Building a career during 20s

When I was in my senior year in college, finishing Electronics Engineering, I can never get my mind of October 13 - my graduation day. Those are the days when I only sleep three to four hours a night to perfect our thesis as our last challenge to pass and do the march. After graduating, I was thinking of preparing for the board exams - enrolling in a review center, renting a condo unit in near the review center, and buying references that would help in my review. As the exam date approaches, I grew more and more afraid and wished that the commissioner would change her mind and thought that the date is too early. Nevertheless, we took the exam. After waiting for the longest 3 days, the results came in. I was so hesitant to open my Facebook page at the time because I've heard that people are already posting "Thank you to my family and God, I've made it!" on their timelines. Before I had the chance of opening my laptop, my mobile rang and my mother was calling. I'm not sure yet if she's going to congratulate me or comfort me. As I answered, she was screaming "Congratulations Anak!" with other voices on the background shouting. Overfilled with happiness, I was speechless and I cried since I didn't think I would be passing the exam. However, with my success, I also thought of the ones who pushed themselves too hard only to know that they didn't make it. The very first thing I was concerned with is that "What if they were interviewed and asked 'Why didn't you pass the board?'".

Of course, it's not the end of the world if you failed at some thing. Life goes on and surely, it takes significant effort and time to pursue your goals. After passing the exams, I also thought that I think I'm not yet ready to face the corporate world as I don't think I've learned enough yet. Now that I've been with the company already for two years, here are some of my keypoints for being a fresh graduate:

1. Start Early

As a new starter in a fast-paced industry, you'll be pressured to show your full potential and how you can be the best at your job. Instead of showing everyone how perfect you are, start early in knowing your colleagues, asking for tasks and training, getting insights from your boss, and maybe failure to do a task. By doing these, you'll be ready to know which people we can turn to as friends or role models. Also, you'll know more on what you really wanted to do and how you'll be better.

2. Be present

Together with being present, you must do the things you wanted to get done. If you wanted a raise, then be present in times that you're boss needs you and show the results he/she needs from you. To build your network, you should be present in places that they are present as well.

3. Don't rush

Never push yourself because you're seeing that an old highschool friend brags about a brand new car which he accomplished because of his current state and career. This is the time to grow and know yourself better, than to be stuck in a demanding organization that would deprive you of exploring more. This is the best time you get to make mistakes and learn from them.

Here's a picture of my college buddies celebrating graduation. How I miss my college days! Yeah, lot less girls in engineering.

#college #fresh #graduate #csr