jumpstart your career! october 2007, vol. 6

8/14/2019 JUMPSTART Your Career! October 2007, VOL. 6

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A Quarterly Publication by Career Development & Training Unit

October 2007, VOL. 6

How I Survived My 1st Year@ Work

Ignite

Strive with determination, stay positive & consistent...theres nomountain beyond your reach.

When you first started, what were your main concerns orchallenges during your first 6 months to 1 year on the job?

MAKING MISTAKESIn the beginning, I was prone to errors. But as I progressed, Ibegan to realise that even a small mistake could cost thecompany to lose several thousands of ringgit in businesses.

HIGH EXPECTATIONSFrom other colleagues, especially managers who had many yearsof experience in the logistics industry on taking on more respon-sibilities and performing on the job.

WORKLOAD & DEADLINESHeavy workload & tight schedules; racing against time tocomplete all in a given period of time.

How were these challenges different from those during youruniversity years?In university, if we fail a paper we can retake the subject. But inthe working world, it is very difficult to regain customers confi-dence if the business is lost as it is very competitive in thebusiness worldAlso, we were given longer period of time to complete anassignment in university. But in the working world, deadlines aretight (sometimes, almost immediate) and it must be met even if it

means staying back in the office.I have to be on-my-toes at all times.

How did you overcome/deal with these challenges?

Always DISCUSS with my fellow colleagues To get advice or suggestions from them as they have moreexperiences.

PRIORITISEIt is important to prioritise work depending on the load, urgencyand importance in order to produce quality work on time.

What were the key learning points from these challenges?I have learnt the following:

1) Always ASKif in doubt, never proceed if unsure - Things mightget worse if we give wrong information.

2) Proper TIME MANAGEMENT- Be effective in work & efficientin performance.

3) Avoid over-pressuring myself; instead I have learnt to stay

FOCUSED and keep CALM.Advice to juniorsStrive with DETERMINATION, stay POSITIVE&CONSISTENT ...theres no mountain beyond your reach.

That was the advice given by ANG KER SOON, a graduate of the Australian University Programme (Dec 06) onovercoming the transition from university to work life. Here, he shares with us his experiences and challenges onhis first job as the Pricing & Costing Analyst at DHL Malaysia .

The working world is a very competitive environment &demands greater responsibilities compared to university life. In

the working world, things need to be done fast & accurate.

Be PRUDENT in my daily work I take extra care in details and put in extra effort to ensure no

errors/mistakes have been made in my work.


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Steer

What do you look for when hiring afresh graduate?

Apart from academic achievements, I believe that ATTI-TUDE is an important attribute. You have to be RECEP-TIVE to new environment, able to interact with peopleand have a POSITIVE outlook.

I would also look for those with ACTIVE PARTICIPATION in Extra Curricular Activities (ECA). With active participa-tion, I refer to those who held important ROLES and not just merely participating in activities. It is, therefore,important that you have developed skills and experiencesin whatever that you are involved in. This shows PASSION and VISION. You will also be able to demonstrate that youare FOCUSED and DETEREMINEDto succeed.

What are your expectations towards fresh graduatesduring their 1st year at work?Essentially, the rst 3-6 months is the time where youshow your ability to integrate and work with your fellowcolleagues.

This is also the year where your ABILITYand POTENTIAL will be demonstrated in the tasks and responsibilitiesgiven to you.

How would your company support or assist new hire in this transitional stage?We would normally recruit fresh graduates in large num-bers so that the new hires can identify with one anotherand share challenges/experiences together. This will putthem slightly at ease and get comfortable to the new envi-ronment.

Also, we use an In-House Performance ManagementSystem called Dialogue where the new hire will meet withhis/her Performance Manager every 6 months to discuss onpersonal development goals and career developmentissues. This mentor is assigned to the individual through-out his/her career.

Would you have any advice to graduating students inpreparation for their 1st year of employment?Do not be afraid to explore the variety of options with anopen mind.

Be prepared to LEARNeven though it may not be what you

have learnt previously in University. BELIEVEin yourself and INVESTin yourself.

Career opportunities @ KPMG There are numerous career opportunities at KPMG. Freshgraduates are encouraged to discover their potential by joining our audit, tax or advisory functions.

With the diversity of services @ KPMG, we welcome freshgraduates from various disciplines/majors to discover theirpotential with us.

For more information, visit KPMGs website athttp://www.kpmg.com.my/careers

T h e E m p l o y e r s P e r s p e c t i v e

Be prepared to LEARN & RE-LEARN - Siew Chin Kiang

LEADERSHIP potential, where the ability of the individual to bedeveloped into future leader/manager, is also essential apart

from the ability to take on CHALLENGES and shows PASSION inthe work that you do.

