PFL BCA - My KCP (Supporting Branch) Experience

Hi, everyone, it has been a while since I last updated my PFL journey and there are a lot of happenings since my last post.

On late February, I was appointed to be a substitute at the supporting branch office for 4 days. It happens just so sudden. I was informed around 9 am and I went there almost immediately afterwards. I reach there around 10 am. There are couple things that I wish I knew beforehand, and which I will let you know, below:

1. Placement Branch Issues.

The first and most important things are we, PFL are not allowed to be borrowed  at a strange difficult position. We are working, yet we are not belong to the branch. We are permanent employee but we are not entitled overtime payment and some bonuses.

We can be "borrowed" for a bit while, but not for long as we need to stay at the branch where our contract stated. I was "borrowed" for 4 days and like 1-2 weeks later, my Service Head was informed by the HQ HRD about our "placement at the supporting branch" and she need to whole write a report for it.
I was later contacted by our PIC, and I was informed that it was OK to be "borrowed" as long as it didn't alter our placement branch as stated on the contract.

Well, it is a long story. This is a new program and not much people have a clear idea about it yet, and it is OK. We learn my making mistakes, anyway.

2. Expectation vs Reality at supporting branch (the one I visited)

I am sure that some of you have heard that life at supporting branch are a lot easier, simpler, and more relaxing. That is true to some point, but also wrong at other points. So, what different from Head Branch and their Supporting Branch??

• The customer's mentality, the type of customers are different from Main Branch (MB) in at least 3 ways:

• Time: They are more time sensitive. They know that supporting branch (SB) are less crowded, therefore those who visit the SB are more likely to want the transaction to be done ASAP, less waiting time, and less time to do other things (cross selling) as the queue is pilling as times goes by. The SPVs (kabag) are also shared, especially when one of them is on lunch break, you have to wait for them (or other divisions' SPVs). 
• Formality: The time factors play a big part in this. Due to the demand of having less time, they are unlikely to wait until they are called. They will just barged to your table right after the previous customer leave (or even during their transaction!). You barely get toilet breaks or drink your water in between. There are less CSO (sometimes only 2) as well, so you have to bear with it and be considered to both your colleagues and customers. 
• Engagement: This is especially true for tellers. Customers are more engaged at SB as the person doing the transaction comes frequently/repeating . (I hope you get what I mean)
• The cases
• The cases are easier to handle and there are less variations. Nothing complicated like "Name Change/ Signature Change", less fraud cases.

• Our jobs
• Our jobs however, are at a larger scoop. We have to take care of all the credits applications, Opening Giro account, Deposito opening forms, All the Cheques and BGs, Prepping forms, Desk cleaning, almost everything. 

Placement at SB is a bitter sweet experience for me, personally. I do feel that I am growing in those short time, as I am more independent and confident, yet I miss the busy MB and the friends and the comfort of "fotocopy OB". If I have to choose now, I will still choose my placement branch tho. <3

PFL BCA - Open the Counter for the First Time

Please note that I am bound to the company's secret that I cannot tell you guys the stories in details about procedures and internal information and I am a newbie who might not have a clear or deep understanding of the companies procedures yet. Disclaimer is ON.

So, after 4 days of observation: 1 days at the counter and 3 days at desk, I am opening my own counter!

Of course my seniors is still sitting behind me in case (of course) I need help. 

OK.

I must tell you know that you will feel extremely useless and stupid. Around 80% of what you have learned at the training centre is not applicable here.

Do not say that I didn't warn you.

This is serious!

I made some stupid mistakes, forgetting small things on my first day opening a counter!

I have to redeem myself after the service hour is over.

I feel like a no-brainer slow poke.

I am considered pretty fast for a beginner.
Still, I feel like I am left behind every one by large margin.

I am lucky enough to have a very good, patient, and thoughtful mentor.

IDK who is this Anthony, but the quotes is spot on

I can't never thank her enough. 

The things is, not everyone is as lucky  as you.

People have different characteristics and some might not get a long well with others. 

This is what my other friends have encountered. 

I feel sad for them. 

I still have a difficult time adjusting myself to my colleagues as they have know each other for pretty long time. I knew this is my weak points for quite a time already. I am working on it, as hard as I can.

What you should be preparing:

• Big water bottle
• Memorise your TXN (all of them) if you can't yet write a small notes and place them where the customers  cannot see. You will still need to memorise them, the notes is only for temporary use.
• Small notes/books to take some important notes. Do not forget your mentoring sheets.
• Have enough breakfast! You do not know when your turn to have lunch will come. Mine is around 13:30.

