James Lv
RBC Account Manager, Class 5 Participant
What can NHC bring to my life? Frankly, I really had no answer for that, before I joined this community.
After months of job searching, my confidence gained during past years also disappeared like a rock dropped into the sea. At that time, the most difficult thing for me to face was the comparison that someone around me got a really decent job offer, while I was still sending my resume door by door.
For a long time, I believed that what I am lack of for the favorite job is just an opportunity. When I finally got the part time teller interview opportunity after “shotgun”, I was still overconfident and thought I could easily won this once I showed my academic background. However, facts proved that I was too young too naive! Without working experience, without interview skills, even without a formal business suit, I received the rejection letter soon after. This time I was entirely crushed from believing I can do everything to wondering what I can do. The biggest question for me at that moment was what I am really capable of?
By the referral of Mrs. Cathy, I got to know NHC Club. I was inspired by the successful career stories shared by seniors from NHC. However, I still had some concern about how much help I could get from this non-for-profit organization. The first connection with NHC was the audition for January and March NHC class students. What Mrs. Rose said before the audition really touched me. There is a Chinese saying, “depend on parents back home, rely on friends outside”. Networking is really important no matter where. Firstly, you need to built general popularity. One of the blunders of mine was that I didn’t take advantage of resources of friends during job application. Secondly, you need to let others remember you, the unique you. To achieve that, you should bravely present yourself in public and show others who you are, from every aspects. Thirdly, always put others’ needs ahead of your own and learn to give.
From the moment I heard these words, I determined to make full use of every opportunity offered by NHC, learn from mentors and classmates, and find out my own way to my career. The first class following is about networking topic. I was deeply impressed by every word and deed from Mr. Stephen and modeled him as my idol to my career success. So when Mr. Stephen was calling for a student to participate a real scenario role-play, I immediately volunteered to get this close chance to interact with him. My first performance in public, featured by “Apple-Polish”, was not that successful, amusing my classmates and mentors, and confusing Mr. Stephen. However, I was not discouraged, carefully summarized every feedback and suggestion from mentors, improved on that and presented myself again. I repeated this learning cycle several times during the whole session.
During the limited five classes, I exposed several shortcomes, dress code for example. I was wearing jeans, T-shirts and Jay cap, which was not typical dressing for people in financial industry. When I realized the improperness, I begin to dress like Mr. Stephen with full outfit: business suit, tie, leather shoes, and scarves. I believe this will convey a professional message to anyone who see me at the first time.
After all, the most important thing is that only with thorough preparation, you will be confident and can work out solutions on any problems. This requires repeated practice in front of mirror by yourself night after night, and asking advice from people who can help you. Your confidence will regain when your friends and mentors are impressed with your performances. Sometimes the good answer to interview questions is not about the content, but the way you present!
I really appreciate the dedication of all NHC mentors, which brings me to my favored job position – RBC Account Manager. I wish I could give back to this community by helping friends who’re still confused with their career, like what NHC helped me before. I sincerely wish all my friends find their own way to success through this NHC platform and stop worrying and wondering in their career path!