Guide to Career by DoctorJob by Suzanne Tan

2012 Edition

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GUIDE TO CHOOSING A CAREER d skills an Find the ke a ge to m knowled areer tc the righ here s decision

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Let’s Get

Planning your future

Started!

t’s a well-known fact that people who enjoy their work are usually more productive, motivated, contented and ultimately more successful in their careers. Thus it’s important to find a career that suits your interests, talents and abilities in order to have a happier and easier life ahead. This booklet can help to give you a clearer idea of what to look out for when selecting a career and the steps you need to take to prepare for it. While it can’t pick the perfect career for you (sorry – that’s still your job) the advice, information and resources I’ve prepared here can steer you in the right direction. If you already have your future career path all plotted out, my career planning tips can help you to identify the best route that will take you where you want to go. On the other hand, if you haven’t even decided if you want to go into the arts or science stream, then don’t fret – I’ll show you how you can explore all the options you have and then zero in on what you’re best suited for. Career planning is a lifelong skill that will help you make the most of your education and opportunities. Developing this skill now will give you a head start on the rest of your life. Do let me know what you think about this booklet and what you’d like to see in future editions by filling in the feedback and enquiry card in the centrespread and sending it back to me. You can also find me at doctorjob.com.my or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ doctorjob). Hope to hear from you soon!

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PLAN YOUR PATH 3

Remember to read the entire job advertisement and familiarise yourself with the jargon used, as some of the terms can be confusing. When in doubt, always get clarification from an experienced person, preferably someone in the same industry.

Develop career goals and objectives Goals and objectives will help you tailor your job search efforts for more productive results. Start by understanding the differences between the two types of career goals, and by coming up with a short list of your own short-term and longterm goals. In a nutshell, short-term goals are the ones that you can achieve in a short span of time − for instance, a day, a week or a month. On the other hand, long-term goals (or overall goals) are the ones that you are aiming to achieve in a year or in a few years’ time. Finding out your goals and objectives will help you narrow down your career options.

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Engage in work shadowing

Update your knowledge

Work shadowing (sometimes referred to as job shadowing) simply means following and watching a professional at work. It is a first-hand observation through which you can learn in detail about the knowledge and skills required for specific positions. If you spend enough time on it, work shadowing will also allow you to study the inner workings of a department and organisation, while gaining insight into your industry of interest. Although work shadowing is considered an informal type of work experience, it can prove to be useful for those taking the first steps into a specific line of work.

When planning a career, always keep the phrase ‘lifelong learning’ in mind. Go out of your way to find out more about the careers that are relevant to you – by visiting career fairs, talking to company representatives or doing research online via job portals. It is a fast-moving world out there and information can become obsolete as time passes, so it is best to always be prepared with the latest job information. Career planning is a lifelong process that can keep you on the right track – from your first job all the way to your eventual retirement. Take the time to understand what you really want from a career, and start working towards it today!

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

PLAN YOUR PATH

Taking charge of your career What steps can you take to choose a career that you can be passionate about?

eciding on a career can be one of the hardest steps to take. Some have their paths set out in front of them from early on, while others stumble on to a career by accident. Some know exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives, while others try out many different jobs in the hope of finding a career that sticks.

Research, research, research Based on your interests, start researching potential career paths. Consider all possibilities. Consult resources such as careers counsellors or doctorjob’s publications. Search on Google for interviews with people in top positions in your fields of interest, as well as industry journals and publications.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Identifying your interests Finding the right job and career very much depends on complete self-honesty when evaluating your strengths, weaknesses and interests. First, make a list of your interests. These should be interests that you are genuinely serious and passionate about − interests that you believe can be the foundation of a successful and fulfilling career. At this point, you shouldn’t dismiss anything as unsuitable. You are considering your options, so it is fine to have as wide a range of choices as possible.

Also, talk to as many people in those jobs as possible. Make use of your friends’ and relatives’ contacts as well as your own, to get an idea of what the job is actually like. Ask: • What does the job involve? • Do you need a degree? • What skills do you need? • What is the typical career path? • What is the salary and job security? • What will you learn?

Once you have started doing more research and talked to more people, you will find yourself automatically shortlisting possible careers and fields. You may be ‘sidetracked’ by other suggestions and possibilities. Don’t discount those either, but continue to research and eliminate as you go along.

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Weighing up Weigh your strengths against what you have researched about the career. Do you think you are suited for such a job? Make a list of the hard skills you have. For example, the ability to speak different languages is a valuable skill, along with mathematical, research and IT skills. If your list of hard skills is not long, don’t panic. Most technical skills can be learned, and employers will often have on-the-job training programmes to fill in the gaps in your skillset.

Don’t ignore your soft skills, too. Soft skills are sometimes grouped with personality traits or people skills, and can tell an employer a lot about how you will approach the job. Examples of soft skills are: • communication skills • interpersonal skills • teamwork • teambuilding • problem solving • creativity • leadership abilities • conflict resolution • motivational skills • decision-making • planning

and a whole host of other skills which will come into play at work. There may be work experience or internships that you can do to further heighten your understanding of the job. You can enter the university search with a better idea of what you want to learn, and thus choose a university and course best suited to you. You should not only match your interests with your strengths. You must also consider what you believe is important to you, both personally and professionally, and match that with the careers you’re considering.