The first 2 days is pretty harsh, even for me. 

I made stupid mistakes and I felt left behind but things start getting better on the third day. I even sell AIA products! and I didn't forget anything anymore. Such a bliss.

I still have long way to go, but as long as my superiors and colleagues think that I am advancing fast enough I think I am on the right track. 

This is those time that make a lot of my friends think of giving up on the contract (honestly me too). The working environment is pretty harsh and I do not think that we have been credited enough. 

 But thinking about it, this is a choice that I have been taken and I have been through lots of things worse than this. 

Why did I turn whinny and weak?

I should be the strong willed and inspiring person!

RESOLUTION:

Even if I didn't continue the contract after 3 years:

I want to at least graduate through the training period with all of my classmates.

I want to at least go and see how far I can go in this company in 3 years.

I want to get the knowledge, experience, and connections to the most from working here. I wouldn't go out with nothing this time.

I feel like inserting some of Confucius sayings:

Remember that everything starts from a single steps.
The small actions today might turns out to be a big changes in the future.
Be persistent and do not give up easily.

No explanation needed for this one.

You reap what you saw.
What you give to people will be felt and be given back to you.
Hopefully thousand times more.

I think this might be the most important of all.
To go with all your heart for me means to give your all.
To never do things half way because it gets hard.
I personally did that before and I kinda see myself doing it a different way if I could by now.
Time and opportunities is something that cannot be turned back. Use it wisely.

If you are interested to know more about my PFL journey, you can click here

I wrote down most of my journey from recruitment to the in-class training and OJT.

PFL BCA - BRANCH OJT [The First Week]

I am officially done with my first week at BCA KCU Pontianak, my placement branch for the next 9++ months.

On my first day, I am so confused as any of you would be on your first day at work.

I have been there as a customer, but not the employee. 

So, of course I am perplex.

Where do employee enter the building from, Who to meet first, What to do, and What will happen next?

Big Question Mark

The answers are:

Where to enter from as an employee?  

Ask the security or follow the current employee (let them lead the way)

Who to meet first?  

I am meeting my Kalay first (according to the letter given to me), but actually it was the HRD I should have met first! (my bad)

What to do?  

The answer will varies from branches to branches as they have their own regulations. 

Since I was meeting my Kalay, I gave her my letter and I just follow her lead from then.

What will happen next?

This answer will also be different from branches to branches. 

I was immediately join the morning briefing where I got to introduce myself then I was sent to observation at the counter. 

So let me tell you my complete story.

On my first day, I come a bit 'late' then I suppose to. I come around 7:05 am but they already had the morning briefing, in time for my introduction. I know that the service hour starts at 7:30, with briefing at 7:15 but on Monday, they are a tad bit earlier than usual. I am consider late for my first day. TT.TT Please check your branch operational service hour at least one day before your first day. 

Then, I handed over my letter to my Kalay and KOC. I had a brief introduction and I was told to do some observation first at CS Counter for a day, and CS Desk for a day (second day); which I did. 

On my third day, I started to open a counter on my own. I held 3 account opening on my own, with my mentor assistant. All went well.

On my fourth day, I open the counter all on my own with my mentor only sitting besides me to note mistakes. All went pretty well!

On my fifth day, I was left to open the counter myself and I was given a spare ID, which means I will bear all the responsibilities myself. It was nerve wreaking most frightening experience I have ever encounter. I was so nervous that I forget some small things and I have to call the customers for it, which I am very sad and sorry for. 

I need to learn a lot of things and I am going to learn it soon and as fast as I could. I feel like I am the dumbest now in the group and that upset me. 

What everyone must have been thinking about me

Anyway, please take note about:

• Service Hour
Get to know everything you could about your branch. If your both Observation and DO OJT are at you placement branch, then lucky you!
• Absent Card
My senior PFL friends do not even given a card when they come to their branch. I need to contact my PIC but he is no where to be found.

• Clothing
I come with uniform (yellow) but was ask to change to black and white the next day. Because I am not yet ready, which is fine with me.

• Hair
This differ between branches to branches. You will know there, but please have your hair do as you did on training. 

• What to do
Just follow the lead. Do not forget to apply for finger print scan for absence report. Do not forget to visit the HRD division.

