It is not enough to aim, you must hit!

Since the 1^st article, it’s been a month we’ve started this blog, thanks to our friends and article contributors who supported us all the way, and last but not least, thanks to the visitors who dropped by from time to time.

First of all, congratulations to Antonia, it is not easy to secure a job right after graduation, but I believe you deserved it. As I always believe in extra curricular activities, as you mentioned that AIESEC made you different from the rest in the interview. Although everyone has different perception, but by creating point of discussion and being e actively involved in an interview with interesting topics to talk about, this is where you outshine the rest of the candidates in the interview.

Talk about interview, I believe Shanie did a good sharing in her article. I was lucky to sit in for few interview sessions conducted by my boss, I’m not up to the level to read body language but you can really see if the person is not comfortable or nervous, our body can be too honest sometimes. Good to know more about it, it might help you in your next interview session who knows?

I was talking to my friend during a mamak session; about his finding says that CEO is no longer Chief Executive Officer, but “Chief Ethics Officer”. Understand that this may just another bombastic term to attract readers, but somehow it makes sense. From result oriented to experience and attitude, now employers actually look into how honest you are. Anyway, the trend is still focus on attitude. I’m not here to comment about people, but trust me; it’s good to have a correct mindset before you start to hunt for your career.

Totally agree with Teresa, “The bottom line, if you have a giving attitude towards an organization you will be blessed as with the amount you sow, you will reap likewise.” It’s up to you.

I like a quote that An Tien (contributor of Rubik’s Cube) shared in his Friendster, “it’s not enough to aim, you must hit.” What a brilliant sentence. Reminds me of a friend who told me that he won’t start working till he gets a job that pays RM2.5k as a basic for a start, and like many others, they believe that they can somehow get high-paid positions once they have graduated. Good to aim, but do you have what it takes to hit?

As An Tien shared in his introductory article for Rubik’s Cube series, “the rewards which you will receive in this life, material or psychic, will not come to you because of your potential, but rather, because of your performance.”

As a trial month, number of articles posted was not many, but I’d say we managed to cover the basic issues here. From corporate point of view to new comers, we have advised and shared that, we’re on our way to make a difference in people’s lives. Feel free to tell your friends about this blog, and write us some articles if you wish to share and feel free to write us your comments

Finally, let’s greet our beloved country for her 50^th anniversary of nationhood. Enjoy your holiday, we will meet again in September with more good & interesting articles, stay tuned!

 

 

Regards,

Editor@My_1st_Path

Path_Tracker Profile (August 2007)

Hi, I am Antonia Lim. People usually thought I am not so of a Chinese, that I should be a Portuguese blood or Malay or Japanese… and the list goes on. But I am pure Chinese and wondering what is wrong with people’s eyes? LOL. Often people perceive me as cool and quiet, I guess I am indeed a little quiet but always a warm friend to everyone. I like to spend most of my free time doing nothing or sit in front of my laptop to update my blog and chat with my friends. Life for me is like a blank sheet of paper. God draws something on the paper and colours it. And by end of the time, you are that beautiful picture! Ain’t it wonderful? (*^^*) Read My Article

Teh An Tien, 21 years old, a adaptable and conscientious person, managing director of a local accounting firm. I was born in Kedah and lived most of my teenage years in Kangar, a very lively and small city. Son of a Malaysian business man. I had the opportunity to be involved in many different aspects of my father business from a young age. Swimming is my only sport.

At age 18, I moved to Penang in order to further my study. During my college years, I was able to improve my leadership & interpersonal skill since I was part of the Pertubuhan Gerakan Belia Bersatu Malaysia (GBBM) member. I’ve been a president at GBBM Mata Ayer Branch for the past 2 years.

