The choices laid before us..."So what are you planning to do after you graduate?"
This was the question my dad asked me towards the end of my final year of university. My response was quick & simple: "Work for you, I guess." I very well recognize that my dad is a reputable man of talent and caliber in his field of industry. Looking back at that response, its pretty obvious that
1. I had no plan & didn't gave much serious thought about it;
2. It was the easiest, most straight-forward answer by instinct;
3.Although sincere, it can be also seen that such response is out of convenience, a choice for a shortcut in life.
Then came his response.
"If you truly want to help me in my business, go out there and get experience first."
Our conversation pretty much trailed off after that statement. But I still remember it word for word even past the day I'd donned the academic regalia and unfurled my degree which I'd earned. Being up to the challenge the world has in store for me, so I'd decided to have a taste of what constitutes to be real experience in the working world starting from job applications and interviews.
This was the question my dad asked me towards the end of my final year of university. My response was quick & simple: "Work for you, I guess." I very well recognize that my dad is a reputable man of talent and caliber in his field of industry. Looking back at that response, its pretty obvious that
1. I had no plan & didn't gave much serious thought about it;
2. It was the easiest, most straight-forward answer by instinct;
3.Although sincere, it can be also seen that such response is out of convenience, a choice for a shortcut in life.
Then came his response.
"If you truly want to help me in my business, go out there and get experience first."
Our conversation pretty much trailed off after that statement. But I still remember it word for word even past the day I'd donned the academic regalia and unfurled my degree which I'd earned. Being up to the challenge the world has in store for me, so I'd decided to have a taste of what constitutes to be real experience in the working world starting from job applications and interviews.
Today, after working at this MNC for close to 2 years now, the amount of experience I'd accumulated made thus far is sure one adventure of a lifetime! I'd finally reached this stage in life where I am able to relate & appreciate how invaluable real experience really is.
Few of my acquaintances had asked if I would be going to be joining my dad's company soon, since I had mentioned before that I would. But the fact is, the telco industry is going to continue growing even with the present global financial crisis. Market opportunities aside, furthermore I foresee that there is still much to learn in my current company. Guess my university's maxim Ancora imparo ("I'm still learning") still applies even as you proceed to another level in work & life.
What started with blindly letting life and circumstances dictate my career path, I'm confident that I had made a wise decision to chart my career path on my own. To that I owe my dad thanks and an apology: Thank you for your golden advice at the time when I wasn't even aware that I needed it; I'm sorry that I won't be "fighting battles" with you in the short term.
I'm charting my own path for the meantime.
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