Execs to grads: Right attitude will get you places

By: Tina Arceo-Dumlao - 11 years ago

The Makati central business district. Optimism on the prospects of the Philippine economy is at its highest level in recent history, thus giving the country arguably the best investment climate in Asia, according to a study made recently by London-based Economist Corporate Network. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The right attitude—more than aptitude—will get you ahead in the corporate world.

This was the advice of executives of some of the country’s largest corporations to the latest batch of college graduates who plan to land a job in the private sector.

According to Saleh Munshi, Dell Inc. regional managing director, skills can be learned or acquired, but there is no substitute for the right attitude.

“What is a good attitude? Have a passion for learning and constant improvement, a burning desire to succeed, humility and integrity, and success will be at your feet,” Munshi said.

Napoleon L. Nazareno, president and chief executive officer of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., said new graduates should be “masters of learning and relearning and relearning.”

“The opportunities are largely in your hands because your generation, and the generations that will follow yours, are the agents of digital disruption. This is your time. The forces of change are with you. But be careful what you wish for. Because your generation—much more than mine—must cope with rapid, unpredictable change,” said Nazareno.

PLDT executive vice president Ariel Fermin said that new graduates should make an effort to learn as much as they can from the skilled people they will meet in the workplace.

“Be a sponge. This gives you a better perspective on how the various parts of a company work together. Specially at a young age, be open to being mentored, as this is a gift that you will later on give when you have experienced working for years,” said Fermin, who also heads PLDT’s Home Business segment.

Millennium Challenge Account Philippines CEO Ma. Victoria E. Añonuevo, meanwhile, cautioned new graduates against being a “know it all” in the workplace, believing that they are God’s gift to the organization.

“Your job is to make your boss and your unit look good. Remember you will be at the bottom of the pecking order even if you were on top of your class in school,” said Añonuevo.

“Observe the culture of the organization and try to blend in. Nobody wants to see a peacock amid a sea of penguins. Be friendly without being such a brown-noser. In the end, those who I have seen succeed in their first job are those who showed early on the energy level, the passion and commitment to do a good job,” she added.

Bea Tan, consumer business manager of Citi Philippines, said embracing every learning opportunity that came her way helped her go up the ladder, and a similar attitude should help new graduates accomplish the same feat.

“No job can be considered a menial task. If you roll up your sleeves and get involved from start to finish, you will open up for yourself so much learning, experience and network opportunities, all of which can make you a better professional, and one that has the respect of your bosses and peers,” she said.

Tan also said that humility “looks good on everyone.”

“Don’t be afraid to apologize and admit to mistakes—no one is perfect and learning from your mistakes will make you stronger. Ask questions and raise your hand for help if you need it. The generosity and readiness of the people around you to help may surprise you,” she said.

Darcy Lalonde, CEO of Shore Solutions, shared the same view that it pays to always be open to opportunities.

“Oftentimes, the degree you are armed with is simply not enough to prepare you for the workforce. While it is essential to set goals and follow through, leave enough room for flexibility, keep learning and cultivate an innovative spirit,” added Lalonde.

In looking for that job, consider the one where you will learn, not just earn, said Sun Life Financial Philippines president Riza Mantaring.

“School gives you a broad foundation and teaches you to think, but depth comes from actual experience. And with the rapid pace of change today, you can never stop learning,” said Mantaring.

She added that it was not advisable to hop from one job to another.

“Too much hopping will make an employer think twice about hiring you. It is hard to see how you can contribute anything of value when you’re never there long enough to do so,” she said.

Metro Retail Stores Group president Eduardo C. Ponce also advised new graduates to pursue a job that will fulfill their aspirations—a career that will meet long-term—not just immediate—goals.