A graduating student's problem

[star*x]

This has something to do with the kind of work we'd be landing on once we graduate.

I, for one, am totally scared about the field I will be getting into. First off, the field of work that I want to get into is way off the course I took (I think).

Do you guys think it's possible for someone like me to get into a marketing management or advertising field even when I'm a computer major? I'd like something that deals with management consultation...the PR-oriented kind of job.

Is it possible for companies to accept fresh grads for positions like that? I am so confused.

[skywalkr]

seems to be that we are on the same boat!!

but at least on your part u know what are your interests are... in your case u love marketing stuff but ur a computer major..unlike me na hindi ko alam ang gusto kong line of work ...although perfect talaga yung course ko sa type of work that im in right now..yun talaga yung problem ko =(

well on ur part try looking for computer companies or ISPs or anything na may marketing work..i think u have the advantage since ur a computer grad so a marketing job is not really difficult...

pero if u have plans of going to P&G or unilever or any consumer companies..malamang IT or MIS talaga ang ibibigay sa iyo...

hope this helps

[zimdude]

How about marketing or business development for IT companies?

[star*x]

I want a job that involves conducting meetings or business engagements most of the time.

I hope I can find that or a variant of that.

I don't want to become a programmer. :( Not that I think being a programmer sucks, it's just that I'm not good at programming so I wouldn't be utilizing the skills I'm really good at--People Skills.

[star*x]

skywalker, how come you don't know what you really really want? As in you have totally no idea what you'd like to do? What kind of work are you in? Do you enjoy what you do?

When I start working, I'd have to enjoy what I'd be doing or...

[star*x]

Something like that zimdude. I think that'd work for me.

[bugsy_15]

well,ano bang field sa advertising ang gusto mo? kung you're into computer course...eh maraming agency ang naghahanap ng computer graphic designers or web designers. kung sa communications naman, basta ba may potential ka sa PR then I think you can do it. Actually my mom wants me to take up management but I insisted on taking up advertising arts and I proved to her na kaya ko...ngayon nga eh graduating na 'ko. Kung gusto mo talaga ang isang bagay then nothing is impossible...ok!

[zimdude]

Originally posted by star*x:
Something like that zimdude. I think that'd work for me.

Companies do need that, doncha worry... like Internet companies, especially startups that need good PR, contacts, and events management.

[This message has been edited by zimdude (edited 08-01-2000).]

[star*x]

bugsy_15, I agree with what you said. I really feel that I'm going to get a job like the one I want. The thing is, the kind of advertising or marketing thing that I want to do is something that doesn't require to sit in front of the computer. I want a kind of field work that allows me to mingle with other people in the field. I want to be able to lead, do consultative work, arrange meetings and set something up with a prospective client--it's THAT kind of thing. Ayoko ng web designer, web developer or kung ano pang variant nyan.

zimdude, I was kind of 'scared' kasi I've always been browsing through the job ads in the paper and the online ads. The kind of jobs that I wanted required Business Management, Advertising, or Marketing graduates. And I was like thinking, where the heck does that leave me? I hope there are companies out there who'd accept graduates of Comp courses into that kind of field. Or sometimes (make that most of the time), the companies wanted someone who've had experience. Again, I say, where does that leave me? What are the chances I'd get the job I want if I'm a fresh grad?

[This message has been edited by star*x (edited 08-02-2000).]

[zimdude]

Good question, star*x... I don't think computer majors populate our marketing department...

... perhaps smaller companies would be more flexible? Or start your own?

[star*x]

I do plan to start my own company...but it has to be on schedule. I've planned to do that 6 years after graduating. I just wanted to go out on the field and learn the things they do not teach you in the classroom.

I knew I should've taken BMG or those other business courses.

[clawed_out]

hey starex! parehong pareho tayo ng gusto! kaso mas gusto ko sa advertising!

cs rin ang background ko & i dont like to do much of those programming.

yeah, they have said it at most, kaya let's just folow their advices, tapos if you still have time & money to spend, enroll some business courses, or take graduate studies..

