work … the first real step for graduation

The final thing I needed to convince myself that I was indeed no longer a student. I have yet to walk to the stage in my toga since the actual graduation ceremony will not be happening till June, and that I had no summer classes to take made it seem as if I were either a lazy student or I was on summer vacation. But reality was, I was a bum. Unofficially graduated without work.

But, this week was the turning point that really made me realize that I was now part of the working class, thrust into the real business world on my own without a university as a safety zone.

It all started with a single y!m message. Last wednesday, Meggy sent me an email re DentsuINDIO’s opening for accounts manager. I had not finished editing my cv then, and I was in the process of starting my portfolio. The initial thought that came to my head was that they would not hire a new grad because they were looking for someone with experience. So what chances did I have? I had less chances there than applying for creatives (since I’m not so good at it >.<). But DentsuINDIO was a company I had wanted to go into when I was in a fresh senior. I remember telling Jox that, especially when our prof would show us videos of Dentsu’s work in Japan. I told her, "I would definitely want to be there, I wish I could work there. I really want to be in a Japanese company, and someday I want to work in Japan." Then back to the y!m message I got, I thought, why not? What harm would sending my cv there do? Nothing, so I edited my cv quickly, and by the late afternoon, I had already sent in my cv.

Thursday afternoon I was driving along EDSA with my mom and dad. We were on our way to Megamall for a little merienda and some grocery shopping. My phone’s battery was drained that day so I left it at home. That was probably the first time I left my phone at home because of no battery. And then my mom’s phone rang, when I was making a left turn from J. Vargas street towards Megamall. Turning is hard to do with one hand so when my mom told me the call was for me, I told her to tell the other party I was driving. But when I heard my mom say the words DentsuINDIO, I immediately asked her to give me back the phone.

I was asked in for an interview the next day.

Friday.

Friday came and I was interviewed. My first and second interview both in the same office, within the span of an hour. I didn’t need to be called back.

The next I heard from them was on Saturday. I inquired from the HR dept. about my status and when I would know if I got accepted or not. I was told that my contract would be sent to me that afternoon.

4 days.

4 days was all it took for the whole process to transpire.

It was fast, and it was a strong wake up call for me.

I have accepted the contract. I’ve only to sign it and bring it to the office to have my orientation. Then, I will take on my designation as Consulting Manager.

I’m no longer a student. I’m now part of the workforce.

Welcome to the real world.

ps I owe you sooooo much Meggy. I’ll love you forever.