JobsDB Moments (November 2009)
Knowledge Universe: Upgrade and don’t be choosy
"the only differences between various organisations is the culture, and ability to adapt is the advantage".
The importance of education backing a career can never be understated. Whilst experience is important, education provides a smoother access to education without much of the pain. Continued upgrading of oneself assures path to higher level of achievement be it one’s dream career, or material enrichment.
Prisma Revolusi Sdn Bhd’s chief executive officer, Prem Mathavan, in an exclusive interview with JobsDB Malaysia, noted that most employees upgrade themselves only when there is a need to do so. Prisma is the key franchise holder of Knowledge Universe, which is part of Raffles Education Group.
“Generally very few think about upgrading themselves, and when they do they will think about it especially after five to eight years of working,” said Prem. “Mostly it would be pressure from their better performing peers, or those stuck where they are or those looking for increment or bigger bonuses.” |
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The bigger picture is different. Something differing from just a luxurious need to what Prem calls an “insurance policy”.
“It’s no difference a scenario then what insurance means when if you are physically disabled,” said Prem.
He noted a worst case scenario where an employee with upgraded qualification would not be short listed in the to-be-retrenched list. “On the other hand,” Prem pointed out, “even if they do retrench, chances of them getting job again, and soon, is much higher”.
With additional paper qualification in their resume, employees would always find themselves needed in the marketplace, as it tops up their already good experience.
“(Upgrade education) is a mechanism to see themselves in a wider spectrum, where they are able to fit anywhere,” said Prem. “I mean, the only differences between various organisations is the culture, and ability to adapt is the advantage.”
Prem cites institutes like Knowledge Universe as definite platform for employees who have missed out on acquiring diplomas, bachelor or masters degrees back in their student days. “Instead of you going to the University, we bring the University to you,” Prem said.
He noted that the facilitators are the real McCoy themselves, with personalities straight from the industry hotbed, like accountants, lawyers and bank managers, who not only provide knowledge but experience as well.
The period for the programmes are definitely workers-friendly. A diploma, for example, would take only one year, while an accredited one offered to high school leavers would stretch between two and three years.
Prem urged both employers and employees to identify the right program that would help employees to upgrade themselves and contribute to the company’s well being.
“One has to do proper search for the right program,” said Prem. “You don’t go for certain programmes just because it’s the trend to do so, or it’s popular….or because it has cute girls in the class.”
When asked about the fresh graduates and their position in the job market, Prem observed the same attribute that was complained about by other employers in this section – choosy!
“To the fresh graduates, we tell you this: don’t be choosy. Learn the job, learn how to do your tasks and most importantly you must listen, not just hear,” said Prem.
He said they should acquire the patience to learn their chores, the job inside out and not move on just because “someone is paying RM100 extra”.
“Once you have learned the job inside out, you can ask for the salary you wanted,” Prem said, noting that it’s the graduates attitude, alongside aptitude that have them swimming in the pool of unemployment.
“Global unemployment rate may be due to economic cycle but it should not be denied that there are also man-made factors like lack of interest on the employees’ part contributing to the high unemployment rate here in Malaysia.”
(Source: Jobsdb Malaysia)
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