• What to bring
Your spirit! LOL! The letter, small note book for note taking, pen, name tag, lunch (if you can), water bottle, and your TXN notes. Do not forget! Lastly,
• Try your best to remember your colleagues and superior names, smile, and always smile.

= YOU WILL BE FINE =

ps: the first 2 months will be hard! As hard as ****!!

NOTE: Always try to blend in with others. Some might treat you differently because you are a PFL. Stay humble and stay focus. You have a goal and so are they. We might be walking a different path but our destination is the same (the permanent employee). 

PFL is better equipped with the theories and deep understanding while others have the experience and better practical skills. We are both good in our different ways! If you cannot do things or you do not understand, ask! do not be discouraged. Share! Give! and you will receive.

PFL BCA - Personal Adjustment & T Group

Many would ask where is the T-Group post? 

Why haven't I post it when I was already done with the in-class training? 

Haha. I was busy and I am having difficulties in writing this post. 

There are lots of things happen at once. The re-discovery, the confession, the group sharing (which needs a hell lotta trust), and lots of other things!

This is a part of our training program. We are required to join another self-development training. Unlike the Valuable Person Training, other programs like PSPO are also required to join this one. 

The training will be focusing on self-healing and self-discovery. 

It will give us the in-depth view of what personality we have (the 16 personalities) and the "T" in the "T Group" stands for "Therapy Group".

This time the training will be held at GMS HRD Consultant at Avia Hotel and Resort, Bogor on 12-13 November 2015.

This time, no other group was joining in. Its just the 20 of us.

At first, we were told to write some of our most scarred memories, favorite numbers, our hopeful achievements, and the 20 "I" statement. 

Then, we were taught about the 16 personalities in details. 

I honestly have tried the test myself on 16personalities.com

And this is what I got on the website: ENFP (T)

(Extroverted iNtuitive Feeling Prospecting)

ENTP with Turbulent identity. I got the same result from the Psychologist. 


At first, she didn't believe that I am an 'N' as N type is very rare. I was ask to re-do the test and I got the same result. She was still in doubt. 
Not until after I tell her my stories that she was convinced that I am indeed an 'N' type personalities. 


ENFP is a marketer and a motivator.
I recently realize these talents of mine. 


The 'theraphy' part is also quite new and interesting. We were formed into group of 4 and we were assigned different psychologist. Then, we will talk about our self, our family, our journey.
You might have heard that there will be lot of tears, it is true.
You might think that your life is simple and smooth, or your friends (which always smile) might be so good as well. But that is not always the case. 

In the 20++ years of our life, we (of course) at some point in our life was hurt and sometimes that 'event or continuous same events' may have left a deep scar within us that may affects how we live our life.

This training is for us to open our self and to heal from previous wounds so that we can learn and be free from the unnecessary boundaries. 

For BCA, this is for them to know us better. Our potentials and shortcomings.

Do not worry about extra sensitive topics or your bitter past. 

I believe that the psychologists have their oath and patients' secrecy.

They will at the end of the therapy session give us some advice and read out our traits. 

Be the first to tell the stories!

This is your chance to get to know who you are and for BCA to get to know you.

Do not hide and do not conceal. Let your true self shine! 

What I get from this training?

• The website 16personalities.com is accurate for me but not for some of my friends. Not sure. It is whether they didn't understand the questions as it was in English or something else.

• I get to know for sure what personalities I am and what jobs will be suitable for me.

• I realized that behind every happy person, there are scars that they are trying to hide and that every single person in this world at some point of their lives has received 'scars' that they will hide for the rest of their life.

• I learn to be grateful.

• I learn to let go of problems and the past.

• I learn to know other types of personalities and how to deal with them.

• I get the reassurance of what I want to do in the future.

We also get certificate from this trainings!

Well, there is not much to write about and I am not taking any pictures. LOL.

- cya next time -

PFL BCA - Lasy Day of In-Class Training and the Temporary FAREWELL

I am still feeling very overwhelmed by the feeling of being separated from the people that have been with me for the past 2 months. I cried and weep.

Already.
I am not even this sad when I am done with colleague.

I am never good dealing with farewell. I am not good with handling my sad emotions.
Knowing that I might never (hopefully not) meet some of these people that I have been with through a lot of things for 2 months and so.
We will and we must definitely meet again in 10 months and I hope our 'togetherness' will stay the same or even stronger with separation.

I found the winnie's wisdom words 

I am literary, truly, madly, deeply blessed.

I am so thankful for GOD for letting me to meet this 19 awesome people. 