[skywalkr]

Originally posted by star*x:
skywalker, how come you don't know what you really really want? As in you have totally no idea what you'd like to do? What kind of work are you in? Do you enjoy what you do?


yup exactly star*x i have no idea what i want to do..this is really a BIG PROBLEM for me right now :(

im an economics grad..right now my line of work is in eco research (this is my 2nd job)..i thought i would be much happier since finally i can apply what i've learned in college...

but that wasnt the case..im not really enjoying what im doing right now..and the more sad thing is...i dont know what i want to do!! u know just waking up one morning then realizing that ..parang ayoko na yung ginagawa ko... ayoko na ng research...at di ko alam kung ano yung gusto ko :(

in fact before im seriously resigning na nga to do some "soul-searching"

o well its really unfortunate..but im taking it one day at a time..hopefully i can last until a year or so..then i think that would be the perfect time to reflect the things that are happening to me right now.....

[JDELEON]

Originally posted by star*x:
I want to be able to lead, do consultative work, arrange meetings and set something up with a prospective client--it's THAT kind of thing. Ayoko ng web designer, web developer or kung ano pang variant nyan.

...The kind of jobs that I wanted required Business Management, Advertising, or Marketing graduates. And I was like thinking, [i]where the heck does that leave me?
[This message has been edited by star*x (edited 08-02-2000).]

Dear Star*x,

First, congratulations, you are way ahead of a lot of graduates because you know what you want to do.

Second, remember your technical background is an ASSET. You could be very valuable in marketing technical equipment and services.

Third, there are a lot of great jobs out there, but very few perfect jobs. You may have to accept some compromises. But you have to know what is most important to you.

Fourth, if the company is looking for either a) a business management background, or b) more experience... then why don't you get it? Actually, you have nothing to lose by starting to apply now! The worst thing that can happen is that they don't hire you and you are back where you started. A reasonable outcome is that you talk to people that matter, make a good impression and they tell you honestly what needs work (what kind of classes you have to take or what kind of training/work experience you need first). Heck, you might even get your dream job on your first go. Isn't it worth a shot?

Best of luck.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

[JDELEON]

Originally posted by skywalkr:


in fact before im seriously resigning na nga to do some "soul-searching"

o well its really unfortunate..but im taking it one day at a time..hopefully i can last until a year or so..then i think that would be the perfect time to reflect the things that are happening to me right now.....


Skywalker, best of luck. I hope you find what you seek. Good thing you are starting young. Some people just "get by" stuck in jobs they don't like because they are too scared or lazy to try something new.

If you are serious, there are a lot of books, websites and people that can help you out. (My favorites are www.wetfeet.com (http://www.wetfeet.com) and www.fastcompany.com) (http://www.fastcompany.com)) After I quit my job, I went back and visited the College Guidance Counselor. I asked them to interpret my personality test scores again and chat about career options.

Why cut off your income stream when you can have your boss pay for your thinking time?

If you aren't ready to resign, you do not have to. You can prepare for your new career from right where you are. Nobody is in the office 24/7. On the weekends, you can set aside real time to think about your future, talk to people in industries and fields you might be interested in. If the weekends are not enough, take a week off.

But if you are absolutely fed up or need a major change to get you going, by all means, burn the boats on the shore.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

[star*x]

JDELEON, Thank you. I know I have to start somewhere to get the experience. I think the most likely compromise I'd be doing is to take the job even if it doesn't pay much. Just to get the experience required. But I still have to do something that'd I'd enjoy doing, right? As for technical expertise, I really doubt if I have that. My course is ok, I mean, it's not that bad, the thing is, I haven't exploited the things I'm good at and I think that's what's bad.

skywalkr, I agree with JDELEON's advice. Let your boss pay you for your thinking time. You do not necessarily have to quit to get time to reflect on what you really want. I hope you'd find out what you really really want to do. I don't know but, even if I do know what I want to do, I still feel like I'm flailing about or something.

[JDELEON]

Originally posted by star*x:
JDELEON, Thank you. But I still have to do something that'd I'd enjoy doing, right? As for technical expertise, I really doubt if I have that. My course is ok, I mean, it's not that bad, the thing is, I haven't exploited the things I'm good at and I think that's what's bad.

(... )I don't know but, even if I do know what I want to do, I still feel like I'm flailing about or something.

You are welcome. If you don't mind my follow up thoughts.

