The World is Flat

(My article was published in Buletin Akademik, Issue - Disember 2006)

During my confinement period, l read book titiled The World is Flat by Thomas L.Friedman which I bought it 2 days before my expected due date. I love his writing since my school days like From Beirut to Jerusalam. He is the Pulitzer Prize winning author and columnist for the New York Times. His writing are full of facts and l enjoyed it although some of his ideas l may not agree with him.

I wonder how many of students have read his books. His articulate manner attracts me to discover that there are ten forces that flattened the world. Many of them have spent their money buying unnecessary accessories like gadgets handphone with built-in camera.

So, students must equip themselves with informed knowledge and good attitude. When they attend the interview, they must ensure to have positive outlook, dress to kill and convincing ideas full with general knowledge and IT literate.

Actually, the employers will not judge us how far we remember subjects taken in the class. In fact, they are actually interested to find out whether we are able to communicate effectively, know how to handle telephone ethics, able to work extra time beyond normal office hours, do basic tasks like typing formal letters effortlessly, less create tension to the boss and multi taskings.

One General Manager whom I met and has conducted several interviews with local graduates will expect that the candidate will be able to demonstrate more than what he expects like willing to work over time, prepare to work during the weekend ( when urgent tasks need to be settled), quick in handling normal office tasks like preparing cover letters by themselves, liaise with other staffs and do some marketing.

From my own experience as a legal practitioner before l became an academician was when l was attached with the Corporate Department, sometimes l was asked by my ex-boss to follow him attending client’s meeting, attend court’s matters (Litigation) and prepare of Sale and Purchase Agreements for conveyancing matters. In between my heavy tasks, l must do some marketing with new and prospect clients besides dealing with existing clients who were unpatiently wait for nothing but only good news. By the time the clock struck 6 pm, l was still in the office finishing legal opinion to be faxed to overseas client that night!

Furthermore, he wants someone with human touch, be able to anticipate people’s feeling, know what to react at the right time and be able to laugh at our own fault. Do not take seriously for his constructive criticism and please do not cry when the boss throw away his tantrums. Just stay cool, relax. That’s why you got the job and stay in the company unless they do not pay your EPF! Make sure your boss will think of you when you are away. Out of sight does not mean out of mind! Do something creative that will eventually make him appreciate your present and that’s the recipe to stay long in the private sector only if the pay is good. Otherwise, do not limit yourself and try to do some job hunting secretly and not disturb your job performance.

Till then, keep reading my articles!