The key to finding a career that suits you lies in doing extensive research early on, and constantly being aware of chances to develop yourself with a career goal in mind. Take charge of your career by being proactive, seeking information and always being on the lookout for opportunities.

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doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

PLAN YOUR PATH

Making tough career choices If you’re having problems deciding on a course of study or career, you may be experiencing one or more of the following difficulties. Read on to find out how you can overcome them.

esearchers have found that the difficulties experienced by students in making a course or career decision can be grouped into three broad categories.

A lack of readiness Some students have difficulties making a career decision because they are not ready or not motivated to do so. This could be because making the decision is not urgent. For example, a student in Form 4 may not need to decide on a course at pre-university, while a student who has already completed his or her SPM examinations and is currently waiting for his results would be more motivated to commit to a course and/or career. If the need to make a decision is still far off, don’t be unduly worried if you can’t decide on a course or career now. You’ll be more prepared to make a decision when the time to do so nears.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Lack of information We will have difficulties making course or career decisions if we don’t have the necessary information about ourselves and career opportunities out there. To make an informed and successful decision, you need to know your interests, strengths and abilities, as well as courses and careers that are available. To find out more about yourself, you can speak to your friends, parents or careers advisers in school or college. You can also do personality, ability and career tests to discover more about yourself. Information on courses and careers is available on print and online. For example, doctorjob’s coursesNOW! publications and doctorjob.com.my are good sources of information and advice on courses at university and careers in specific sectors. If you want to read more about the job market and how to prepare for work, you can try the gradmalaysia magazines and gradmalaysia.com website. If you have difficulties making a course or career decision, it could be that you don’t have the necessary information.

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Inconsistent information As information can be easily downloaded from the Internet, some people have difficulties making course or career decisions when they have too much information − some of which may be inconsistent or unreliable. For example, if you have received conflicting information on the course you want to study from different sources, you may find it difficult to decide which piece of information to trust. In such situations, it’s important for you to do more research by speaking to authorities on the subject, such as people working in the profession, and people who are studying or have completed the course and have found jobs in the area you aspire to work in. There are also cases where students receive conflicting advice from people who are important in their lives. For example, if your parents want you to study course A, but your friends tell you that you are more suited for course B, you may find it difficult to choose between what your parents tell you and what your friends say as both parties are important to you. While your parents and your friends are important, you need to decide what is best for you because you will be studying the course and working in the area eventually. If you choose a course that is different from the one your parents want, do try to get their support by doing your research and involving them in your decision making process.

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To be able to make good decisions, you need sufficient knowledge about yourself and the courses or careers that are available. Therefore, do spend some time researching courses and careers before making career or course decisions.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

PLAN YOUR PATH

Mapping your education route A solid education is the first step towards a long and fruitful career. doctorjob takes you step-by-step through the various stages from secondary school to work life.

ou might think that it is too early to begin thinking about your career. However, if you want to have a good shot at a successful career, it pays to have a well planned education route. This ensures that you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to take on a rewarding career.

doctorjobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to choosing a career

Baby steps (Form 4 to Form 5) For a start, think about the subjects that you are studying in school: which ones do you like the most, and which ones send you straight to slumberland? Selecting subjects that you like will help streamline your options. If you do not have an inclination towards any particular subject, pick a combination that will give you the widest options when applying for courses at university. If you need help choosing your subjects, talk to your school counsellors. They will be happy to point you in the right direction. Since you are still discovering yourself, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to make any concrete decisions just yet. Maintain a balanced school life by taking part in extra-curricular activities, and enjoy the learning process. Get to know your strengths and weaknesses by taking personality and career tests. You can also learn more about various careers by reading up about various jobs and courses or talking to your family, friends and relatives.

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Laying down the foundation (Pre-university) The right pre-university course will give you the proper foundation, and set you on the right path towards your further education and career. You want a course that gives you the most routes towards your goal, while providing a challenging and stimulating learning experience that will ease you into university life. Pre-university gives you a taste of the depth of study that you will face at university level, and tests your ability to keep up. The process should give you a clear picture of your interests and capabilities. Weigh your study options carefully and narrow down your selections. Near the end of your pre-u course, you should be able to decide on the right degree course for you.

If you still haven’t figured out what you’re destined to do, don’t worry about it too much. By starting your career planning now, you have taken the first step in the right direction! Instead of limiting yourself to a straight, narrow path, keep an open mind – you’ll never know if you will change it later on. When all is said and done, remember to stay motivated and positive. After all, it’s you who’s in charge of your future.

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Getting on the right course (University life) At this stage you should be considering your options seriously. By now, you should have a rough idea of the area of work you would like to pursue, or at least, the direction that you are moving in. A good way to track your progress is to write your CV (curriculum vitae). You should be able to identify the experience, skills, personality traits and academic achievements that you’ve accumulated. Identify your loopholes and start plugging them up by upgrading yourself where necessary. Take up relevant electives, attend career talks, read career and industry magazines, network, take up a part-time job, and do internships to gain the relevant knowledge, experience and insight into the real working world.

Fresh out of the oven Congratulations, you finally graduated! Depending on your personal goals and how well you did at university, you might want to take some time off to develop or rejuvenate yourself. Then it’s time to apply for your first job! Clean up your CV, whip up a convincing cover letter and get ready to make a lasting impression. The rest is just the beginning of a long and exciting journey.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

10 PLAN YOUR PATH

Career myths debunked Determining the course and career of your choice is one of life’s big decisions. Yet, have you considered the right factors when making those decisions? We gather some advice from KDU counsellors to separate myth from reality. Myth #1 I do not have the minimum grades required to get into college or university.