I always believe that HE would filter all and only allow the best people to enter my life.

PFL CSO'14 + Pak Toper

Now that I look back to my previous problems in finding jobs, all the struggle and fear [read here]

All paid off. 

Now..

I meet good people, 19 of them at once. I have a good job with a good prospect. I am feeling blessed beyond words. I will never get enough of us!

PFL CSO 14 + Pak Toper part 2

I know that GOD doesn't let me have those jobs for a reasons and I think I get that now.
This is totally worth it.

----- *** -----

Our Farewell Photo @ Cafe Strawberry

Today [4/12]

Today is our last day of in-class training and we will be on OJT (On Job Training) for 10 months until September 16th, 2016! 

290 days to go!

There will be some sharing, some discussion, and some advises given.
On this very day, you will also receive your name board! Flight tickets and some paperwork to fill out at your branches.
Here is mine:

Name board for your counter

Paperwork and flight tickets!

I cried, we all cried. That is how much we mean for each other. 

I love that about us. 

I will forever be thankful for this encounter and I am thankful for being a part of a great team! 

This might be one of the most memorable part of my journey. 

Do not forget to send back some of your belongings!
The books weigh 3 KGs each!
If you are staying around slipi jaya area, you can send them via Dinata Jaya. Mine only cost Rp 15,000/kg to Pontianak and will reach the destination in 2-3 days. Contact: 0813 1147 0438

PFL BCA - Duty Officer Internship [KCU Kalimalang]

The Duty Officer Pin

It has been a long three days and I haven't get a chance to write any good blogpost for a while and I am going to be quite buzy for couple weeks ahead so I this is might be a good time to write a post. 

Today (2/12) is my last day of DO. In fact, I am doing my DO report at the moment. 

My Report Cover Page

If you ask me what it felt like? The answer is:

It was tiring but rewarding at the same time

Tired part, no question needed! If you are not tired, or have a sore feet, or have a blisters all over your feet, it is not DO. I have blisters and band-aid all over my feet on the day 2. 

Pardon my toes but I really want to post them. =P

Rewarding part, I cannot really explain this very well but you kinda get the feeling of satisfaction from all the help and services that you provided for the customers and how some of them reply by showing gestures of thankfulness. I am proud and happy at the same time when that happen. This is when I really think to myself that this is a good job. That I might do well in this job, that I want to do well.

OK, so I was 'randomly' placed at BCA KCU Kalimalang, East Jakarta. 

BCA KCU Kalimalang

Considering the place that I am renting right now, it was far far far away. According to Google Maps, it was 22 KM away!!

Taken at 23:38
It should take around 1 hour by car on working hours.

I was considering using Gojek but because my parents were too worried of the long distance road, I ended up staying at relatives' house for 5 days (since Friday night) which was awesome!! HAHA!

What about BCA KCU Kalimalang?

• They have the best, kindest, loveliest, angelic Kalay (Kelapa Layanan) EVERRR!! (or so from the little comparison that I have)

• They are big! The building itself consist of 4 floors + basement. I made some maps for my ppt. 

First Floor: Teller and ATM
(I put some watermarks)

Second Floor: Prioritas, CSO, SDB
(I put some watermarks)

• The atmosphere is much more relax and lenient than my first intern branch (KCU Thamrin) and it is much much much more crowded with customers ranging from senior citizen to students.

• There are a lot of securities and they are friendly and highly educated about the products and procedures. They make a good DO partners. Honestly, on my first day the Teller's DO was 'borrowed' by smaller branch and I need to get by the whole day as DO, alone. On my first day. On Monday (Ughh, busy Monday! The branches closed around 15:15 and 'really closed' around 16:00).  I receive a great help from the security officers.

To Do List (Preparation):

• Buy a comfortable shoes (some branches allows black flat shoes, it will be nice if you get information ahead, I didn't)

• If you have time and resources, check out the locations one day before. If possible, get to know if you can wear flat shoes for DO (girls only)

• Come early on your first day. First impression lasts forever! 

• Get to know the branch layout and counters! (you will be questioned about this a lot!!!)

• Get to know the forms needed for each transactions (for both teller and CSO forms, learn how to fill in as well. A lot of customers are confused you have to be able to guide them through)

• Drink enough water and bring some candy. You will be greetings people all the time, you do not want to have a bad breath.

• Ask where to have lunch in the morning while everyone is still not too busy.
• Take enough pictures to be put on your report.

