Yeah, after a year and four days since my first arrival to stay permanently in Australia, I was offered a paid job! How sweet that is. It’s a short-term, part-time work in a state government agency, and as my manager said, “it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door!”
I started in this office as an unpaid intern, and probably because of my skill set, some achievement at work, and of course the fact that I could match the workplace culture (a very important communication ability for landing a job and further for career progression!) then they ask me to get involved in more projects. Some local people really want to work in the public sector for its benefits … and it’s certainly nothing comparable to the public sector in my country of origin, Indonesia.
Looking back in retrospection, I realise that sometimes we have to make a big turn to get to our main destination, and we grudge and complain that life isn’t fair — only to find out later that the big turn had saved our time, energy or even our lives. Remember this career counsellor that made me regret my meeting with her? She actually referred me to one of my lecturer to talk about my issue. I mustered my confidence just to have the courage to talk to the lecturer, an Australian, about this and within seconds she offered me this unpaid internship at the said government agency. I remember I told her I had been invited for interviews several times and got rejected; and she said lightly with confidence, “You might be talking to the wrong person”. That’s an awesome cool idea! She, and the government agency, turned out to be very supportive in assisting me to start a career here … so here I am, getting my first (paid) job at their office!
Sometimes rain blur our views and slow us down on our road trip. Fear not: wipe the water, drive slowly and cautiously to anticipate any traffic hazard in front, and we'll be okay.
Aside from this, I am also going for an interview for the Public Relations Intern position at Apple Australia office. Only God knows how much I love Apple — they produce artworks, not just functional, modernised typing machines or radio player. I bought my 15-inch Macbook that I’m using now in Australia, for your record. The position is a paid, full-time internship that run for six months. Anyway, whatever the outcome of the interview, my hubby said public sector work is still better than the corporate world, in terms of the benefits offered. Anyway …
Also, 369 days later I’ve achieved a lot in terms of personal development. My first semester in the university went very well that I was recently invited to join an international Honour society for high-achieving student! Not bad, really, considering that my first language is not English! Also, I didn’t have a lot of expectation when I enrolled to the course: I just wanted a piece of paper that tells of my academic credential from Australia. But I know I work smart this time — plus some “hardwork” (reading, typing … ). Last week I found out I got a”Distinction” for another assignment for a subject that I thought I could not make it, because it’s really practical and people tend to use case studies from Australia which I might not be familiar. Anyway …
Wish me luck for the interview at Apple tomorrow!
