Sunday, March 21, 2010
12:59 PM

Life-Changing Week

Within 6 months of joining, changes are happening to me. I met this excellent opportunity to change dept where I could learn faster and pursue my interests. In the first place my internship was primarily in that aspect. The dept and the boss met me and was happy to ask hr to process the transfer. But the process seemed a little retarded without any valid reason. It turned out another dept heard about it and attempted to interfere, on the basis that they need a grad more, that without me the deals have problems going through, and that in the first place the dept should have asked for headcount from the business right from the beginning rather than searching on their own accord.

Very well. I'm merely a grad and I guess we hardly have any say as to where we get to transfer to. After all this is happening real life; we're no longer in school. But the least I expected was at least to be explained and discussed to/ with... One Tue I received the email regarding the surprising outcome and the following Mon I had to join the business.

I cried in bed a few times, having difficulties sleeping and deep in thought about how I was thrown in such a situation where my views seemed unimpt and having no control over my future, and coming to realisation that my grand career plans may have been thwarted. But then I realise, this is the real world, and I have to face up to it. The positive thing is the dept I were to transfer to is where the whole SMU finance students are clamouring for, and where it's full of varied industrial and market experiences, as well as client exposures. The other dept I was bound for was a bit more technical and specialised, thus it's tough for a grad to be travelling and meeting clients.

I'm taking it in, and waiting for grand opportunities for me to shine and to allow me to actually like what I'm doing. My hours are expected to be much more flexible (late into the night and over weekends); the dept is also much bigger than my previous (with just my boss and I); and no more coffee outings w colleagues.