Myth #2 Once I’ve earned a particular degree, I’m stuck in that one field for life.

Fact

Getting into an Ivy League institution will require sterling academic achievements and strong financial backing. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to secure a place in a top-tier establishment. The more mentally challenging courses such as medicine or engineering will demand good academic results, but there are other courses which do not require straight As for one to pursue. ‘One of the common misconceptions that I have come across many times is when students feel discouraged to study because they have achieved less than the required credits in their SPM. This has become a rather common issue as I have talked to many students who chose work instead of studies because of poor results,’ said KDU Marketing Executive Valerie Ooi.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Just because you studied medicine, it does not mean that you have to become a doctor and to do so until you retire. Even those with medical degrees have made a name for themselves outside of the operating theatre, such as CNN’s chief medical correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta. If you have a technical degree, you can pursue an MBA to move into the management track if you do not want to pursue technical expertise. If you are still in college and realise that you do not like your current course, there are conversion courses in some cases which you can consider, even if it means graduating later than your peers. ‘There is rarely a case where a student pursues an ideal undergraduate programme and works in that particular industry all the way, loving every single bit of it without changing interest at all… Despite that, you still have to decide what you would like to do now, and if it changes later, that’s what we call life,’ advised KDU Marketing Executive Hariz Lee.

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Myth #4: I can definitely get a starting salary that is high enough to finance a car, new mobile phone and my entertainment expenses.

Fact Myth #3 My university course fully prepares me to face the challenges of the working world.

Fact

The learning does not stop the moment you leave your alma mater with your scroll in hand. In today’s technology-driven era, you have to continually keep abreast with current trends and changes affecting the industry of your choice. ‘Students always think that what they study in books will be sufficient enough when they start working,’ explained KDU Marketing Executive Caine Chan. However, strong technical knowledge in your chosen field is not the only thing that determines a successful career. The soft skills you develop or enhance while in school through extra-curricular activities are also important in moving you up the career ladder.

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The fresh graduates in Malaysia can earn anywhere between RM1,500 and RM3,000, depending on their field of study as well as the company that’s hiring them. While it is important to secure a job that can pay the bills and put food on your table, it is also equally important to control your budget so that you do not overspend. According to KDU E-Manager Ann Teoh, ‘The starting salary for most jobs is not great, unless you can work as a professional in a multinational corporation.’ Teoh added that another common misconception among students is that ‘you can clock in whenever you want’. In fact, many employers also expect fresh graduates to work long hours in the first few years of their professional life to develop the right skills and attitude to climb the corporate ladder.

There are many important factors to consider when deciding on the right course or career. Therefore, find out as much as you possibly can about the course or job that interests you and the career options that lie beyond. It never hurts to be too careful.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

12 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Quizzing yourself Find out what career profiling tests can – and can’t – tell you about the careers that are right for you. Education

Human resource management Culinary Arts

FOOD SCIENCES

LAW Dietition

ALL ABOUT DRUGS

Environmental engineering Physics & chemistry

Computer

PSYCHOLOGY

Accountancy Biology Creative Multimedia

Dentistry

Engineering

Forensic Science

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Economics & maths HOTEL MANAGEMENT

MEDICINE

Optometry Pharmacy NURSING

Fashion design

Art & design Urban studies

NETWORK Architecture Veterinary medicine

HUMAN

Archaeology Photography

Journalism CIVIL ENGINEERING

ave you ever taken those tests that promise to tell you what career or job you are best suited for? Whether it’s in school, in Facebook or in a magazine, these tests will start by asking you a series of seemingly random questions. At the end your score is added up and your recommended job or career profile is presented. While it’s tempting to want to believe that all your

career choice questions can be answered just by taking a simple objective test, this is unfortunately far from the truth. The most that these tests can do is help you to start thinking about what you are good at and what you enjoy doing (which may not always be the same things!). You can also get some ideas about careers that you might not have thought about before.

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Making the best use of career profiling tests Of course, this is not to say that these tests are a waste of time or that you should stop doing them altogether. However, you should compare the results of the tests that you take, and see if there is a pattern to the results that you get. If you find the results of three or more tests are quite alike – for example, three tests in a row tell you that you are best suited for a career in sales – this shows that you most probably are well suited for that career or job area. On the other hand, if the results are all over the place – eg one test says you should be a doctor, another test says detective, and yet another says

accounting is the perfect career for you – it does not mean that these results are wrong. Rather, it means that you have certain skills and aptitudes that are found in each of those jobs. You should then do some more research into the recommended jobs to find out what factors, skills or abilities those jobs have in common. Your interests may change over time, so it is a good idea to take the career tests every six months or so while you are still in school.

doctor or lawyer at the end, but rather that can help you to identify and understand your own skills, interests and abilities, and what you have the potential to be good at; and then match your skills and favourite activities to a job field, like healthcare or legal industry. From this starting point, you can begin to narrow down your career choices by yourself to the one that works best for you.

There is no such thing as the perfect career test that will pick the right career for you. However, the most useful career profiling tests are those that do not specify a certain job like

Online career tests to try gradmalaysia Career Report http://gradmalaysia.com/careers-report

CareerPath www.careerpath.com

Monster.com Career Mapping http://my.monster.com/Career-Planning/ Pathing.aspx * All addresses are correct at the time of going to press.

