JUMPSTART BULLETIN October 2007, VOL.

6
ACCELERATE

Aug & Sept Highlights

CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR (AUG - OCT 07)

A Quarterly Publication
by Career Development & Training Unit
KPMG 8TV Stem Life- Stem Cell Bank Digi Telecommunications
3 August

FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS

21 August 12 September 14 September
How I Survived My 1st Year
‘I have learnt about the real life experience of an accounting firm. The people are friendly and helpful. The visit (to KPMG)
clarified some of my doubts of working in an accounting firm. It was really fun and informative. ‘ - Lee Pei Xuan, AUP @ Work
’The visit (to 8tv) has given me a better understanding of the company and its career opportunities‘. - Tan Lee Ling, MUFY ‘Strive with determination, stay positive & consistent...there’s no
mountain beyond your reach.’
‘The Stem Life visit was informative. Thus, I have a better understanding of its nature of business.’ - Emma Ng Yenn Ling, A
That was the advice given by ANG KER SOON, a graduate of the Australian University Programme (Dec 06) on
Level
overcoming the transition from university to work life. Here, he shares with us his experiences and challenges on
his first job as the Pricing & Costing Analyst at DHL Malaysia.
‘I now have a better understanding of the various departments in Digi and the nature of a particular job.’ - Belquzrin,
American Degree Programme When you first started, what were your main concerns or means staying back in the office.
challenges during your first 6 months to 1 year on the job? I have to be on-my-toes at all times.
MAKING MISTAKES How did you overcome/deal with these challenges?
MORE EXPLORATORY VISITS coming up! In the beginning, I was prone to errors. But as I progressed, I
began to realise that even a small mistake could cost the Be PRUDENT in my daily work
CryoCord - Stem Cell Research Lab (Cyberjaya) SHELL Refining Company Berhad (Port Dickson) I take extra care in details and put in extra effort to ensure no
company to lose several thousands of ringgit in businesses.
8 October, Monday 31 October, Wednesday errors/mistakes have been made in my work.
9.00am - 1.00pm 8.00am - 5.00pm HIGH EXPECTATIONS
From other colleagues, especially managers who had many years Always DISCUSS with my fellow colleagues
GE Engines Services Malaysia (Old Subang Airport) North Port (Port Klang) of experience in the logistics industry on taking on more respon- To get advice or suggestions from them as they have more
8 October, Monday 2 November, Friday sibilities and performing on the job. experiences.
9.00am - 1.00pm 9.00am - 1.00pm WORKLOAD & DEADLINES PRIORITISE
Heavy workload & tight schedules; racing against time to It is important to prioritise work depending on the load, urgency
To register, complete the Registration Form & Letter of Consent available @ Student Services Department and complete all in a given period of time. and importance in order to produce quality work on time.
submit to Adelene Goh/Ee Sarn at least ONE WEEK before the scheduled visit. What were the key learning points from these challenges?
The working world is a very competitive environment &
demands greater responsibilities compared to university life. In I have learnt the following:
the working world, things need to be done fast & accurate. 1) Always ASK if in doubt, never proceed if unsure - Things might
get worse if we give wrong information.
How were these challenges different from those during your 2) Proper TIME MANAGEMENT - Be effective in work & efficient
university years? in performance.
Contact Us In university, if we fail a paper we can retake the subject. But in
3) Avoid over-pressuring myself; instead I have learnt to stay
Adelene Goh / Elisa Dass / Soo Ee Sarn / Judith Chan / Vincent Hah the working world, it is very difficult to regain customer’s confi-
dence if the business is lost as it is very competitive in the FOCUSED and keep CALM.
Career Development & Training Unit, Student Services Department – Student Centre
business world Advice to juniors
Call 03-7491 8623 Ext. 8021 / 8069 / 8019 OR Email prepare@sunway.edu.my Strive with DETERMINATION, stay POSITIVE & CONSISTENT
Also, we were given longer period of time to complete an
assignment in university. But in the working world, deadlines are ...there’s no mountain beyond your reach.
tight (sometimes, almost immediate) and it must be met even if it
Accelerate Ignite
 The Employer’s Perspective
‘Be prepared to LEARN & RE-LEARN’ - Siew Chin Kiang
That was the advice given by MR. SIEW CHIN KIANG, Staff Partner of KPMG during a recent
interview with us. With over 20 years of working experience, Mr. Siew is currently overseeing
the Financial Advisory and Human Resource Departments. A local graduate who has worked
his way up the corporate ladder, he shares his thoughts and views on Employers’ Expectations
during the 1st year of work.
What do you look for when hiring a
fresh graduate?
Apart from academic achievements, I believe that ATTI-
TUDE is an important attribute. You have to be RECEP-
TIVE to new environment, able to interact with people
and have a POSITIVE outlook.
LEADERSHIP potential, where the ability of the individual to be
developed into future leader/manager, is also essential apart
from the ability to take on CHALLENGES and shows PASSION in
the work that you do.
I would also look for those with ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
