2nd Session Mentorship - Global Shapers Fellowship

I finally had my second mentorship session with Kak Jordan last month, 23^rd September to be exact. It was supposed to be done a month ago, but due to several reasons we had a delay. Again, my SKYPE account has proven himself extremely useful! And now I am going to spread away what I’ve got!

First, we were discussing about my findings from previous session. There were 3 questions : Due diligence to get into BI, school of public policy, and my miserable CV. As for the last, I already made a new one. This time no photo, no irrelevant information, result oriented, and one page only. Just like an international format. But I am still confused with design issues. I am not a creative-type nor can I use software design. But don’t worry I’ll come up with something!

Moving on to BI. We were talking about me working at BI, sharia division. So I did a quick internet research. There are several ways to get into BI. And the most suitable and promising is Penerimaan Calon Pegawai Muda (PCPM). Why is it so? Because they accept fresh graduates, either banchelor or master degree. Once you get accepted, you are automatically an assistant manager.

I also watched a promotion video made by BI itself, explaining their culture work and role for our economy. Apparently they have the so-called balance life style. Many clubs are available. Dancing, martial arts, you name it. The pay is also good, according to a guy from UNPAD who managed to get into on his blog. Unlike some other state-owned companies, BI has a good reputation. Discipline, professionals and chosen might be some of positive words to describe workers at BI. However, something good comes with a price. The selection process takes months, almost a year! I already listed every steps and how to accomplish them. The only problem is it’s been 2 years since the last PCPM. Considering a discussion on Kaskus that PCPM is only open once in every 2 years, then we have a question here.

Kak Jourdan also advised me to find another job during the selection process just in case. You can’t expect me to be an unemployment for a year! So, I was wandering around, trying to get information from some friends. A friend from BNI Syariah told me that we can’t just say “hey, thanks for this unbelievable year, but BI wants me. So ciao!”. Companies spend a lot to train new employers. And if you dare to leave before the minimum years, a fine will be waiting for you.

My other option is to keep searching for another info about other companies, or to have a full internship program. For instance, I checked on JOBSDB.COM last night and I found that Citibank is searching for fresh graduates to fill intern position for 6 months. Because it’s after graduation internship, it has to be a reputable company with a clear job of desk. You know some interns in Bank, well not only Bank, are treated unfair. Nothing much to do. Make a coffee, deliver papers. I have been there once. I wanted to try real job and it could be frustrating at some points.

We also talked about school of public policy. I found some schools and their requirements. Kak Jourdan said I should choose more wisely. Public policy is too general. It could be politics, health care, energy etc while I am only interested in economics, monetary, and banking. He gave me some recommendations including Boston University (Master of Economic Public Policy, BU) and Australia National University (Master of Economic Policy, ANU). After checking the curriculum, I am positive that they are more relevant to my interest rather than my previous list. However, new questions crossed my mind. Some schools on my list do have economics concentration. And even though some don’t, the subjects in first year is very basic and elective courses will help you to learn deeply in topic you are interested in.

Now that those 3 questions were already answered, I had almost 20 questions related to school, work etc. Kak Jourdan told me his success and failure stories which we should be doing in the first session. To be honest, it was very motivating. I’m not going to share it here, it would be too long. The point is giving up is not a choice. I  lost many times, but those who won deserved it and I didn't. Don’t deny it. I remember someone made excuses because she got rejected. Admit that you are not good enough right now and keep improving yourself for the next chance.

I was very glad to finally got a chance to do this second mentorship. It was very enlightening. Honestly, every time I have to speak with Kak Jourdan I get nervous, haha. It always happens when I have to face great or bright people. After all, I am just another regular ambitious girl.

This month or November will be the last part of Global Shapers Fellowship. I actually want to have a small discussion about cases in Indonesia that can be solved with public policy with Kak Jourdan, but let's see! :)