Even if you don't like what you are doing right now, knowing that it is getting you where you want to go makes it bearable. If people only did what they enjoyed all the time, human progress would be so limited. For example, I want to be a CEO, so I had to go back to school and study some Finance. And I hate Finance work. But I was happy and made the most of it because I was adding another step that would help me reach my dream.

Exploit the things you are good at! Go for it. Just don't fall into the comfortable trap of doing what you are good at all the time.

Don't worry about flailing about. People all have bad days. And a lot of people do know what they want to do career wise and still feel lost. This begs the question, what do you want to do with your life?

I am not asking what kind of job do you want. I am asking a much harder question.

What kind of person do you want to be?

Your job is only one part of that. Albeit an important part, it is not the most important. What's the most important... I don't know. You have to answer that on your own.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

[NoisyCricket]

Well you're in luck, pal. While I am neither a computer science major or a management graduate for that matter, I know what I like doing, and that's not just working with people -- most importantly, its being able to help people. What can I say? I'm Atenean with my values intact (I'm very proud to say). (In time, you will know why this is an accomplishment after 3 years of work.)

I'm taking up my Masters in IT at the Ateneo Professional Schools, I guess I'm wrapping up a short stint at an internet company where I've learned a little bit about what a website is, how it's run, what it needs, how it's marketed, and I've got an idea for a website that struck me as I was driving home from work on a traffic free Ayala-ave on a rainy friday night.

That, and I have a friend who does International Consultancy. I'm going to give him the pitch for my idea, and with or without any help, I think this may be something that I want to do.

I foresee it as very meaningful, worthwhile, and fun work. And believe me, this is hard to find work.

I'm idealistic, optimistic, and I know how to work with people. I'd like to make a difference in this world, and *sue me, I just might be re-discovering my Preferential Option for the Poor.

Interested?

Originally posted by star*x:
This has something to do with the kind of work we'd be landing on once we graduate.

I, for one, am totally scared about the field I will be getting into. First off, the field of work that I want to get into is way off the course I took (I think).

Do you guys think it's possible for someone like me to get into a marketing management or advertising field even when I'm a computer major? I'd like something that deals with management consultation...the PR-oriented kind of job.

Is it possible for companies to accept fresh grads for positions like that? I am so confused.



[This message has been edited by Noisy Cricket (edited 08-05-2000).]

[Jacob]

Originally posted by star*x:
I want a job that involves conducting meetings or business engagements most of the time.

I hope I can find that or a variant of that.

I don't want to become a programmer. :( Not that I think being a programmer sucks, it's just that I'm not good at programming so I wouldn't be utilizing the skills I'm really good at--People Skills.

Be an advertising account manager!

[star*x]

What's important to me, at this point, is feeling fulfilled with whatever job it is that I'd be getting. I'm full of ideas PERO I haven't the foggiest notion how I'd go about getting these ideas to become a reality.

JDELEON, I agree with what you said, and that made me start thinking about something that's been bothering me for quite some time.

Noisy Cricket, Good for you! At least you're happy with the way things are going in your life.

Have you guys ever felt disillusioned? I mean, what with facing the "real" world and all?

Jacob, can a Comp Eng'g graduating student get a job as an advertising account manager?

[NoisyCricket]

well, I'm not exactly happy about the way that I'm leaving the company.. it has good ideas. And a lot of good people who are now my friends. I've been there over a month, and was just getting settled in. I was really looking forward to working there, but I guess it just hasn't worked out with the Management. But the world is a big place, and there are many things to do with your life that you can find meaning and value in. So, back out in the world I go!

Originally posted by star*x:

Noisy Cricket, Good for you! At least you're happy with the way things are going in your life.

Have you guys ever felt disillusioned? I mean, what with facing the "real" world and all?

[skywalkr]

thanks for the advice star*x and jdeleon..

wish life could have been much simpler =)

star*x good luck on your job hunting..but since ur a new graduate (i suppose)..try taking your time..while looking for work enjoy every minute of your vacation.. =)

jdleon ur right perhaps one week of vacation will do..but the problem is i'll be entitled to my vacation leave after a year!

pero ok lang kahit kaltas ang sweldo ... ill give it a shot....

[Jacob]

Originally posted by star*x:

Jacob, can a Comp Eng'g graduating student get a job as an advertising account manager?