To Do List (While On Duty):

• Smile and Greet, Always!!

• Ask if you do not know! Do not give some random answers, it will get back to you.

• Check the forms, do not let them run out.

• Help the customers that look confused or worried. They are the one who needed help the most.

• Do not act high and mighty. Learn from everyone. Remember that everyone is smarter and more experienced than you! Do never act differently to people just because of their background! Treat others the way you want to be treated! (one of my life motto).

• Learn from your mistakes. Do not repeat the same mistakes!

DO Report:

• Do not forget to take pictures
• Ask the Kalay for in-depth information (branch hierarchy, majority transactions, etc)
• Remember the layout
• Remember each touching/important moments
• Take note of possible improvements
• Do it ASAP. You only have little time to finish this one

That's all.
You shall be fine.

Remember to be friendly and down to earth! 

Use this chance to the fullest to get the enough the experience needed for your job later at branch office.

This is nearly the end of the in-class training.
Use this time efficiently and spend quality time with your beloved classmates.
I would suggest to start packing your stuff. The books weight around 3 KGs each. You will need space for uniforms as well (2 blazers, 3 blouses, skirts, and long pants), for men you will need to make your own pants!

PFL BCA - Valuable Person by MIC

Its me on the bus with my name tag.
See the tagline: VALUABLE PERSON
TRY NOT TO BECOME A PERSON OF SUCCESS BUT RATHER TRY TO BECOME A MAN OF VALUE

As one part of our PFL Training, it is compulsory for us to join the Valuable Person Training at Lor In Hotel, Sentul. The training will only be held for 2 days 1 night but I guarantee that you will get to learn a lot.

On the D day, you will need to be at Wisma Asia 2 by 6.30 AM latest or you will be left behind.

The journey only took 1-1,5 hours. It is quite close by.

This picture is taken the moment we enter the Hotel.
It is still on construction progress. It is still dusty and look incomplete.
Anyway, it is not a uniform given by the committee, we are buying the same polo shirt as our class 'code'.

We are allowed to bring our phone with us but I was too busy socializing and eating and taking selfies that I forgot to take picture of the hotel itself. I will put some of my selfies pictures, tho.

My overall impression of the training is that:

It was not exactly and eyeopening as I have personally know most of the material but it was quite a reassurance of the values that I have held.

The trainers' efforts and speeches are genuinely heartfelt.

They let us know by examples. Some of the examples are their own experience and some they let us experience it ourselves. I often felt their sincerity through those stories.

I learn to be thankful for every little things that I have; especially those blessings that I have taken for granted all this while.

This is the sort of training that every person should go to!

You will get a lot of things on this training. It was called experimental training. It will taught you how to be grateful for everything.

• For things that we often taken for granted like our eyes, limbs, and voice. Remember that God was never obliged to give us a complete body with good eyes to see the world,  voice to talk, or good ear to listen but He did. That is a blessing that we usually neglect. 

• For our parents and siblings. That we are still be given time and chances to be with them and share our happiness with them. That they are still alive and well is a blessing that we need to be thankful for, everyday.
• For our job and our financial situation. We might not be happy with our current job. We might be tired of routine and stress from our job. But we still need to be thankful that we still have a job where there are thousands of jobless people, dreaming for a chance to be in our current position. We need to be happy for what we are paid for and instead of complaining and being idle, we need to work harder to get an even higher pay and position in the future. Like I said in my previous post, "It doesn't matter where you start, what matters is how you will finish." =)

• For our dreams and hope. "We need to look down to learn how to be grateful, but we also have to look up to know that we can still thrive." this is one of the sentence that I have heard/read somewhere and it has left a mark in my brain ever since. We should be thankful that we are still be allowed to dream and hope and that we are taking all the efforts we have to make it into realization. We must not surrender to our fate but we have to fight to overcome it. 



A famous inspiring quote by our first president, Ir Soekarno:
"Place your dream as high as the sky... because if you fall, you will fall among the stars"

• And more things that I couldn't mentioned one by one.

There are lots of surprises and experiences that you should experienced for yourself and I will not let myself spoiling your excitement by giving too much information.