I received a Diploma In Business Study (Accounting). After that, i proceed to take ACCA professional course in Penang as well. I have almost finished all of my paper and I am almost ready to become a full time in my jobs, helping my father to develop his business. Recently, I have joined a MLM company. Over the years, I have had to adapt to changes in a fast-paced environment, learn and struggle a lot. Of course, if there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Fortunately, throughout my entire life I have been surrounded by people who guided me, supported me, and taught me valuable lessons. I’m used to participate those motivation talk and seminar. I’m continuously learning and growing from every experience I have and from every person who i come across, so each one plays a role on my personal development. Read My Article

Ms Teresa Sia, aged 38, is the Executive Director of a local recruitment agency. Prior to joining the current company, she was attached to Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, Corporate Finance division as the Senior Manager from 2004 to 2007. She obtained her Bachelor degree in Economics from the University of Adelaide, Australia in 1992. Teresa started her career in Deloitte Kassim Chan in early 1992 as an audit assistant. In late 1993, she joined Price Waterhouse Coopers as a tax semi-senior. Subsequently, she joined the corporate finance division of Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Berhad (now known as MIMB Investment Bank Berhad) (“MIMB”) in June 1995 as an Executive and rose to the position of Assistant Vice President in July 2004. She has over twelve years experience in the investment banking industry specialising in the area of corporate finance. She completed her professional exams in CPA Australia in 1997 and is also a member of the CPA Australia. Read My Article

Shanie Loo is an air stewardess of International Airline. Prior to joining the current company, she was attached with one of the MNC as Marketing Executive. She loves to travel and meeting people. Read My Article

I secured a job

Well, it turns out that I interviewed with Kansai Coatings Malaysia – just neighbor to Sime Kansai Paint. Kansai Coatings is a 100% Japanese Company [Par Paint - its brand] while Sime Kansai Paint [70% Japanese 30% Sime Darby]

I will be working as almost everything in the company though called a Chemist – R&D, decision maker in many things, quality control – meeting ISO, troubleshooting, meeting clients if needed, getting wider business opportunities, production and manufacturing, customer service – the most important matter of all as stresses from the division director, Mr. Azham, whom I may work under next time… all for paints of homes and architectures. RM2k as it offers, on job training, lots of benefits, and given uniform and lab coat and safety attires for work [no need to crack my head of what to wear everyday].

Ms Jolynn Teh [HR], called just now [3pm] and she said the company would like to take me in! The interview was a bit passive… though both Mr Azham and Ms Jolynn were very nice of telling me about the job prospect, the divisions and the people in the work place, job description, benefits and so on. All my questions answered before I asked. When asked if I have any questions, I only manage to tell them about my convocation week when I need unpaid leave. They were positive about everything. I am happy.

They saw my CV and were very interested on my AIESEC profile. So I managed to tell them about opportunities in AIESEC and experiences I gained. They like outgoing people as it fits the job description. I did not gave them a definite answer on whether I want the job or not and instead I tell them I need to go back and consider first… after talking to my parents, I wrote a letter of appreciation to them and told them that I would like to go for the job… and just half an hour or so, Ms Jolynn called to confirm my status for the company – HIRED. I will be starting my work on the 1 August 2007 and at the meantime, I have to go for medical check up before I can start working.

I am happy: [1] I have income soon. [2] First interview, first job [3] parents are happy [4] David is happy [5] friends are happy [6] I am stepping into the corporate world after all – from fears to fearless.

God indeed is great – He just make my path goes so smoothly – yea, be obedient and rest will be assured by Him. And thank you brother and sisters for your prayers too.

Article and Picture Contributed by: Antonia Lim

Ask not what the company can give you, but what you can give the company

 

(John F. Kennedy, “Ask not what America can give you, but what you can give America.”)

Having worked for over 15 years in various organizations, I have come across many types of characters of people, be it colleagues, business associates or clients in the corporate world. In the organizations that I have worked with, I have supervised several team members and have been put in charged to expand and grow a division/branch. As such, I was involved in staff matter which include interviewing and recruitment process for many years.

