Lina
This is the first speech I delivered when I joined QSI Toastmasters Club in 2017. In Toastmaster Club, we call it “The Icebreaker”. An icebreaker is type of speech project where the goal is to introduce yourself to fellow members.
Good evening, my fellow Toastmasters! Let me share with you a short story on how I enter the corporate world.
I got my first job interview last November of 2010 with Samsung Electronics.It was a panel interview. Everyone was nervous. Everyone was asked different questions. Then comes my turn. and my interviewee?! A Korean!
I prepared myself for this interview. I do the research on How to Answer Interview Questions. I can say I was prepared. Then here come the questions.
Interviewee: Mr. Dela Cruz good afternoon.
Me: Good afternoon sir.
Interviewee: Here’s your question? Huwat is your pigeon?
Stunned by what the Korean said, I replied.
Me: Pardon sir?
Interviewee: Huwat is your pigeon?
Talking to my self: I don’t even have a pet and you are asking me huwat is my pigeon?!!!
For a moment , I froze for I don’t know how to answer that wonderful question. I looked to the left. I looked to the right. I looked around! No one is there willing to provide help. Suddenly I found myself staring at the Filipino HR (with eyes begging for HELP!), and he said,
Filipino HR: What is your vision?
What the? What is your vision? That’s it! That is the wonderful question!
Thank you to that Filipino HR who saves me during that crucial time
of my life.
I don’t remember anymore on how I replied to that question. But luckily, I passed the interview and got the Job as a System Engineer. But it didn’t last long. It took me 2 months to realize that the job is not for me.
Building Blocks
I waited for almost 2 months for another opportunity to come. And then called my High School Classmate offering a job for me as Technical Assistant in Makati Development Corporation, a Construction Company. During that time there is no vacancy in Electrical Engineer so I decided to take the job instead.
Technically, I could consider this as my first job. I have been with the company for 5 years. From Technical Assistant I was promoted to Field Engineer then to Project Supervisor. All in all I got 3 projects under my portfolio.One Mall, One Residential Tower and One Business Processing Outsource (BPO).
It was life changing experience for me and I owe them everything I know in field engineering. But things do change, everything comes to an end. During my last years in my work, I really feel I need to move out. I am totally burned out but still I’m undecided.
Turning Point
So after 5 years, I decided to take another path. I applied for Quantity Solutions Inc , a well-known construction cost consultant. I got a message from Ms. Tin (our HR) for an interview but I didn’t came.
Few months later, unable to find another job opportunity, I browse the net the saw that QSI is hiring again. I tried to apply for the second time and that very afternoon they informed that I will be having the interview the day after.
Confused during that time, I asked God for His Wisdom.
“ God, is this a sign?”
“I applied for this company twice and responded positively. Maybe it’s the right time to leave this company (MDC)?”
And in my mind there is no other answer but YES.
So early morning, I attend the interview, passed the exam and started my job as a Quantity Surveyor.
That’s how my life begins here with QSI and hopefully will continue longer. How I wish I made up my decision as sooner as possible. But I am so grateful to God I have this decision. Since then I never regret it, I never regret that I had leave my old life, to live a new life.
Thank you and God Bless Everyone.
End of Speech
P.S. I bet you are wondering who LiNa was after reading the title. And I know you found the answer after reading the whole speech. Great!