in Extra Curricular Activities (ECA). With “active participa-
tion”, I refer to those who held important ROLES and not
just merely participating in activities. It is, therefore,
important that you have developed skills and experiences
in whatever that you are involved in. This shows PASSION
and VISION. You will also be able to demonstrate that you
are FOCUSED and DETEREMINED to succeed.
What are your expectations towards fresh graduates
during their 1st year at work?
Essentially, the first 3-6 months is the time where you
show your ability to integrate and work with your fellow
colleagues.
The 1st year is all about settling down and discovering your
interests. You must also be prepared to step out of your
COMFORT ZONE as you will be learning new things and
meeting new people.
This is also the year where your ABILITY and POTENTIAL
will be demonstrated in the tasks and responsibilities
given to you.
Many fresh graduates are used to being spoon fed. Informa-
tion is given to them without them asking for it. It is very
different in the working world. You are expected take a
PROACTIVE role and take INITIATIVE in what you do.
Steer
Survival Guide
‘There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard
work, and learning from failure.’ - Colin Powell
Preparing and making through a transition from one environment to the other is never easy. Here are
some tips to help you get through the first year with minimal ‘damage’
How would your company support or assist new hire in Observe & Stay Alert Give Solutions (NOT problems)
this transitional stage? (Keep your radars ON) Always approach your manager with
We would normally recruit fresh graduates in large num- UNDERSTAND how things work in and SOLUTIONS to the challenges you
bers so that the new hires can identify with one another around your office/company. are facing and discuss with him/her
and share challenges/experiences together. This will put on the best solution.
Find out:-
them slightly at ease and get comfortable to the new envi- This shows that you have INITIA-
ronment. - The office environment (corporate culture)
TIVE and ability to handle your challenges.
Most of the time, you would be working in teams where - Your colleagues and how they interact with one
- another
responsibilities are shared and you can discuss with your team Get A Mentor
members on the tasks given. You can also seek advice from your - The ‘who’s who’ in your company (From the Top
senior colleagues who have more experience in areas that you A mentor is someone who can assist you with prob-
find challenging. - Management to the tea lady) lems through previous experience and also celebrate
your achievements. This mentor is also able to
Also, we use an In-House Performance Management Network & Build Relationships (NOT enemies!) provide you GUIDANCE whether it is for career or
System called “Dialogue” where the new hire will meet with
Making healthy CONNECTIONS with your colleagues personal development.
his/her Performance Manager every 6 months to discuss on
personal development goals and career development will help you cope with the transition to the new Mentors can be a senior colleague or a friend who
issues. This ‘mentor’ is assigned to the individual through- environment. has several years of working experi-
out his/her career. - Get to know your colleagues and start building ence.
- relationships
Would you have any advice to graduating students in Keep Your Attitude In Check
- Determine who you can rely on for help or advice
preparation for their 1st year of employment? 1. Always show INITIATIVE and be
Do not be afraid to explore the variety of options with an PROACTIVE in whatever
Upward Management (Your
open mind. tasks/responsibilities assigned to you
BOSSES!)
Your degree is only the key to unlock the door to many 2. Be willing to LEARN, UNLEARN &
opportunities. The world is your “oyster”. Keep a good flow of COMMUNICATION
RELEARN by taking on new/challenging responsi-
open with your manager by:
bilities or assignments
Be prepared to LEARN even though it may not be what you - Finding out your manager’s expecta-
have learnt previously in University. BELIEVE in yourself 3. Never be afraid to fail or make mistakes
tions
and INVEST in yourself.
- Occasionally asking for FEEDBACK
The transition from classroom to office is both
Career opportunities @ KPMG - Keeping him/her informed of your progress on exciting and challenging. So, do not put too much
There are numerous career opportunities at KPMG. Fresh tasks pressure on yourself but at the same time, stay
graduates are encouraged to discover their potential by focused on what you want to achieve.
joining our audit, tax or advisory functions.
With the diversity of services @ KPMG, we welcome fresh
graduates from various disciplines/majors to discover their
potential with us.
For more information, visit KPMG’s website at
http://www.kpmg.com.my/careers
Steer
 The Employer’s Perspective
‘Be prepared to LEARN & RE-LEARN’ - Siew Chin Kiang
That was the advice given by MR. SIEW CHIN KIANG, Staff Partner of KPMG during a recent
interview with us. With over 20 years of working experience, Mr. Siew is currently overseeing
the Financial Advisory and Human Resource Departments. A local graduate who has worked
his way up the corporate ladder, he shares his thoughts and views on Employers’ Expectations
during the 1st year of work.
What do you look for when hiring a
fresh graduate?
