The Real-Life Apprentice

by Elaine Jeyakumar

Elaine Jeyakumar chats with two young graduates who are making a mark in the corporate world.

Tycoon John Paul Getty was once asked what he would do if he lost his fortune. He replied he would buy a good suit and hang around with the successful and wealthy to learn all he could to rebuild his wealth.

The moral of the story – to be successful, you need to learn from those who have already been there and are walking the talk.

As you enter the working world as a fresh graduate, a whole new world opens up. And as with anything new, you sometimes do not know what to expect. Starting a new job and, more importantly, moving from one sphere of your life to another, can be scary, but it is one that most of us will have to face.

Put yourself in the best possible position by gathering as much information and, yes, survival skills and tips, from people who have travelled the path you wish to take.

As the saying goes, it is much better to follow a well-marked path than to reinvent the wheel; but, of course, adapt it to your personal set of circumstances. So, let’s get a few pointers from two up-and-coming recent graduates.

Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Mohd Fuaad Completed his English Bar Exams at Lincolns Inn.

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED THERE?

I’m the Special Officer to the Menteri Besar of Johor for the Iskandar Regional Development Authority. I have worked there for one year.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS POSITION?

I wanted to try something different and this presented me with a challenging opportunity to learn how the government machinery works.

HOW DID YOU SECURE THE JOB?

I was head-hunted and met the Menteri Besar for an informal interview. Finding him a very intelligent person convinced me that here was a real opportunity to learn from an experienced leader who, incidentally, is a former economist and Dean of the Economics Faculty of Universiti Malaya.

WHAT PREPARATION DID YOU MAKE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW?

I did my homework and gathered information about the Menteri Besar so I would know who I would potentially be working for. Most importantly, however, I felt I needed to present myself as who I really am. I wanted him to take me on as myself.

WHAT WERE YOUR CHALLENGES AT THE INTERVIEW?

My main challenge was probably the fact that I did not know what to expect, especially as it was done informally over breakfast. But I was confident that as long as I knew something about my potential employer’s background, the job and the Iskandar Development Region, I was covered to a certain extent.

DESCRIBE YOUR FEARS DURING YOUR FIRST DAY ON THE JOB.

Expectations from my employer! However, I also felt that as long as I was competent and performed well, people’s expectations would be met and my work would speak for itself. I admit I am slightly young for the job, but then again, one should be judged by one’s work and not age, correct?

WHAT PREPARATIONS DID YOU MAKE FOR YOUR FIRST WORKING DAY?

I wore my best suit! First impressions count and they last.

DESCRIBE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES.

I basically assist the Menteri Besar in all matters relating to the Iskandar Development Region, which is now known as Iskandar Malaysia. It could be from the smallest matter to almost anything at all. A typical week would include research, meetings with business leaders and co-ordinating with the organisation that runs Iskandar Malaysia, namely the Iskandar Regional Development Authority.

WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND STRENGTHS ARE NEEDED IN YOUR JOB?

You definitely need to be sharp and observant and, of course, honest. Needless to say, discretion is a key component. Having what is commonly known as ‘good PR’ is also crucial, while up-todate knowledge of various issues is fundamental.

IS YOUR JOB STRESSFUL?

Nope! It’s probably the best job in the world for me at the moment and I am truly enjoying it.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORKING DAY.

At the office, it will be researching, reading The Edge and Bloomberg to be well-informed with the business world. Then there are lunch meetings and more meetings, catching up on email, and then dinner meetings.

WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL?

Well, I would not say that ... at least not yet! To me, success is holding on to the biggest dream of your life and achieving it despite fears of failure and the challenges in your path.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

To achieve my big dream! (which I would rather not mention here). In the short-term, I hope to be a CEO or, at the very least, a senior staffer in a MNC by the time I am 35 and in a Forbes 500 company by the time I hit 40.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO FRESH GRADUATES ABOUT TO ENTER THE WORKING WORLD?

On dealing with new experiences: Focus on the job and ignore office politics! It is a disease which will adversely affect your career. And if you are in the corporate sector, a must-read is The Edge.

On handling different responsibilities as compared to student days: Be proactive and don’t be afraid to do more. Young executives usually find themselves with a lot of free time and this may not be good. In fact, using your freedom wisely is a responsibility in itself. On time management: Do not procrastinate! Get your work done as scheduled and try to spend enough time with your family.

On personal financial management: Try to save at least 20 percent of your income. Set up an account into which that 20 percent will be debited automatically from your pay – this will make you disciplined in how you spend the balance of 80 percent. Have one credit card – and pay it off at the end of every month.

Joel Neoh Graduated with a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering (Monash University)

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED THERE?

I am Project Director at The Youth Intelligence, a company I started two years ago. It is involved in marketing, research and advertising.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN COMPANY?

I saw many opportunities in the research and marketing field in relation to youths. It is also something I am passionate about.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS A BUSINESS OWNER?

Making sure that my balance sheet stays healthy from the start! The first day in your own business is very different from your first day working for someone else. At The Youth Intelligence, we are constantly working on new and innovative projects. The challenge sometimes is getting everyone on the same wavelength and working as a team.

WHAT PREPARATIONS DID YOU MAKE FOR YOUR FIRST WORKING DAY?

My first day at work, there was just I, me and myself, so there was minimal preparation. Much more thought and planning had to go in when I had my first colleague.

WHAT DO YOU DO AS THE BOSS?

I mainly handle client relationships and the overall management of the company.

WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE NEEDED TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?

You need to be business savvy, sharp, dedicated, responsible and willing to learn, among others.

In the case of my company, management and marketing knowledge is important as it is the core business.

WHAT ARE THE JOB STRESSES YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH?

When you run your own company, balancing the cash-flow can be really stressful. The key is sales, sales and more sales! And for this, you have to work hard.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORKING DAY.

I usually get in around 9.30am and clear some work with the staff. From 11am till 5pm, I meet with clients outside the office, after which I am back in the office to check that work is progressing smoothly. From 7pm, I catch up on personal work and head home around 11pm.

WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL?

I would say “striving to be successful”!

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL IN PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

I want to work with great people on projects which have an impact on society.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO FRESH GRADUATES ABOUT TO ENTER THE WORKING WORLD?

On dealing with new experiences: Keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things and experience new dimensions. Also, be generous in sharing the information and learning you receive. On handling different responsibilities as compared to student days: Be passionate about what you do. Do it with a spirit of excellence, instead of just trying to finish your tasks for the day. Work with passion instead of just “doing a job”.

On time management: Prioritise your work and complete the most important tasks for the day first.

So there you have it! Some golden nuggets from two young and successful professionals. Finally, remember that the teacher will always appear when the student is ready. Be willing to learn and you will find the masters and the support you need.

Welcome to the working world!