Letter - Basic degree not a passport to high salary

Written by The Star Sunday, 31 July 2011 00:00

I REFER to “RM2,500 for fresh grad is nothing” (The Star, July 19). The attitude of some graduates is that because they are graduates they deserve high pay, so they can have a cosy life. However, such is not the case. A basic degree is not a passport to high pay.

Fresh graduates who have just entered the job market should be thankful, for many are still unemployed. These days, academic qualification is not the only criterion for landing a job. Attitude, personality, character, vocal ability, etc, are as important.

Many fresh graduates, upon joining a company, need to be trained. They are placed under probation to learn the ropes and be familiar with the culture of the company.

I hear many fresh graduates say that their tertiary knowledge does not relate to the company’s work at all. Thus, the company is doing these graduates a service by training them, in the hope, they will stay committed to the development of the company.

Therefore, graduates who are starting work, be grateful, humble and willing to learn from others, diligent and innovative. Show that you are an asset to the company. As is often said, there is no free lunch.

An employee will be recognised, appreciated, valued and rewarded for excellent work performance and for striving to enhance his skills.

TAN LEE HUAN,

Bukit Mertajam.