Employer
Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Berhad
Job
Management Associate
Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), 2019
Has been with this company for
2 years and 4 months
Can you tell us what you generally do in your job?
As a Management Associate (MA), there are three key components to what we do – on-the-job training, project and event management, and Toastmasters.
We typically rotate between three to five departments. We undertake a lot of company projects and events such as Townhall and the LIFE Programme, managing it from A to Z.
Furthermore, we involve ourselves in Toastmasters to boost our public speaking skills and self-confidence, which was something a lot of us had to work on.
All in all, it’s a long-winded way of saying, there’s never a dull moment at work when you’re an MA!
What would you say is the coolest daily task?
Although this task isn't something that happens daily, it's still one of the coolest experiences I've encountered as a MA.
Whenever it’s Townhall season (our Townhalls are a grand affair!), we get to work directly with the CEO to bring the event to life.
I think being able to work with the CEO of a large organisation is a rare opportunity for a fresh graduate. More so, if you joined the company as a regular permanent employee, you wouldn’t have the chance to do so.
What I treasure most about this task is the bond I’ve built with other MAs because, in every project, we’re in it together.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt from your probation period at work?
During my probation period, I felt the pressure of being a permanent employee rather than a probationer. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure how the pressure of a probationer is supposed to be. Nevertheless, I gave my best as a young graduate transitioning into the working world and then hey, I received my confirmation!
Time really flies! It’s easy to doubt ourselves but in all honesty, you’ll be surprised by how well you can adapt to change, especially when it's as scary as adulthood. So I’d say, I’ve learned to enjoy the process because when I do, things eventually get easier.
How do you motivate yourself when the going gets tough?
When the going gets tough, I think it’s important to digest it. I allow myself to feel vulnerable, but not to a point of no return. Our emotions are valid, and it’s okay to cry when you are overwhelmed or feeling stressed. I find that after unleashing my emotions, I’m able to come back stronger.
Having a support system also helps me cope better, and I’m really thankful for that.
If you could go back to your university days, what would you do differently?
I enjoyed my university days, and there isn’t anything I would change really. But if I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to loosen up, relax, and take a break when needed.
I’d tell her to take care of her mental health. Although completing a degree is important, it’s also equally crucial to make sure you’re well and happy on the inside.
What is your advice to fresh grads who are having a tough time finding jobs?
Sometimes, things in life don’t happen the way we want them to, and that’s okay. We need to keep an open mind to the possibilities out there, and even if you haven’t scored your dream job, be open to trying new things.
If you’re too fixated on getting the perfect job, you may miss out on other opportunities, and this could affect your mental health severely. So learn to compromise, try new things, and just do your best. You never know what doors will open in the future.
