Finding Jobs and Building a Career

Few months ago, when I first learn that I need to postpone my study in Australia, I became so stress. I could not think about anything else esc what am I gonna do in 6 months? I have resigned from my previous job and had my farewell held. I am not sure if anybody would be interested in hiring me for 6 months. I don’t have so many skills and experiences. Even if I got an offer, it would probably a job which I don’t really enjoy. Yet, it turns out the other way around.

After return back from my short travel to Vietnam, I went straight away to my hometown for a break. There, I applied for almost a hundred of open vacancy in NGOs or Development Consultants or Intergovernmental organizations. Out of my expectation, I received dozens of calls and emails for interviews in just few weeks. Then I returned back to Jakarta and started being so busy roaming around for interviews. In just a month, I got a temporary job which I am pretty much contended.

But yesterday, I received a call from one of the biggest consultant agencies based in US asking me for an interview. As far as I can remember I did not apply for a job in that specific institution. Plus I have settled with my current temporary job. Yet the woman from the other line said “we would like to offer you a job, we could not forget you, we were impressed by you.”

I then remember that I actually did apply for a job there. But it was one and half years ago. I remember that I finally got the job but I did not take it as I have already got a better offer.

It did not take long for me to decide that I will visit their office to talk more about the opportunities. During the interview, one of the panelists (he is a guy from States) said to me that he was struck by me during my interview with him last time. Although I applied for an administrative assistant, but it turned up that I am way smarter than just an administrative staff. Thus, he would like to offer a job which will be suitable for me (project officer on an environmental issue).

I truly feel flattered by his words. I remember one and half years back, I spoke to him about how I don’t think I am fit with my present job, how I hate that they did not respect my potentials, how I aspire to utilize my skill and knowledge in an institution which could see me beyond just a clerical staff. It turns up that he likes my idealism and my honesty. He spoke to me today that practically I could get jobs wherever I want.

Maybe I have started building my career here in Indonesia. People start knowing me for what I have been doing on policy, development and environmental sectors. That is why it is not too hard for me anymore to find a job. I have decided the work path that I want to follow and make it aligned with my passion. Yet, I am still far from giving a significantly contribution to the society. I am still learning.

I feel great that soon enough I will start my future study in a field which I passion the most (which is also in line with my background of career), environment and development. I have no doubt that I will acquire skills and knowledge which could support my career. Having required skills and knowledge would enable me to contribute extensively to my nation and my people.

There is always a reason for everything. And I could slightly peek now the reason why I need to postpone my study. To understand more about my capacity and to see my bargaining position in this so called career world.


Love,

Olivia

Olivia's Speech Text on Australia Awards Dinner Reception

His Excellency Ambassador of Australia to Indonesia, Mr. Greg Moriarty;

Australia Awards recipients;

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,


It is my great pleasure to stand here tonight representing my fellow Australia Awards recipients, these young bright scholars and the future leaders of Indonesia.

Let me start this speech with my short story. Back in 2009 was the first time my feet landed in a completely foreign country named Australia. I was there for a study abroad scholarship program. Little did I know it would be a life changing experience. The excellent education system brought forefront on the first day of my class made me realize immediately that one day I want to return to continue my further study. Four years later, as I am standing here at the podium the dream came true. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the government of Australia for giving me the way to reach my dream.

When I say thank you, I am not just speaking for myself. I speak on behalf of all awardees. We are all feeling very lucky and at the same time honored to be able to receive this precious scholarship.

Our sincere gratitude also goes to our own employers – both from Indonesian Government and from Non Government institutions-- who have shown boundless support for us. Thank you very much.


Ladies and gentlemen,

For most of the awardees, this will be the first time studying in Australia. Despite all the anxiety of starting a new life in a foreign land, far away from home, we are all looking forward to the imminent experiences: a first class university system, comfortable study environment, and not to forget the four seasons. Deep down in our hearts, we know that our experience of studying in Australia would definitely change our perceptions, our lives, and even our future.

We’ll definitely meet new people, not only Australian but also other international students from various countries all around the world. I am sure that every individual whom we encounter in Australia will be our precious personal and professional contacts in the future. This is one of the great things coming out of the Australia Awards, the enduring ties between individuals of different nations.


Ladies and gentleman, 

Australia Awards as you know has a long heritage commencing in the early 1950s with the Colombo Plan. It is such a priviledge to be part of such a long standing program and later on join the troops of thousands of alumni who have made significant contributions to the development of Indonesia and to the bilateral ties between Indonesia and Australia.

I would also like to express my proud feeling to be one out of four Indonesians to receive the Allison Sudradjat Prize this year. I am honored and humbled to be part of the legacy of Allison Sudradjat who made such an outstanding contribution to the development in Indonesia, especially during her years served at AusAID.

I am totally aware that this is a rare opportunity and therefore I determine to use the prize to develop my individual potential and later on to contribute to the society.

I am, myself, intending to study a Master of Environmental Management and Development at the Australian National University in the 2nd Semester of 2015.

Once I return from my study, I have a mission to help the government of Indonesia in developing its environmental policy and ultimately to help people who suffer by environmental mismanagement.

Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And that is what I am trying to apply through my future education in Australia and through my contribution to the society once I return back home.

After all, I am just a daughter of my father and my mother. Apart from my deep passion towards the development of Indonesia, all the positive contribution I am trying to create aims to make my parents proud of me.

Finally, on behalf of all awardees, I would like to close my speech by expressing our upmost sincere thanks to the Government of Australia and all the parties who help run the Australia Awards program.

Thank you very much for trusting us this prestigious scholarship, once again thank you!


Date       :  12 December 2013
Location : Ambassador of Australia, Greg Moriarty, Residence




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