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doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

14 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Getting to know you Knowing yourself better can help you narrow down the careers that you could do well in.

ccording to career theorist John Holland, there are generally six personality types which correspond to six work environments, and the key to a satisfying work life is to find your best match. Tick the statements that best describe you.

Realistic I’m a hands-on person. I like physical and manual activities (such as operating machines). I prefer working with things, plants or animals over ideas and people. I learn best in practical, task-oriented settings rather than in a classroom. I tend to be direct and frank with others. I value tangible material things. While you have skills in mechanical and physical activities, you’re not so great at human relations. You will enjoy a work environment that cultivates technical abilities where the results of your work are tangible. Typical career examples: The military, electrician, mechanic, automotive engineer, chef, pilot, animal caretaker. doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Investigative I am logical, analytical, intellectual and observant. I enjoy mathematical and scientific activities as well as research. I don’t like ambiguous challenges. I don’t like highly structured environments. I enjoy solving complex abstract problems in creative ways. I prefer to work alone and do not like being a leader. I value science and learning. You have scientific and mathematical abilities but may lack leadership and persuasive skills. A suitable work environment is one that promotes scientific abilities, has a focus on solving abstract, complex problems and lets you work independently. Some career examples: medical technologist, chemist, surgeon, forensic scientist, microbiologist, computer programmer, veterinarian.

Artistic I am original, intuitive and imaginative. I like expressing myself through artistic creation. I like flexibility and ambiguity, but not convention and conformity. I am expressive and open. I can be impulsive and emotional. I appreciate aesthetics. You excel in creative pursuits like those related to music, writing, drawing and so on, but you tend to lack organisational skills. Find a flexible and unstructured work setting that cultivates your creative abilities, and encourages originality and imagination. Some career examples: musician, graphic designer, poet, actor, architect, choreographer and interior decorator.

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Conventional

Social I am concerned about the welfare of others and enjoy helping people. I am idealistic and responsible. I like working in teams. I have strong interpersonal skills and like to socialise. I am warm and tactful. I can be persuasive and like to talk through problems. While you are understanding, helpful and cheerful, you may lack mechanical ability. Find work that encourages teamwork and allows you to interact with and help others. Some typical careers include counsellor, teacher, tour guide, psychologist, diplomat, nurse and social worker.

Enterprising I am ambitious, energetic, adventurous and sociable. I can be seen as domineering. I enjoy being a leader and like persuasive roles. I use interpersonal, leadership and persuasive abilities to reach my goals. I avoid routine or systematic activities. I am good at public speaking. You are assertive and sociable, but may lack scientific abilities. What would suit you is an environment that encourages activities such as leadership, management and selling which reward you with money, power and status. Typical careers include business executive, salesperson, politician, insurance agent, lawyer, manager and entrepreneur.

I am efficient, organised and conscientious. I am thorough, persistent and reliable in carrying out tasks. I like working in the background. I shy away from leadership roles. I like well-defined instructions and not ambiguity. I like organised, systematic activities. While you possess organisational and numerical abilities, you tend to lack creativity and may see yourself as unimaginative. Find an environment that uses your organisational abilities and values conformity and dependability. Typical careers include accountant, banker, secretary, payroll clerk, court interpreter, actuary and broker.

Most of us are a mixture of more than one of these types. This exercise will help you to recognise the different sides of your personality and find a career that brings out the best of all of them.

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doctorjobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to choosing a career

16 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Skills employers love Being successful in your career not only involves a strong understanding of the technical aspects of your chosen profession, but also cultivating and enhancing relevant skills.

echnical skills and knowledge are a crucial component when hiring for any position. However, while sterling academic qualifications may land you the job, they don’t necessarily guarantee that you will enjoy a smooth ride to the top of the corporate ladder. The soft skills that you pick up along the way can help you get noticed and pave the way for promotions. We look at some skills that fall into this category.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Analytical Strong analytical skills are a common prerequisite for most management positions, as people higher up the corporate ladder are usually involved in making big decisions. Such skills include the ability to apply logical thinking to analysing information, solving problems and formulating plans.

Business acumen These days, knowing your job is not good enough – you also need to be aware of the environment in which the business or company operates. A strong business sense is a key indicator of leadership potential and you may find yourself climbing up the corporate ladder a lot faster.

Communication This is probably the one skill that all employers expect of their staff. Good communication helps you build bridges and relationships with your

colleagues, persuade others to adopt your ideas, express your needs, and understand and act on instructions.

Delegation While not a pre-requisite at entry level, this is one skill that can help you climb the corporate ladder faster. If you work on your own, there’s only a limited amount that you can accomplish in a day. Delegating some responsibility to others in your team can help you get the job done quicker and more effectively.

Multitasking/ Time management Many jobs these days require one to work on several projects at the same time, so you will need to learn to manage and prioritise your work to meet the various deadlines. Time management skills are important as it helps you to multitask on the job.

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DO YOUR HOMEWORK 17

Numerical Not all jobs require you to be a genius in mathematics, but you should still be comfortable with this subject if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a role that requires some form of number crunching. You should also be able to spot numerical trends, especially when forecasting and planning budgets.

Planning and organising Planning and organising skills are the ability to conceive, develop and implement a plan of action to accomplish a set of goals. They help you to maximise your resources and do things in a systematic manner in order to meet your deadlines and other work commitments.