Why not? I've had officemates who had degrees in Nursing, Engineering and Biology, and they turned out pretty well. The most important thing in being an account manager is people skills. Dealing with them is one aspect (from masungit clients to masungit creatives), you need to learn how to read people's minds too (in this case, consumers), when developing your advertising strategy. In fact, the knowledge of your chosen field in college can give you an advantage over Communication, Marketing, Economics grads.

[JDELEON]

Originally posted by skywalkr:
thanks for the advice star*x and jdeleon..

wish life could have been much simpler =)

jdleon ur right perhaps one week of vacation will do..but the problem is i'll be entitled to my vacation leave after a year!

pero ok lang kahit kaltas ang sweldo ... ill give it a shot....

You are welcome. Hope this thread is helping sort things out.

Life isn't simple, it isn't a box of chocolates. It's complicated and often unfair. Pretending it isn't won't make the situation any different.

You are right, take the break anyway.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

[star*x]

Jacob, well that at least that gives me a little bit of hope to cling on to. :) Thanks.

I'm sure everything's gonna turn out great for you too Noisy Cricket.

Thanks JDELEON.

[MiRa]

Originally posted by star*x:

I don't want to become a programmer. :( Not that I think being a programmer sucks, it's just that I'm not good at programming so I wouldn't be utilizing the skills I'm really good at--People Skills.


well, here's my bit of advise which i do hope would help you.....

if you really want to pursue a career where in you can use your "People Skills" well, i think you have 3 companies (that i know) to choose from :Sykes, E-Telecare and PeopleSupport. they are more into customer service. they have this position which they call "technical support in English". your primary duty would be to talk to the clients for their concerns. i guess with this job, you could really apply your "people skills" and at the same time your comsci skills since you deal with clients having problems with their system , etc.

well, i do hope i was able to help you.

[womanontop]

*bump*

[DELISYUS]

the anxiety is natural......and believe me, at this point in your life, anything IS still possible.....

for all we know, 3-5 years down the line.......you'd have some other thing you want to focus on......and this time, way off-tangent with the course you took, and the training you've had......:)

[Terry_McGinnis]

a tip for fresh grads

- take a very good look at your contract. make sure that there is something there that says THERE IS AN INCREASE EVERY SIX MONTHS OR QUARTERLY.

- make sure the company can't hold you on your neck as long as they want.

- make sure your employer doesn't make any issues on your college school cause plenty employers consider the school without considering what your skills are.

[star*x]

Hi you guys! Wow, I was surprised to see this thread up and about.

Anyway, I just wanted to share the things that have happened to me.

I'm marching this June 16. But right now, I'm on my 2nd job. Weird, huh? I know, I know. I first got a job as a programmer (hah, despite what I've posted months back, I ended up doing it). I really thought I could survive. What I mean is, I thought I could learn to like programming even if at the back of my mind I hated doing it. I thought to myself that maybe if I faced programming I would learn to like it in the end, but unfortunately, I didn't.

Well the programming wasn't really that bad. I may be a little slow but I do get on and I produce the required output, so that wasn't really much of a problem.

The problem that I encountered with my first job was one of the bosses. Plus the fact that I didn't like the working conditions and the people in the office had stuffy and uppity demeanors. It totally turned me off.

Aside from that, I finally, finally realized (and I must say I got hit real bad) that programming really isn't for me. For one thing, it was sooo darned boring. I found myself sleeping in the course of tapping away at the keyboard.

This new job though, it's more along the lines of what I really wanted. I kinda like it, for now. What makes it enjoyable for me is the people I work with. Attitude and the over-all aura of the environment really does count. I didn't like the first job because it was boring and I felt like I was being strangled or something. For one thing, I always felt like I was walking on egg shells, especially with this really bossy boss. :D But with this new company, it's like I've entered a completely fun world. The people are unbelievable, they're like sooo friendly they make you feel like you've been with them for a couple of months already. I just love the way they project themselves. And you guys know what, after a month of sitting in front of the PC and making somebody's life easier with the programs I made, I'm beginning to have fun, and with the kind of job I wanted in the first place. :)

God, life is good, noh? God is good. :D

[star*x]

Just a tip...

If for the past four/five years of your life in college you haven't had a vacation that lasted for more than 2 weeks, I suggest that after graduating, you take a break or a breather first.

:D Lalo na pag bugbog sa school.