Apart from academic achievements, I believe that ATTI-
TUDE is an important attribute. You have to be RECEP-
TIVE to new environment, able to interact with people
and have a POSITIVE outlook.
LEADERSHIP potential, where the ability of the individual to be
developed into future leader/manager, is also essential apart
from the ability to take on CHALLENGES and shows PASSION in
the work that you do.
I would also look for those with ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
in Extra Curricular Activities (ECA). With “active participa-
tion”, I refer to those who held important ROLES and not
just merely participating in activities. It is, therefore,
important that you have developed skills and experiences
in whatever that you are involved in. This shows PASSION
and VISION. You will also be able to demonstrate that you
are FOCUSED and DETEREMINED to succeed.
What are your expectations towards fresh graduates
during their 1st year at work?
Essentially, the first 3-6 months is the time where you
show your ability to integrate and work with your fellow
colleagues.
The 1st year is all about settling down and discovering your
interests. You must also be prepared to step out of your
COMFORT ZONE as you will be learning new things and
meeting new people.
This is also the year where your ABILITY and POTENTIAL
will be demonstrated in the tasks and responsibilities
given to you.
Many fresh graduates are used to being spoon fed. Informa-
tion is given to them without them asking for it. It is very
different in the working world. You are expected take a
PROACTIVE role and take INITIATIVE in what you do.
Steer
Survival Guide
‘There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard
work, and learning from failure.’ - Colin Powell
Preparing and making through a transition from one environment to the other is never easy. Here are
some tips to help you get through the first year with minimal ‘damage’
How would your company support or assist new hire in Observe & Stay Alert Give Solutions (NOT problems)
this transitional stage? (Keep your radars ON) Always approach your manager with
We would normally recruit fresh graduates in large num- UNDERSTAND how things work in and SOLUTIONS to the challenges you
bers so that the new hires can identify with one another around your office/company. are facing and discuss with him/her
and share challenges/experiences together. This will put on the best solution.
Find out:-
them slightly at ease and get comfortable to the new envi- This shows that you have INITIA-
ronment. - The office environment (corporate culture)
TIVE and ability to handle your challenges.
Most of the time, you would be working in teams where - Your colleagues and how they interact with one
- another
responsibilities are shared and you can discuss with your team Get A Mentor
members on the tasks given. You can also seek advice from your - The ‘who’s who’ in your company (From the Top
senior colleagues who have more experience in areas that you A mentor is someone who can assist you with prob-
find challenging. - Management to the tea lady) lems through previous experience and also celebrate
your achievements. This mentor is also able to
Also, we use an In-House Performance Management Network & Build Relationships (NOT enemies!) provide you GUIDANCE whether it is for career or
System called “Dialogue” where the new hire will meet with
Making healthy CONNECTIONS with your colleagues personal development.
his/her Performance Manager every 6 months to discuss on
personal development goals and career development will help you cope with the transition to the new Mentors can be a senior colleague or a friend who
issues. This ‘mentor’ is assigned to the individual through- environment. has several years of working experi-
out his/her career. - Get to know your colleagues and start building ence.
- relationships
Would you have any advice to graduating students in Keep Your Attitude In Check
- Determine who you can rely on for help or advice
preparation for their 1st year of employment? 1. Always show INITIATIVE and be
Do not be afraid to explore the variety of options with an PROACTIVE in whatever
Upward Management (Your
open mind. tasks/responsibilities assigned to you
BOSSES!)
Your degree is only the key to unlock the door to many 2. Be willing to LEARN, UNLEARN &
opportunities. The world is your “oyster”. Keep a good flow of COMMUNICATION
RELEARN by taking on new/challenging responsi-
open with your manager by:
bilities or assignments
Be prepared to LEARN even though it may not be what you - Finding out your manager’s expecta-
have learnt previously in University. BELIEVE in yourself 3. Never be afraid to fail or make mistakes
tions
and INVEST in yourself.
- Occasionally asking for FEEDBACK
The transition from classroom to office is both
Career opportunities @ KPMG - Keeping him/her informed of your progress on exciting and challenging. So, do not put too much
There are numerous career opportunities at KPMG. Fresh tasks pressure on yourself but at the same time, stay
graduates are encouraged to discover their potential by focused on what you want to achieve.
joining our audit, tax or advisory functions.
With the diversity of services @ KPMG, we welcome fresh
graduates from various disciplines/majors to discover their
potential with us.
For more information, visit KPMG’s website at
http://www.kpmg.com.my/careers
Steer
 JUMPSTART BULLETIN October 2007, VOL. 6
ACCELERATE