Problem solving The bulk of the working day is usually spent solving problems, supporting others who are solving problems or discovering new problems to solve. When

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you have a good process of working through the details of a problem to reach a solution, you can become a confident problem solver.

doctorjo b.com.m y

Reporting Verbal communication is one thing; written communication is another thing altogether. Many jobs involving research and analysis require good report-writing skills to present information in a careful, clear and consistent manner for the benefit of those who need them to make key decisions.

Team work As products and services become more complex, more people are required to work on them to make them a success. Hence, teamwork has become very important as it involves dealing with people of diverse skills, talents, backgrounds and behavioural traits effectively to get the work done.

The more soft skills you develop, the easier it will be for you to move onto bigger roles and challenges. The best part is that many of these skills are just as useful in your personal life as they are in your professional role.

doctorjobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to choosing a career

18 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Building your CV Your CV makes you stand out and highlights your strengths.

ven if you’re still currently in school, it’s good to start practising to write your curriculum vitae or CV now. If you are planning to apply for scholarships, for example, you are often required to submit a CV with your application. Your CV is one of the very first things the employer or scholarship committee will use to form an initial judgment of you; and first impressions always count. A good CV will kick your name to the top of the pile of applications, while a poorly organised, generic CV may imply that you’re not that interested in the job or the scholarship.

Preparations Make a complete list of the following: Your personal and contact details Your academic achievements Your extra-curricular achievements in and outside school Any previous working experience Your greatest strengths and successes Potential referees (get their permission first) If you are applying for a creative job, make sure to compile a portfolio or collection of relevant work, such as artwork, articles, designs or photographs.

Writing your CV Your CV should be short – not more than two pages – and tailored to be relevant to the job or scholarship you’re applying for. Always bear in mind that its main purpose is to get you to the next stage, so you should highlight what makes you the best choice. doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Here’s the order in which you should lay out your CV:

Personal and contact details

Education and qualifications

Your personal and contact details should include your full name, mobile number, postal address and email address.

List down your academic achievements, schools and years of study. For scholarship applications, you need to include your UPSR and PMR results; while for job applications, employers will generally be only interested in your PMR and SPM/UEC results. List the most recent achievements first.

Tip!

An address like fluffy_lunar_ unicorn@hotstuffmail.com can spoil an otherwise professionalsounding CV. Consider obtaining an email address that uses your real name.

Extra-curricular activities Employers and scholarship committees look for well-rounded candidates with diverse and healthy interests. Being an officer of your school’s Interact Club or winning the inter-state school tennis tournament can be proof of your desire to stretch your limits. Be sure to emphasise any leadership roles and responsibilities.

Tip!

‘Socialising with friends’ is not a relevant extra-curricular activity.

Skills

2 5

Use this section to highlight your hard skills, such as languages and IT software skills. If you have official certifications, mention them here.

References End your CV with two referees, preferably one academic referee and one character referee. Referees should not be your family members, even if you’ve worked for your family business.

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DO YOUR HOMEWORK 19

Sa m p le CV Work experience

e Ann hibbah | 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Andrea TaRanyaBe 5 | Taman Mu eemail.net

List down any work experience that you have undertaken, including service or part-time jobs such as waiter or sales promoter.

Tip!

For each instance of work experience, always specify your responsibilities and main achievements in one or two bullet points.

Always remember that your CV is your one shot at obtaining an interview. Put yourself in the shoes of the people reviewing your CV, and show them how you’re the one they’re looking for.

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ese Mohd Razali Pn Rafidah bt Manager uters Starbuxx Comp Hi Watt Plaza Lumpur 55100 Kuala 890 Tel: 012-4567 starbuxx.com Email: raffi@

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

20 ADVICE

Being your own boss Starting a business can be a satisfying and worthwhile career.

o you want to be your own boss? Whether you are starting a business from scratch or taking over an existing business, there are a few basic things to keep in mind when you are going into business for yourself.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Learn some basic accounting At the very least, you should maintain a simple ledger to track your expenses and income.

Do something you like This might seem like a nobrainer, but it’s much easier to sell products and services to customers if you enjoy the business you are doing. Liking what you do also helps you to keep your spirits up and to stay focused on success during rough patches when business is slow.

Research the competition Are there others selling the same kinds of products or offering the same services? Find out more about what they are doing, what their prices are etc. Even if there are many others doing the same kind of business you’re thinking of, think about what you can offer that the others don’t, such as lower prices, free delivery or on-time guarantees.

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ADVICE 21

Stay on the right side of the law Make a plan

Before you start buying stock and promoting your business, prepare a business plan. A business plan helps you to identify and set goals to meet in order for your business to succeed. It will also help you to stay focused when things are not going well. Your business plan should cover basically: What your business is Who your main customers are or will be What products or services you will be selling What the costs of running the business will be (eg buying supplies and stock, advertising and promotion, etc) How much you will charge How much money you need to make in order for your business to stay running. Once you’ve drafted a business plan, you will be able to see where the weaknesses are and start thinking of how to fix them. If you know someone who is running a business – relatives or friends perhaps – ask them for help to review it. Experienced business owners can help you to know if you’re on the right track.

Registering a sole proprietorship (single owner) or partnership business is a simple matter and can be completed in a few hours online or at any Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) branch. In addition to registering your business with the SSM, you also need to make sure to obtain all necessary permits and licences. For more information, see www.ssm.com.my/en/ services_registration.php.

