Smiling Down On Me

Its been almost a month and a half that I have yet to update my site. So much have happened yet find it hard to sit and post my experiences. Its been a very interesting, challenging and blessed month. Things have been going on quite smoothly, thanks to God. I've become more aware how blessed I really am during this pass month. I can not thank God enough for all that He has done. Its been an experience and thus, I would like to take this time to share to those who come by this place for a quick update about myself.

One of the these experiences is obtaining my job. It has already been a month since I landed myself in this job. For some who do not know, I am currently attached to Shell. Yeh, I am one of those pump attendant which you see when you drive into a Shell kiosk to get some petrol. Nah! What am I doing in Shell? Well, I am a Application Support Desk Analyst. What I do is mainly about system. One of these systems is SAP, a German software where every part of the company runs on this system, from finance to human resource to logistics to manufacturing. Basically, its a big database where every part of the Shell business is relied on. I came in without any knowledge of SAP. However, thanks to my wonderful collegue who tiredlessly taught me the system. Now, I am able to reply users complain or request on SAP via email or phone call.

How did I get this job? Many have ask me this question especially when they came to know that I am attached with a company with such high reputation. It isn't easy to get. Many of my friends have tried to get in but to no avail. This is where I begin my testimony.

Things were pretty hectic when I was preparing to leave for mission trip to Sarawak. Besides packing and preparing for the trip, I was constantly reminded by my mom to send in my resume to companies before I leave. In order to reduce my Mom's nagging, I decided to stay up the nag to finish my resume. My mom helped to pass my resume to someone we knew from Shell. There was no expectation. However, deep within me I wanted to work in Shell. One of the reason was one of the career fairs which I went where Shell gave a talk on the career oppurtunites of the company. I was captivated by the working style and environment that Shell had to offer. It suited me. A balance between work and play. Something which I was looking in a career. However, my results was a barrier for me to even consider applying as I had not much confidence of getting the job since grades are key of success.

I handed in my resume hoping for the best. In my prayers, I told God that if it is His will for me to be in Shell, let your will be done. If it isn't, I would return from Australia and start applying for jobs. I left for Australia without having much thought in mind but I was earnestly hoping I would receive news that I would get it. God answered my prayers and news of an appointment to meet for an interview was forwarded to me by my mum on by birthday. It was a very happy news for me and I thank God for it. It was the only job I applied and I had receive news of an interview. However, it was too early to say anything.

I came back and a series of interview. My first was an interview with the people who were hiring. There was two job option, SAP analyst or Non-ERP analyst. The latter one would require a two weeks training in Australia. I was thinking if I had gotten the second one, I would be goin back to Australia eventhough I had just returned from there. News came. I had received the offer. However, it was not the latter one. I thank God.

In the next couple of weeks, I was called to attend another interview in Shell. I wonder what it was. To my disbelief, I was called to attend the graduate scheme interview. I had initially wanted to apply via online. But, I never found the time before to complete the questions posted only. I went for the interview and by God's grace, passed the first round. The second round would come. This would be tougher than the first as it required group participation which would take a day to complete. I went for it. It was a great experience especially going through a case study and providing information to the group and invigilators who sat and watched, at times questioning the group as well. I didn't make it through. In my mind, I though that I didn't make the cut and had to find myself another job. I called the lady who had previously said that I was offered the job and told her that I did not make it through. She called up again and reassure me that they were offering me. I thank God.

The waiting period was excrusiating. I had to wait almost a month to do my medical. Things were beginning to be uncertain. However, thank God the delay allowed me to attend my church camp in Genting. This is another gift from God to me after my travels around various places. News came in from my medical. I had passed. My initial request to start after my church camp was granted and I got into the office the following day.

Things had really gotten from good to better. Initially, I was offered a contract job for two years. The word contract may sound to many as not a certain thing. However, I was already happy to be given a job and ask for nothing more eventhough it would last me for two years only. However, I believe God had a better plan instore. He provided with an extra bonus. The status of my role changed. I was puzzled to receive news that my role had been converted to permanent status. This was due to the change in the Shell organisation where my department went through a transition from Shell IT to Shell OP. It seems Shell OP recognises permant staff and not contract staff. Other than that, Shell maintain a balance between experienced and non-experienced personel, contract and permanent personel. Its just by God's grace that I was the non experienced permanent staff needed to balance the work force. This I thank God.

There is so much to thank God for. Thank God for the working environment and atmosphere. I am able to have a balance work life in which Shell maintains such a policy. I am able to work and at the same time play. I spend some evenings with collegues down at the pool tables at the recreation at times. Besides, I was able to participate in helping out in a charity food fair to raise fund and also rope in to plan for my department's annual dinner. Things have not been all about work. There seems to be a balance and I believe God laid down His plan for me. I thank God that I am able to learn so much from this job especially in the area of systems and also maintain a balance life where I am able to return home to Seremban and also hang out with my friends. What more can I ask for.

As I began to reflect on my life, I really can see His blessings upon my life. Other than that, to see His blessings on other around me helps strengthened my faith. Most of my friends need not go through much hassle to get a job and I thank God that they are happy where they are. Now, its time to repay this blessings. I know I can't repay Him but I know that if I am constantly and obediently seeking Him in my life and believing that He is God, I know that God is smiling down on me. Theres so much in my mind, in terms of plans of what to do to bless others also but I can only plan but He is the one who pave the way for us to walk on.

I hope that this will encourage you to stay grounded in Him for His ways are always higher that our ways. Believe and He will hear our prayers. God bless