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An Apprentice
| FROM ISSUE # 175 (July 2010) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
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With college tuition costs climbing at a record pace, many high school students must decide whether to invest in a college degree or take a year off and dive right into an entry-level job. Whether driven by economics or personal preference, this decision can have a major impact on the course of your professional career as well as your personal life. WAVE brings you four young professionals to discuss the workings of workplace. 
Participants:
Neeva Shrestha, 26
Drama Networking Assistant at the BBC World Service Trust
Biraj Shrestha, 20
Intern at DCBL Bank and a professional model
Samridhi Poudel, 21
Intern at UNDP supported project Enhancing Nepal's Trade Related Capacity (ENTReC)
Max Khattri, 25
MD at The Factory
How has your work experience been? 
Biraj: I've interned in quite a few banks but each bank has an entirely different ambience. It must be the difference in attitude of the employees. And of course, it's overwhelming to see myself in papers and hoarding boards.
Max: Although it started out as a necessity, I've always been zealous about working.
Samridhi: The pay is good, not having to ask your parent for extra bucks is a good enough reason to intern. Sometimes the workload boggles you, but eventually you get the hang of it.
Neeva: It's been a great learning experience.
Why did you decide to work after studies?
Max: I wasn't privileged enough to continue my education, especially when my dad started getting hospitalised more often. I had to become the breadwinner of the family. I was only 13 years old then.
Neeva: This was the right time to work. After I graduated I wanted to earn my own money.
Samridhi and Biraj: I say, first the person needs to have proper qualifications, experience comes secondary.
Is the idea of going to a university less appealing after working? 
Neeva: If you're doing some serious work then yes, when you're enjoying work and have money to spend, university does seem less appealing.
Samridhi: While some countries do prioritise university degrees, some consider work experience to be more important. But I say, first the person needs to have proper qualifications, experience is secondary.
Do customers take a young professional seriously?
Max: I take my work seriously so people ought to take me seriously.
Samridhi: That could be one of the problems, people may doubt you because of your appearance but when you show them your work, they ought to be convinced.
Biraj: I don't think it your age the customers are concerned about. Being taken seriously or not depends entirely on your attitude and presentation.
What's the trick to rise up the ladder? 
Max: You've got to feel what you do.
Biraj: I'm not sure if I can answer that right now. Chuckles. Employers these days rely on job seekers to develop their own skills. So gather as much work experience as you can.
What's most awesome about being a young professional?
Biraj: The independence.
Max: Your public relations skyrocket, you're the inspiration to young lads. And it feels good to have people count on you.
Neeva: People now know who you are because of your work.