Promote your business wisely Advertising your business doesn’t have to be expensive, especially now with the Internet. Word of mouth is the best way when you’re just starting out – a few satisfied customers are the best free advertising. Create a free blog to keep your customers aware of any new products or updates. You can also promote your business among your immediate social circle on your own Facebook account. However, be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want to lose friends because you keep pestering them to buy things!

Don’t take shortcuts Avoid getting tempted by ‘pyramid’ multilevel marketing ventures, illegal or get-rich-quick schemes. While these schemes make it look like you can get money for little or no work, you are more likely to end up losing money – or worse, going bankrupt. Aspiring entrepreneurs need to have a ‘never say die’ attitude, tenaciousness, patience and perseverance in order to succeed. Keep in mind that running a business is hard work, but it will eventually pay off if you do it with honesty and integrity.

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doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

22 ADVICE

Adding extra to your education Give yourself a dose of fun and earn some useful skills in the process by taking on extra-curricular activities (ECAs) at university.

hen it comes to putting together your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV), an impressive list of ECAs is the icing on the cake that enhances your chances when applying for your first job or internship. Here’s why.

Landing your dream job Many established organisations have their own in-house training facilities that are designed to equip their employees with the necessary work-related skills for the job. Hence priority has shifted from what you are qualified to do to how fast you can learn, adapt and contribute to the team. Active participation in ECAs will serve as a reliable gauge of your abilities and personality, provided that you are able to elaborate on these experiences. The activities you choose to participate in will also give your prospective employer an idea of the types of activities and working environment you would enjoy, which will further ease your integration into the organisation.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Easing the tension Breaking the ice when you meet someone for the first time – especially if the person is someone you have to impress – can be awkward and tricky. Thus it’s good to create interest by highlighting your hobbies and leisure pursuits before meeting up. Whether it is chess, extreme sports or volunteer work, healthy non-academic pursuits show that you actually have a life outside the classroom, and gives the impression that you are a more approachable, friendly and sociable individual. Who knows? You interviewer might share a common interest with you too! Defining extra-curricular ECAs are any activity that you join in school or university that’s outside the normal school curriculum – be it joining the Malaysian Red Crescent Society or playing for the basketball team. Can’t find a club or ECA that you like? Why not start your own? Just speak to your school principal or university advisor. They should be able to fill you in on the procedures.

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ADVICE 23

Accumulating real life skills

Spreading your wings

Soft skills such as interpersonal, leadership, time management, problem solving and teamwork are highly sought after in the employment market. These skills are transferable to any organisation and enhance your ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. They don’t teach you these skills in the classroom but it doesn’t mean you can’t start sharpening them while in school! Soft skills are best learned through experience – so you will be doing yourself a huge favour by starting early. On top of that, participating in ECAs allows you to take up leadership and responsibility, which are good indicators of your capabilities.

Taking up ECAs is a great way to unearth your innate abilities and discover new ones too. It’s also a good way to try out new things and explore your interests. For instance, if you’re thinking of becoming a doctor, why not join your school’s St John Ambulance Corps to see if you’re cut out for a career in medicine? So step out of your comfort zone and try out whatever tickles your fancy. You can also change the activity if it does not suit you. Just remember to be consistent in at least one activity so that you have something to show in your school or university extra-curricular report.

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Outstanding academic achievements alone are no longer sufficient to clinch your dream job. Good grades will only get you past that initial screening, so put aside your books for a few hours, get out there and have some fun!

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

24 ADVICE

Networking for success It’s never too early to learn the art of networking.

etworking is an essential tool for job seekers. It may be the single most effective way to getting the job of your dreams. Networking is not just a good way to secure jobs; it is a tool that can help you in various aspects of your life, from moving up the corporate ladder to meeting your future life partner. You may think you have plenty of time to pick up this all-important skill before you step into the working world. However, cultivating this habit as early as possible can help you make the most out of your connections in college and beyond. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the network to success.

Build a contact list Networking is an active, ongoing process in which you identify people who can provide information, advice, and best of all – more contacts! Ways to identify and make new contacts include: Extra-curricular activities such as uniformed societies, sports clubs and inter-school competitions. These are great opportunities to make friends from other schools. Your common interest is a good conversation starter, and you can then progress to other topics like study tips and career choices. Social networking sites like Facebook and online forums which enable you to join common interest groups and make new friends. This is one good way to extend your circle of contacts even if you have not personally met them. doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Talking to parents of friends. Working adults are one of the best ways to learn about the various career choices you can make. Finding out first-hand information on a career that you’re interested in is better than reading about it in books and websites. Charitable organisations or religious centres. If your parents are members of a clan association or regularly worship at a particular mosque, temple or church, you should take the opportunity to get to know their friends or other working adults in those organisations.

Planning is everything Once you have identified the various avenues that can present you with opportunities to network, the next step is to target specific individuals whom you think establishing a relationship with can benefit you in the long run. Start by listing these individuals according to priority. To build your self-confidence, you can start with people who are more approachable. You can then get your parents or mutual friends to make the introductions.

Preparing to make contact Once you have made the necessary arrangements, you should think of relevant questions to ask your potential contacts. If they work in an industry you are interested to join, you should first research that industry and then tailor your questions to find out important information that you can’t find yourself.