Aug & Sept Highlights

CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR (AUG - OCT 07)

A Quarterly Publication
by Career Development & Training Unit
KPMG 8TV Stem Life- Stem Cell Bank Digi Telecommunications
3 August

FEEDBACK FROM PARTICIPANTS

21 August 12 September 14 September
How I Survived My 1st Year
‘I have learnt about the real life experience of an accounting firm. The people are friendly and helpful. The visit (to KPMG)
clarified some of my doubts of working in an accounting firm. It was really fun and informative. ‘ - Lee Pei Xuan, AUP @ Work
’The visit (to 8tv) has given me a better understanding of the company and its career opportunities‘. - Tan Lee Ling, MUFY ‘Strive with determination, stay positive & consistent...there’s no
mountain beyond your reach.’
‘The Stem Life visit was informative. Thus, I have a better understanding of its nature of business.’ - Emma Ng Yenn Ling, A
That was the advice given by ANG KER SOON, a graduate of the Australian University Programme (Dec 06) on
Level
overcoming the transition from university to work life. Here, he shares with us his experiences and challenges on
his first job as the Pricing & Costing Analyst at DHL Malaysia.
‘I now have a better understanding of the various departments in Digi and the nature of a particular job.’ - Belquzrin,
American Degree Programme When you first started, what were your main concerns or means staying back in the office.
challenges during your first 6 months to 1 year on the job? I have to be on-my-toes at all times.
MAKING MISTAKES How did you overcome/deal with these challenges?
MORE EXPLORATORY VISITS coming up! In the beginning, I was prone to errors. But as I progressed, I
began to realise that even a small mistake could cost the Be PRUDENT in my daily work
CryoCord - Stem Cell Research Lab (Cyberjaya) SHELL Refining Company Berhad (Port Dickson) I take extra care in details and put in extra effort to ensure no
company to lose several thousands of ringgit in businesses.
8 October, Monday 31 October, Wednesday errors/mistakes have been made in my work.
9.00am - 1.00pm 8.00am - 5.00pm HIGH EXPECTATIONS
From other colleagues, especially managers who had many years Always DISCUSS with my fellow colleagues
GE Engines Services Malaysia (Old Subang Airport) North Port (Port Klang) of experience in the logistics industry on taking on more respon- To get advice or suggestions from them as they have more
8 October, Monday 2 November, Friday sibilities and performing on the job. experiences.
9.00am - 1.00pm 9.00am - 1.00pm WORKLOAD & DEADLINES PRIORITISE
Heavy workload & tight schedules; racing against time to It is important to prioritise work depending on the load, urgency
To register, complete the Registration Form & Letter of Consent available @ Student Services Department and complete all in a given period of time. and importance in order to produce quality work on time.
submit to Adelene Goh/Ee Sarn at least ONE WEEK before the scheduled visit. What were the key learning points from these challenges?
The working world is a very competitive environment &
demands greater responsibilities compared to university life. In I have learnt the following:
the working world, things need to be done fast & accurate. 1) Always ASK if in doubt, never proceed if unsure - Things might
get worse if we give wrong information.
How were these challenges different from those during your 2) Proper TIME MANAGEMENT - Be effective in work & efficient
university years? in performance.
Contact Us In university, if we fail a paper we can retake the subject. But in
3) Avoid over-pressuring myself; instead I have learnt to stay
Adelene Goh / Elisa Dass / Soo Ee Sarn / Judith Chan / Vincent Hah the working world, it is very difficult to regain customer’s confi-
dence if the business is lost as it is very competitive in the FOCUSED and keep CALM.
Career Development & Training Unit, Student Services Department – Student Centre
business world Advice to juniors
Call 03-7491 8623 Ext. 8021 / 8069 / 8019 OR Email prepare@sunway.edu.my Strive with DETERMINATION, stay POSITIVE & CONSISTENT
Also, we were given longer period of time to complete an
assignment in university. But in the working world, deadlines are ...there’s no mountain beyond your reach.
tight (sometimes, almost immediate) and it must be met even if it
Accelerate Ignite