GG Attempt

I just finished an hour long interview with representatives from the Scholars Programme in an attempt on my side to enter GG, one of the top ten advertising companies in the world (!). I didn't really apply for it primarily because it was a top-10 or what (though the thought sounds exciting), but rather wanted a feel of what the advertising (and communications) industry is like.

How was the interview? It was pretty amicable I guess. I fumbled my way through the interview panel of two, so let's call them DN and IS. The whole ordeal started with DN sent a mass email out to the cohort seeking for two interns at GG. Thick-skinned and optimistic as I have been since the end of examinations, I thought I'll try to ask for a GG contact if it was convenient as that will be a great way of pursuing intimate contact with the company. I can also know more about the company too. To my surprise, DN replied arranging for an interview (or rather a chit-chat session). Oh well, just go lor, since I'm so free. (actually not very free - I've got so many things to do that everyday is a packed one, though with frivolous activities such as games and books but those are some things that I've neglected over my undergraduate years..)

Then i guess i didn't really sell myself there and then :( Over the course of the interview, IS spoke much more than DN. The first issue she broached was the 'pity' that I was not actively involved in the Scholars Programme - something which was way a little unexpected (I came mentally anticipating a discussion on my suitability for advertising and communications rather than issues directly related to my involvement in the Scholars Programme) but on hindsight, I should've prepared for since I knew they are the ones who I'm to meet just now, not some HR personnel from GG. To IS (and DN I guess), the Scholars Programme is a whole package - to me, I'd prefer to do what I think I like and is useful to my personal development, thank you very much. While the Programme encompasses the academic and the extra-curricular activities (which is called GP), I didn't feel very excited about GPs as I felt there weren't many during my prime undergraduate years (which I think will be 2nd and 3rd years). They might have a point there that I should've joined GPs, but then I was busy with two major leadership roles during those two years that are outside the programme. During the meeting I gave myself several mental kicks in the groin for not participating wholesale (and thus believing?) in the Scholars Programme and thus not contributing to my overall packaging as a Scholar, but then again, I haven't been resting on my laurels either.

Well I guess I don't know what I am getting myself into, but I left the meeting thinking about how paltry my 2nd lower (or even - gasp - third!) is. Though HY thinks it's not that important (I'll love to agree with her too and I did voice that out during the interview), IS she had an issue with my B+ from writing class on masculinities (under none other by KC). During the interview she'd had a few B+ circled on my transcript (likely Scholars modules cos my B+s come predominantly from there) but she didn't pursue the rest after speaking about it. She didn't directly enunciate that the grade was atrocious, though she sounded despondent about it. I almost wanted to tell her I think B+s are Great Grades but then stopped myself when I recall other fellow Scholars who take As as a staple diet. I don't really fault her though, cos she had earlier expressed how tragic it was that I wasn't in the Global Programme (and thus I am not a PURE Scholar).

I also realised that I should've considered the interests of the Scholars Programme (and specifically that of DN and IS) and prepared myself for questions about it too. To IS, the internships with GG seemed to have been a hard-fought battle with GG in the past that took place in two bouts of internships. Apparently, the first internship went quite badly which whetted GG's appetite, and it was the encouragement of a fellow academic staff member to the company that they decided to hold ground and hold a second internship. The second internship, however, was a roaring success (congratulations to whoever that participated - you've found an excellent job I think!) and thus there was more confidence in the current round of internships. I guess there is pressure on IS to make it a viable one as it will allow the Programme to have a future relationship that is more intimate with GG. On that note, I immediately thought that I should not be considered as I will not want to rock the boat, though after cooling down I slap myself and wonder why have I so little confidence in my abilities? I guess I should know where I stand...

Though the meeting ended not in my favour and I really should not harbour any expectation about what will come out from it, I must appreciate their willingness to speak to me to advise me on how I should tailor my packaging as a writer in technical communications. Indeed, being able to articulate effectively with an IT background seems to be a very viable selling point, something I got out from the meeting. Oh well.

Ned Nickerson