It just happened one day; when I was asked by one of my interns after having completed a video interview session with a guest speaker from the PR industry.
“Jess, could you share your ideas with me on how to choose the right job?”
Honestly, I had initially been lost for words, lasting a few seconds, when the intern suddenly asked me this question. A simple question like this one could make you go into deep thought sometimes.
“I cannot tell you how to choose the right job because the meaning of ‘right’ job may vary from person to person, but perhaps, I could share details about my career path with you.”
I reflected on how I had felt lost after graduating from college, just like most people, LOL. I think most people have gone through the same thing, after completing their studies. Most of the time, we have no idea what we want.
I remembered I applied for three jobs during that time. One was a public relations executive in a 5-star hotel, another was a marketing executive in an entertainment company and the third was a marketing executive in the largest tourism spa in Malaysia.
I remembered when I first stepped into the interview room in the hotel, I was so uneasy. I felt uneasy looking at the working atmosphere where everyone looked so serious at their work desk without any interaction, and everybody was following the same dress code. The whole environment just made me feel like I didn’t fit. I told myself I would not take up the offer even if I passed the interview.
The second job I applied for around that time was a public relations executive in an established entertainment company. I remembered I was treated badly by HR during that interview. Back then, I was only a diploma holder, but I was a distinction holder for my course. She first asked me if the press release was done by me and I answered yes, the press release was done by me and was published in the newspapers. Then she asked how much my expected salary would be. I told her a figure and she immediately said, “No, we cannot offer you the salary that you want.”
“It’s alright if the salary offered is lower than my expected salary as I know I do not have strong experience in the industry. However, may I ask, would it be possible if my salary could be adjusted after my probation if my performance is good?” I asked.
“No, we would not offer you any increment in spite of any performance improvement because you are only a diploma holder.”
Going home with a heavy heart and telling myself I would not work in a company that only looked at academic results, I decided to proceed to my following interview, which was an application for a marketing executive position in a spa company.
The person who interviewed me was a Taiwanese and the owner of the business. We had a pleasant conversation during that interview and I was impressed by her courage to set up a business in Malaysia despite the language barrier. My gut feeling told me this is the job I want, because I know I could have learnt a lot from her if I could have the chance to work in the company.
Fortunately, I was hired by her after waiting for a week after that interview, and the rest is history. I learnt a lot from my ex-boss.
Therefore, I think it’s always more important to choose the right boss rather than the right job.
The right boss or superior can always be your mentor and gives you the best guidance in life. Once you have picked up the right skills, you would be outshining no matter what industry you pursue.