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ADVICE 25

You can ask your potential contacts questions on educational and work experience required, entry-level or internship opportunities, career challenges, sources of job satisfaction, personal and professional development, and overall work environment. Avoid asking about the salary range of the jobs on offer, unless the contacts voluntarily disclose the information themselves. To get over a case of the nerves, you can practise with a friend or family member, going over all the possible scenarios you can think of.

Follow up Keep in touch with your contact, occasionally following up with thank-you notes and updates on your career choices. By building long-lasting relationships with your contacts, you will have created a pool of individuals you can later use as referrals to get internships and even jobs. However, ensure you obtain permission from them first.

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Ask about vacancies You may ask your contacts if you are allowed to visit their workplaces, or if you can work parttime there during your school holidays to gain some first-hand experience of the industry that they work in. If they are still in the company after you have graduated from university, you could even send them a copy of your résumé to pass on to the hiring manager should there be any suitable openings. It is never too early to start cultivating the habit of networking, so that it becomes second nature to you by the time you graduate from university. It is a vital skill to have as it may help you land a good job even without sending out a single formal job application.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

26 ADVICE

Opportunities for work experience Here are some ways to gain necessary practical work experience before leaving school.

s the saying goes, there is no substitute for experience. This is especially true for those who want to gain practical skills in order to improve themselves before stepping into the workplace. Let’s look at some easy and fun ways to gain invaluable work experience:

Internships Internships can go a long way in helping you build an impressive résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) and pinpointing your career interests – well before you even graduate from university. An internship enables you to experience an area of work that is relevant to your course, acquire or hone job-related skills, and test out your suitability for that job. Many large companies today take in interns for three- to six-month internship programmes; some may even be open to customising a unique programme for you if you are seeking a shorter internship.

Part-time work Part-time work can also help you gain the handson experience you will need for many jobs. Many retail outlets hire part-time employees. However, most of these job listings will be posted at the

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

premises, so you may need to spend some time walking around – shopping malls would be a great place to start. You may also opt to do your jobseeking online via websites that focus on part-time employment in Malaysia such as www.parttimepost.com and www.asiaparttime.com. Remember to include all of your part-time work experience in your CV and cover letter when you start applying for full-time jobs, as it is a relevant aspect of your personal and professional development.

Volunteer and charity work Non-profit organisations, especially charities and foster homes, are always in need of volunteers. While it may not be a formal form of employment, volunteer or charity work is a great way to turn your spare time into a fruitful working experience – all while giving a hand to those in need. It can be as simple as helping out at a foster home on the weekends, or by organising community projects in your neighbourhood. In some cases, volunteer work can be the key to gaining work experience in another country, with other volunteers from all walks of life. Dozens of organisations run programmes in countries around the globe, usually to tackle local social issues. Some volunteer programmes may even require your energy and skills in a specific area, such as teaching or journalism.

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ADVICE 27

Charity begins at home Malaysia is home to dozens of charities and volunteer organisations. Here is a list of some of them along with links to their official websites: Yayasan Salam Malaysia

www.salam.org.my

Hospis Malaysia

www.hospismalaysia.org Malaysian National Animal Welfare Foundation

www.mnawf.org.my

Malaysian Red Crescent Society

www.redcrescent.org.my Mercy Malaysia

Shelter Home

www.mercy.org.my

Befrienders

Malaysian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association

www.shelterhome.org www.befrienders.org.my Charity-Net

www.charity.net.my Hati

www.hati.org.my

www.mvfra.org.my PEMADAM

MOBILITI

www.mobiliti.org.my Rumah Hope

www.rayma.com.my/ RumahHope/sanctuary.html St John’s Ambulance of Malaysia

www.sjam.org.my

Women’s Centre for Change, Penang

www.wccpenang.org.my Women’s Aid Organization

www.wao.org.my

www.pemadam.org.my PENYAYANG

www.penyayang.org.my

It is important to start thinking about acquiring work experience as soon as possible, so that you can make the most of the time you have. Gaining hands-on experience – that relates to your field or industry in particular – will help in strengthening your job applications in the near future.

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doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

28 PROFILE

The prospects would always be rewarding

Keep moving forward and explore your options

Nurilkarim Razha, 22

Siti Zainab bt Mohd Ismail, 31

Bachelor of Arts in International Hospitality & Tourism Management (Major: Events Management), KDU University College in partnership with IMI University Centre, Switzerland Final Semester – Industry Placement

Bachelor of Engineering (1st Class Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, KDU University College in partnership with University of Northumbria, UK

Choosing my course I chose to do culinary arts in KDU out of pure interest. I was halfway through pre-law studies and it was a gamble to quit, but it was worth it in the end. Continuing my degree in management also expands my knowledge of the field, as cooking skills alone would not get me very far. Looking ahead I would love to make it to Australia, where I feel the cosmopolitan character of the country – especially in places like Melbourne – has given birth to a very interesting style of fusion cuisine. I feel that as long as one remains humble and pours sincere effort into what they do, the prospects would always be rewarding. In 2015, I will be... ... picking seasonal wild mushrooms in Sweden for Friday Night specials in the Michelin-starred restaurant I would be working in.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

JOB AND EMPLOYER Component Design Engineer, Intel Technology Sdn Bhd My company and job My day-to-day routine revolves primarily around software development, which involves programme generation and software coding. Currently, I work on server validation which requires working with automated test equipment. This job requires me to deal with the product design group in order to get the product information and details for the development of the test program. The best bits In software development, there are all sorts of tools for coding design and generation, in which different products and modules have different tools and methods to generate their test programs and validation. It keeps me on my feet!

