportunities to learn. And the more I collaborate with people from different cultures, the more I see how diverse perspectives make ideas stronger and solutions smarter.
Now, I’m proud to be part of Dow’s EMEAI Female Sponsorship Program—a two-year development program to keep learning, growing, and connecting with other driven women. Programs like these are a powerful reminder that development is a continuous journey we shape every day, and we grow immensely through the experiences, insights, and perspectives of those around us.
2) Dow is a global company with a strong focus on inclusivity. How do you support talents relocating from other countries to work at one of your sites? Is there a specific onboarding process for those facing relocation?
While I’m not directly involved in relocation processes, I work closely with the teams that are—and I see how much care goes into making international hires feel welcome. At Dow, creating a sense of belonging starts well before day one. For colleagues relocating from abroad, there’s a structured onboarding process in which relocation options are explored individually. This includes cultural integration support, personalized guidance, and close collaboration with local HR partners to ensure a smooth transition.
But inclusion at Dow doesn’t stop there.
Dedicated teams work on inclusion and belonging at local, regional, and global levels, and every employee plays a role in fostering an inclusive culture.
For example, something that truly makes a difference are our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These employee-led communities offer a place to connect, belong, and grow—whether you’re new to the country, the company, or just looking to meet people with shared values. They are instrumental in helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered from the start and beyond.
3) At Dow, what skills and attitudes truly make a difference when selecting candidates for entry-level roles?
What really makes someone stand out is having a growth mindset. Being curious, open to feedback, and always ready to learn. We value people who ask questions and challenge the status quo.
Teamwork and communication are just as important. The ability to build trust and adapt communication styles to different audiences makes a real difference in how well someone integrates and contributes from day one.
We also look for people who are driven by purpose. We want colleagues who are motivated to help us become the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world.
And finally, being comfortable with change is essential. Dow is a dynamic environment where not everything comes with a clear roadmap. We value individuals who can stay focused, adapt quickly, and keep a positive, solution-oriented mindset—even when things are a bit unclear.
4) What trends are you seeing in the HR world, especially in the context of Reporting & Analytics? Is there anything in particular that excites you?
Absolutely! I am particularly excited to see the role of HR transforming from a support function to a strategic partner within the organization. We are bridging the gap between data and decisions, by transforming workforce data into actionable insights that truly drive strategy.
A big part of this shift is driven by technology and automation. With smarter tools, AI and digital platforms, we’ve replaced hours of manual processing and stacks of paperwork with fast, automated systems that make our work more efficient and impactful.
In the Reporting & Analytics space, we can now track and explore real-time, structured data that helps us tell meaningful stories. Not just about what’s already happened, but also about what’s likely to happen next. This marks a shift from descriptive to predictive insights.
We’re using data to forecast things like turnover, engagement dips, and future skill gaps—so we can act before problems arise. This enables HR to be proactive instead of reactive, helping leaders make faster, smarter decisions. power of data driven decision making.
There’s also a growing focus on skills-based hiring and workforce planning. It’s not just about filling jobs anymore, it’s about understanding what skills we need, now and for the future, and the ability to plan. This helps organizations stay agile, adapt to change, and be ready for whatever comes next.
Another trend I love is the integration of data across functions (HR, Finance, Operations…). This gives us a more complete picture and helps us support the business with holistic, data-driven insights.
In short: HR is becoming more strategic, tech-savvy, data-driven, and future-focused—and that’s a space full of opportunity.
5) Finally, what advice would you give to someone who dreams of a career in HR or in an international company like Dow?
Stay curious. Be bold. And embrace the discomfort of doing something new. The best things in my career have happened when I didn’t necessarily feel ready but was brave enough to try anyway. And sometimes the best paths are the ones you didn’t expect.
If you’re dreaming of a career in HR or a global company like Dow, start by exploring. Say yes to new challenges, even when they feel big. Learn new tools and trends, connect with different cultures, and always keep asking questions. Challenge how things are done, with respect. Progress doesn’t come from playing it safe, it comes from daring to do things differently. Innovation starts with the courage to do things differently.
HR today is dynamic and evolving fast. It’s no longer about ticking boxes—it’s about shaping experiences, enabling growth, and driving change. So if you’re passionate about people and curious about the future, this space has endless opportunities.
And remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out. Just stay open, stay grounded, and keep learning.
Interview curated by the Joinrs' team
