Chat wtih Dr. Warren
I was heading up to the computer labs, then saw Dr Warren just chillin on the foyer with a cup of coffee, so i thought id have a chat with him as in the past hes been very nice to me, and also being a great lecturer and tutor back in year 2.
Already having a question in mind, it wasnt hard to start a coversation.
In my final year of my arts degree, majoring in journalism and history, alot of people ask me this - "what are you going to do after you graduate? job wise."
right now, thats the hardest question anyone can throw at me. if someone asked me what do i think about blackholes and how the universe came to be id prolly have more elaborate and accurate answers. ask me the former, id tell you theres a blackhole in my head where nothing comes out, i cant even shed a hint of light on that subject matter.
Dr. Warren, having held a doctorate title in sociology (and journalism i think) for many years, i asked him how was it like. Apparently, it takes 7 years part time. After being in the academic grinder for.... more than 20 years including kindergarten, im not very keen to add another 7 to it, whats more that 7 years is not a guarantee that it would yield the desired results.
back tracking abit, the prospect of teaching, say history in a university level, is very good. i mean, the jobs fine, judging from attendig lectures, it can be quite relaxing and at the same time interesting meeting students from all over the world. theres one down side to it, that is the aforementioned 7 years ontop on an honours (2 years) and masters (2 years) degree. thats easily 10 years or so D:
Having gasped at the huge 7, Dr Warren said "well, you can do it full time, and its around 3-4 years, thats if you dont do anything else" he paused "like eating and sleeping etcetera..." he then bellowed a squinting laugh.
succesfully completing the trials and gauntlets to holding a phD is not many can (would) weather through... Dr Warren only said "well, it hurt a little" then held one of his triceps as if i had just thrown him a sucker punch on his arm, again smiling as he said that.
being in arts, doing journalism and history, he said i could go with the obvious, as in work in the local news company, doing writting and reporting... or on the history side of my degree, i could work with the government.
"the government?" i asked
"yeah, like library archiving, or even research. some departments would like a historical perspective on the things that they do".
having not really understanding that last bit, i wanted to clarify with him, but time ran out, apparently he was just out getting a cuppa while his tutorial class was gathering materials amongst themselves to prepare for an in-class debate. so we just left it at there.
but before he left, he told me to put some thought into it, dont just jump in, because once you start work, its a big commitment that lasts godknows how long.
that struck me, and i was immediately reminded of Moe's situation. Maybe i should take some time off after this is done, but yet again, time isnt really on my side as ive took long enough to complete something that doesnt take as long as i took to complete.
-------------------------------------
on a side note, with the current standing of the world economy, one would expect everyone who is unemployed whose diligent enough to apply for a job is keen enough to grab hold onto any job they can find?
reading a local paper during the easter week, one guy turned in an article showing his frustration with the newbies applying for work.
apparently his company gave out 10 interviews that week, only 5 decided to show up to those interviews, 3 were complacent enough to get a spot in the office, but 2 of the 3 did not show up for the first day of work.
i told Choke about that article and he was like "what the hell, give me the job la wei".
tsktsk
Already having a question in mind, it wasnt hard to start a coversation.
In my final year of my arts degree, majoring in journalism and history, alot of people ask me this - "what are you going to do after you graduate? job wise."
right now, thats the hardest question anyone can throw at me. if someone asked me what do i think about blackholes and how the universe came to be id prolly have more elaborate and accurate answers. ask me the former, id tell you theres a blackhole in my head where nothing comes out, i cant even shed a hint of light on that subject matter.
Dr. Warren, having held a doctorate title in sociology (and journalism i think) for many years, i asked him how was it like. Apparently, it takes 7 years part time. After being in the academic grinder for.... more than 20 years including kindergarten, im not very keen to add another 7 to it, whats more that 7 years is not a guarantee that it would yield the desired results.
back tracking abit, the prospect of teaching, say history in a university level, is very good. i mean, the jobs fine, judging from attendig lectures, it can be quite relaxing and at the same time interesting meeting students from all over the world. theres one down side to it, that is the aforementioned 7 years ontop on an honours (2 years) and masters (2 years) degree. thats easily 10 years or so D:
Having gasped at the huge 7, Dr Warren said "well, you can do it full time, and its around 3-4 years, thats if you dont do anything else" he paused "like eating and sleeping etcetera..." he then bellowed a squinting laugh.
succesfully completing the trials and gauntlets to holding a phD is not many can (would) weather through... Dr Warren only said "well, it hurt a little" then held one of his triceps as if i had just thrown him a sucker punch on his arm, again smiling as he said that.
being in arts, doing journalism and history, he said i could go with the obvious, as in work in the local news company, doing writting and reporting... or on the history side of my degree, i could work with the government.
"the government?" i asked
"yeah, like library archiving, or even research. some departments would like a historical perspective on the things that they do".
having not really understanding that last bit, i wanted to clarify with him, but time ran out, apparently he was just out getting a cuppa while his tutorial class was gathering materials amongst themselves to prepare for an in-class debate. so we just left it at there.
but before he left, he told me to put some thought into it, dont just jump in, because once you start work, its a big commitment that lasts godknows how long.
that struck me, and i was immediately reminded of Moe's situation. Maybe i should take some time off after this is done, but yet again, time isnt really on my side as ive took long enough to complete something that doesnt take as long as i took to complete.
-------------------------------------
on a side note, with the current standing of the world economy, one would expect everyone who is unemployed whose diligent enough to apply for a job is keen enough to grab hold onto any job they can find?
reading a local paper during the easter week, one guy turned in an article showing his frustration with the newbies applying for work.
apparently his company gave out 10 interviews that week, only 5 decided to show up to those interviews, 3 were complacent enough to get a spot in the office, but 2 of the 3 did not show up for the first day of work.
i told Choke about that article and he was like "what the hell, give me the job la wei".
tsktsk
posted by Killl_Roy at 8:31 AM
3 Comments:
Think long, think hard, don't just do something because people tell you it's awesome (tsk tsk investment banking), but do something because you truly want to do it.
Realise your dreams dude, you only live once. Leverage and maximise the advantage that you have over others.
"think hard, think long" but not too long lol, thats what im trying to do- limit the duration of the thought process. i think i need more exposure, ALOT more exposure. share with me your experiences!
My experience? Working here has really rusted my intellectual capabilities and has made it all that much harder to exit my comfort zone. I can't even seem to do mental calculations anymore :(
I need a swift kick in the ass seriously.
But I guess no matter where you end up, experience is never ever wasted. There is always something to be picked up in every street corner, be it knowledge, soft skills or contacts.
I feel that you have a knack for deviating from the malaysian norm and to explore unconventional frontiers. Don't be afraid to go to new places just because no one you know has done it before :D
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