The 1st year is all about settling down and discovering your interests. You must also be prepared to step out of your

COMFORT ZONE as you will be learning new things and meeting new people.

Many fresh graduates are used to being spoon fed. Informa-tion is given to them without them asking for it. It is very different in the working world. You are expected take aPROACTIVE role and take INITIATIVE in what you do.

Most of the time, you would be working in teams whereresponsibilities are shared and you can discuss with your team

members on the tasks given. You can also seek advice from your senior colleagues who have more experience in areas that you

nd challenging.

Your degree is only the key to unlock the door to many opportunities. The world is your oyster.

That was the advice given by MR. SIEW CHIN KIANG, Sta Partner of KPMG during a recentinterview with us. With over 20 years of working experience, Mr. Siew is currently overseeingthe Financial Advisory and Human Resource Departments . A local graduate who has workedhis way up the corporate ladder, he shares his thoughts and views on Employers Expectationsduring the 1st year of work.


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S u r v i v a l G u i d e

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hardwork, and learning from failure. - Colin Powell

Observe & Stay Alert(Keep your radars ON)UNDERSTAND how things work in andaround your o ce/company.

Find out:-- The o ce environment (corporate culture)

- Your colleagues and how they interact with one- another

- The whos who in your company (From the Top- Management to the tea lady)

Network & Build Relationships (NOT enemies!)Making healthy CONNECTIONS with your colleagueswill help you cope with the transition to the new

environment.- Get to know your colleagues and start building- relationships

- Determine who you can rely on for help or advice

Upward Management (YourBOSSES!)Keep a good ow of COMMUNICATION open with your manager by:

- Finding out your managers expecta-tions

- Occasionally asking for FEEDBACK

- Keeping him/her informed of your progress ontasks

Give Solutions (NOT problems)Always approach your manager withSOLUTIONS to the challenges youare facing and discuss with him/heron the best solution.

This shows that you have INITIA-TIVE and ability to handle your challenges.

Get A MentorA mentor is someone who can assist you with prob-lems through previous experience and also celebrateyour achievements. This mentor is also able toprovide you GUIDANCE whether it is for career orpersonal development.

Mentors can be a senior colleague or a friend who

has several years of working experi-ence.

Keep Your Attitude In Check 1. Always show INITIATIVE and bePROACTIVEin whatevertasks/responsibilities assigned to you

2. Be willing to LEARN, UNLEARN &RELEARNby taking on new/challenging responsi-bilities or assignments

3. Never be afraid to fail or make mistakes

The transition from classroom to o ce is bothexciting and challenging. So, do not put too muchpressure on yourself but at the same time, stayfocused on what you want to achieve.

Preparing and making through a transition from one environment to the other is never easy. Here aresome tips to help you get through the rst year with minimal damage


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Accelerate

Contact UsAdelene Goh / Elisa Dass / Soo E e Sarn / Judith Chan / Vincent Hah

Career Development & Training Unit, Student Services Department Student CentreCall 03-7491 8623 Ext. 8021 / 8069 / 8019 OR Email [email protected]

JUMPSTART BULLETINACCELERATE

Aug & Sept HighlightsCAREER EXPLORATION FAIR (AUG - OCT 07)

KPMG3 August

8TV21 August

Stem Life- Stem Cell Bank 12 September

Digi Telecommunications14 September

MORE EXPLORATORY VISITS coming up!

CryoCord - Stem Cell Research Lab (Cyberjaya)8 October, Monday9.00am - 1.00pm

GE Engines Services Malaysia (Old Subang Airport)8 October, Monday9.00am - 1.00pm

SHELL Refining Company Berhad (Port Dickson)31 October, Wednesday8.00am - 5.00pm

North Port (Port Klang)2 November, Friday9.00am - 1.00pm

FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS

I have learnt about the real life experience of an accounting rm. The people are friendly and helpful. The visit (to KPMG)clari ed some of my doubts of working in an accounting rm. It was really fun and informative. - Lee Pei Xuan, AUP

The visit (to 8tv) has given me a better understanding of the company and its career opportunities. - Tan Lee Ling, MUFY

The Stem Life visit was informative. Thus, I have a better understanding of its nature of business. - Emma Ng Yenn Ling, ALevel

I now have a better understanding of the various departments in Digi and the nature of a particular job. - Belquzrin, American Degree Programme

To register, complete the Registration Form &Letter of Consent available @ Student Services Department andsubmit to Adelene Goh/Ee Sarn at least ONE WEEK before the scheduled visit.

jumpstart your career! october 2007, vol. 6

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