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PROFILE 29

Hold on to the skills that you develop Loke Yin Ling, 26 Bachelor of Media, KDU University College in partnership with Murdoch University, Perth JOB AND EMPLOYER Executive, Campaign Delivery, Airtime Management & Programming Sdn Bhd (AMP Radio Networks) My company and job I work in AMP, the established organisation which churns out nine of our favourite radio stations: hitz. fm, MIX fm, LiteFM, SINAR fm, ERA fm, MY FM, THR Raaga, THR Gegar and XFM.

My job requires me to conceptualise website advertisements once we get bookings from clients. I coordinate with the sales and promotions department as well as designers on a daily basis to create tailor-made ads for clients. The best bits The sky’s the limit when it comes to how creative I can be in drafting out ads. This job has made me a more observant person − spotting out TV commercials, billboards along the highway, ads on tabletops etc. Some advice Hold on to the skills that you develop as you move from one job to another. Every little thing you learn during an internship or even a part-time job are valuable lessons.

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I am learning much more Salma Begum Omar Sahib, 21 Bachelor of Commerce in Professional Accountancy, minor in Business Law, KDU University College in partnership with Murdoch University, Perth JOB AND EMPLOYER Audit Assistant, Ng & Co My company and job Ng & Co is a small audit firm and my functions include audit and tax. A great advantage of working in a small firm is that you are exposed to more tasks and taught more due to the increased level of attention your supervisor can give you. As a result, I am learning much more.

Being exposed to new challenges is thoroughly enjoyable! Facing new situations, and learning how to solve them, makes the day more fun. I particularly enjoy going to the clients’ places to conduct audits since there is a stricter time limit and the rush to complete the work is motivating (as mad as that sounds). Where I’ll be in 2020 Career-wise, I hope to join McKinsey & Company. I like troubleshooting and facing challenges, and this is just the field for me.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

30 ADVERTORIAL

Inspiring students to greater h Over the 28 years since it has been established, KDU University College has always been on the forefront of shaping the minds of young people; making sure that not only do our students achieve academic success, but also educating them to be responsible and contributing members of our society, driving their dreams and inspiring them to greater heights. As a testament of the consumers’ faith in the KDU brand, KDU was awarded Silver for the

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

Education & Learning category in the 2011 Putra Brand Awards. The Putra Brand Awards is a recognition and brand valuation exercise which measures brands by consumer preference, and this is the second consecutive year that KDU has been accorded with the Silver award. KDU’s focus in producing work-ready graduates who are grounded with a strong foundation in character and knowledge in their specialisation is reflected in our range of programme offerings, especially our brand new home-grown degree programmes, as it is designed with industry feedback and are very market-relevant.

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ADVERTORIAL 31

er heights… Here at KDU, we believe that learning goes beyond the classroom and as such, all our diplomas and degrees have the industrial training component to ensure students learn on-the-job and apply theories to real life. It is important for students to be able to learn hands-on in the industry itself and apply what they learnt in the classroom – not only for the experience, but also for them to gauge the expectations of the industry. It is experiences like these that would greatly contribute to the development of confident and savvy graduates who will prove to be an asset anywhere they go, and ensure they remain relevant to what the different industry needs.

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KDU also has a dedicated Job Placement centre as well as strategic industry partnerships to place students for internships as well as assist them in snagging their dream job upon graduation. Like us in the education industry, our strategic industry partners would also have the opportunity to teach and train our students to become outstanding examples of what a marketable graduate should be. Together, our focus will be to produce graduates who are career-ready and who will be a valuable asset of our nation’s human capital.

doctorjob’s guide to choosing a career

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editor doctorjob editorial Winnie Lim, Carol Murugiah, Jaideep Patel, Yeong Suk Yee, Ng Juan Hann design Fairul Isafiq Ishak, Winson Loh, Tan Kai Li, Daryl Lu, Xydra Lau web Joey Goh, Phoebe Ong, June Loh business development Nickie Yew, Raymond Chen, Chen Wan Lim, Stephany Loh client support Loo Pei Lyn, Shireen Hong marketing & events Denise Teoh, Tommy Chau, Rahim Basar, Jessica Heng administration Ang Wai Lin, Jessie Loh publisher Michele Lam, Hee Kim Fah, Adrian Wood address GTI Media, 23-6, 6th Floor, Jln SP2/1, Serdang Perdana, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor DE Malaysia correspondence PO Box 111, Pejabat Pos Seri Kembangan, 43300 Seri Kembangan Selangor DE Malaysia tel +(603) 8941 5055 fax +(603) 8941 5069 e-mail doctorjob@doctorjob.com.my UK office tel +44 (0) 4191 826262 fax +44 (0) 1491 833146 Singapore office Karen Ng tel +(65) 6294 6505 fax +(65) 6294 1043 printer Thumbprints United Sdn Bhd Lot 24, Jalan RP3, Rawang Perdana Industrial Estate, 48000 Rawang, Selangor DE Malaysia. ÂŠ GTI Media Sdn Bhd December 2011 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means including, but not limited to, photocopying or storage in a retrieval system in any form without prior written consent of GTI. The views expressed in the articles are those of authors and their publication does not necessarily imply that such views are shared by GTI. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, or for consequential loss arising from such inaccuracies, or for any loss, direct or consequential, arising in connection with information in this publication.

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