Many people (especially those in the 20s and 30s) join an organization with the attitude of “getting the most out of it”. I have come across many young adults whom I interviewed which will not fail to ask the question “What can the company offer or give me in monetary terms?” during the interview sessions. Monetary returns seem to be one of the motivating factors amongst these interviewees who are mostly in the 20s and early 30s. However, I agree that it is important to know what an organization can offer you in terms of monetary returns but it is more important that after knowing what the company can offer you, can one live up to the expectations and do beyond the ordinary? This is what employers are looking for. A fair and professional company will ultimately reward and give the benefits to such an employee who have “given their best” and have proven themselves that they are worthy of such monetary returns. If however if you have given your best and yet the organization does not reward you, then you are clearly being exploited. That is a “thin line” to draw. How long should one endure such an “exploitation” before moving on to a better organization?

The bottom line, if you have a giving attitude towards an organization you will be blessed as with the amount you sow, you will reap likewise.

So, hang on there if you have been “giving” but felt that you are being exploited as success is just round the corner. If your current boss/management fails to reward you, others will notice you and as long as you have a giving attitude, you will be “head-hunted” by potential employers.

 

Contributed by Teresa Sia

Your Body Speaks

This is a very interesting book that one should read. The No. 1 International Bestseller, THE DEFINITIVE BOOK of BODY LANGUAGE by Allan and Barbara Pease. Both writers are renowned experts in human relations and body language. The book revealed the very basic body language skills on how to make a positive impression, how to interview and negotiate successfully and so forth. Some people might think that they have the skill or they know it well, but sometimes unfortunately, they don’t apply it in their life, knowing the skill is useless when you are implementing it. Or on the hand, some people do not notice or feel that there are hidden negative body languages in their daily verbal and non-verbal gesture, which is habitual, not done on intentionally. But the most important this book is the guide and tool to project a professional image.

I have been in both corporate and service industries, and I realized that somehow to be successful in no matter what you are doing, it comes down to the very same rule, human business. Everyone started off somewhere before they became someone; basically they went through the same first step of the very few seconds of first impression. “By a man’s fingernails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser knees, by the calluses of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt-cuffs, by his movement – by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost conceivable. By Sherlock Holmes, 1887″

But what really helps in this book especially for most interviewees is The Nine Golden Keys to Making Great First Impression in the interview. And also Seven Simple Strategies for the Extra Edge such as stand up for meetings use power words and also how to switch table territories. A lot of interviewees failed in their interviews mainly because of their failure to give out good first impression and to market themselves despite fulfilling all the criteria. Visualizing and doing some homework before attending an interview help a lot in boosting your confidence and be mentally ready. Working on your weaknesses, such as your tone and speed of your voice, hand gestures and facial expression will help to be in control. Of course at the end, you should always look into what type of job you are applying and what kind of impression you should be creating.

This book is worth securing a space on your book rack, so that you could browse through whenever you need it, when you have doubts or even whenever you have some interviews around the corner. Happy reading!

Contributed by Shanie
Picture Source: Internet

Rubik’s Cube [1] – Do you have all your pieces?

Every human being has been born to wealth; it’s just that most people are temporarily a little short of money! This article has been written in an attempt to bring the gap between where you currently are, and where you want to be. Step by step, path by path, hope this will help you piece together the puzzle we most often refer to as “life”, so you can build a picture of prosperity in your life. Indeed life is very much like the Rubik’s Cube because we have all the right pieces, and all the right colours, but it is a frustrating, never ending process, trying to get them to fit together. Inevitably, it seem, there are always at lease one or two pieces we have left out.

 

Every day, all over the world, million of “dreamers” purchase lottery tickets, wishing for someone to fortuitously pick their names, and drop a fortune into their laps. These people never seem to understand that the real joy in life comes not from having money handed to them on a silver platter, but from going out and actually earning it themselves. Moreover, if the truths were known to you, you would realize that you already have the ability to achieve those things which you presently only dream about.

 

Hopefully, the following post will lift you to a greater awareness of yourself and your true abilities. However, keep in the forefront of your mind, one important fact: the rewards which you will receive in this life, material or psychic, will not come to you because of your potential, but rather, because of your performance.

 

Contributed by Teh An Tien 

Picture source: Internet