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Memories...

Monday, December 10, 2007

ON A WONDERFUL FIRST DAE AT WORK

Was really tired when I reached home, but felt really great n excited haha. I loved every minute of my work, except the travelling to n fro Changi from my hometown Bukit Panjang. Bah. I shall ride soon when the weather's less bitchy.

Anyway, as mentioned previously, I was posted to the Commercial division, and my, it was really a dynamic n fastpaced place haha. The whole office was kinda messy, but most importantly, vibrant n buzzing. And only our Commercial division office is on e 2nd floor at Terminal 2, while most of the other division offices lie on the 4th. Which means that once u open the door, viola, straightaway u re plunged into the midst of the departure airport terminal, with all e retail shops n travellers around u.

Being the Christmas n New Year period, there was of coz a festive atmosphere around, n u really see all kinds of things n people at the Airport. People from all over the world. Travellers, children, families, students, businessmen, aviation professionals, security personnel, NS dudes, n of coz air stewardesses.

My colleagues n supervisors were wonderful n friendly people who tried their best to make me feel welcome, and I really appreciate that. There's definitely a lot for me to learn, n to learn fast, esp when I didnt have any background in managing the retail sector, but they were always ready to provide advice n feedback. I also made friends with the ladies sitting around my cubicle haha. Miss Azizah esp, sitting right behind me, was really friendly n helpful plus she's been working there for 15 years oredi haha. Super lao-jiao. N always introducing me to all the staff whenever they walk past haha. Really sweet of her.

Some highlights of the dae were visiting the internal areas of Terminal 3, sitting in for my supervisor's 'haggling' with contractors (n hearing all kinds of interesting stories they come up with), n sitting in for another round of talks with a few international investors. The 3rd aspect was particularly fascinating, for I got to hear 1st hand of how n what the investors actually look for as they invest into the different retail outlets all over the world. They were Australians n were act the people who brought in outlets like Gloria Jeans Coffee Cafe, Imperial Treasure n a few other cafes into the airport. They even tried to bring Krispy Kreme into Sg coz they knew bout the recent donut craze haha. I learnt so many REAL-LIFE aspects of business development just sitting in n listening to them (rather than some theory nus lesson).

Yep, so all in all, very much an operations job, n I realized that in this division, u ll need to meet all kinds, n I really mean all kinds of people, n need to noe how to negotiate with them. N i think u have to like meeting them. Haha. Yet it involves a lot of dynamic n creative thinking out of the box, as well as conceptualizing business strategies at the same time. N the people there walk fast. Really fast haha. Coz u gotta hop from 1 place to another all over the whole airport.

Was really tired when I reached home, coz I went to do some extra work n recceing at the budget terminal, n met an old friend Gavin haha, who was going to Krabi. Gavin was one of my armour rugby teammates last time, n a really jolly fella. Good to see him doing well. =)

I have a big presentation at the end of my internship to be delivered to the senior management, n I only have 4 weeks. This main project ll keep me occupied for good n ll give me a high target to aim for. Hope I dun get burned out by the time sch starts next sem haha. N I hope to have a great month ahead with my new colleagues as well. =)

Ok gotta sleep early. Feel like going to jc man, must wake up so early everydae heh.

And I miss Krabi. Miss it very badly actually. Not just the place.

Everytime I step into the budget terminal I get reminded of everything n everything.

The Incredible Hock