What you should bring:

• Toiletries (the hotels amenities is limited)
• Tissues (do not ask why. Just trust me and bring it)
• Towels, we have a hard time getting towels. We waited until over 8 pm to get the towel.
• Comfortable shoes or flat shoes, no slippers. There are some outdoor activities.
• Snacks for supper if you usually had one.
• Water bottle (I am a heavy water drinker.. so...)
• Money, at least bring Rp 100,000,- (trust me, you will need this)
• Clothes (2 or more Jeans trousers - no shorts, T-shirts/Polo shirts as needed, others as needed)
• Hair ties for you, girls with long hair.
• Hairdryer!!
• Jacket or cardigans (outdoor activities, remember?)
• Personal meds if you think you will need them.
• Do not need to bring any stationary, it will be provided.
• Open mind and ready to learn mindset.

You are ready to go.
Enjoy!

Oh and we are given a certificate too!!
Will upload the picture of the certificate later.

PFL BCA - On Job Training (Observasi Cabang)

This is a really late post as I was writing this post around 10 days after it ends.

As a part of my journey on the PFL program on BCA, I have to undergone the 4 days observation training at BCA Main Branch. The branch that we are assigned for are choose randomly. I was lucky to be placed at Thamrin Branch. It was located in the same building as the HQ, Menara BCA and they are the pilot branches. Everything there is sophisticated and advanced.

There are 2 types of CSO here, counter and desk. 

We are supposed to be assigned to each one for 2 days, then switch to the other ones. 

On my first 2 days I was suppose to be placed at CSO Desk. 

Desk job is more complicated yet interesting for me than Counter as they involved complains submission and bank account opening.  I honestly have encounter lots of interesting cases and customer and I have learned a hell lot from these two days. I think I will have a love hate relationship with this job later tho...

CSO Desk KCU Thamrin

Ohhh.. I actually wonder where I should put the bad part of the observation in this post, but I decided to put it here. 

Be Prepared to have Your Legs and Feet Hurts Like Hell!

(Honestly, not only your feet. Your toes and back will be sore as well)

You have to stand from 8 AM to 15 PM (Service Hour) with only 45 minutes breaks in between!

Me after day one

As you can see, the layout for CSO Desk is not really comfortable and the Branch is not exactly a crowded branch so in order to get a lot of knowledge, I have to hop from one table to another to listen and observed. I have been a good friend with the wall and the bamboo. LOL. Some of the customers pitied me a told me to sit down, some thought that I am auditing the CSO officer. Double LOL.

I get to know a lot of types of products that I have yet to learn, about types of customers, about how to handle complains, about how to build relationships with customers and colleagues. It was a good experienced. I was really lucky that the colleagues there are so friendly and supportive. I hope that KCU Pontianak (my placement branch) will be as or even more friendly and accepting. :')

After 2 days and worn out leg, I switch to the Counter Job.  

CSO Counter BCA Thamrin

Counter are for fast services. Things are simpler here and lots more crowded than Desk, but customer get angry easier here as they are not comfortable (not sitting) and the queue will usually be quite long. 

I have leaned about the Counter job before and I deepen my understanding during my observation here. 

Overall, it was a good experience but a torture for my legs and toes. 

I do not think that I will survive day 5. LOL.

My advice for all you fellow having to do this observation duty is: 

• Wear comfortable shoes (Please... this is so DAMN important)
• Eat breakfast! You will stand up for hours. You do not want to faint in front of the customer, trust me.
• Check out your placement branch the day before. It is not nice to be late on your 1st day just because you are lost.
• Smile to everyone and be friendly. You are the new kid, remember.
• Bring your water bottle, you are allowed to drink (but ask your seniors)
• Be tidy and professional (hair, clothes, and shoes) as you are part of their branch now. Be an asset not a liability.
• Bring small notes to jot down any questions and ONLY ASK after the service hour!!
• Do not forget to ask where to get lunch, you do not want to be left behind!!
• Write your questions and answers clearly. You will have to do a report later. Keep it in mind.

That is all. Good Luck!

You are good to go

BCA Frontliner Program: "The Prestige Problem"

I have been joining the company for a fortnight by the time this post is written. In this second week, I have received lots of lessons about the bank, the products, and the correct attitude towards work and life. In addition, I get to know a lot of my friends better.

The Girls @ class

I was lucky to be a part of this awesome team. They are all crazy, carefree, yet attentive girls who are comforting, accepting, and will take care of you no matter what. Some of them have a really big heart and brightest personalities of all people I have ever encountered!! I love you all!! 

The girls @class (after class)

However as I get to know them, I get to know not only the bright side but also the dark side. 

As we were getting closer, it is more comfortable for us to share some of our problems with each other. 

Mask comes in all shapes and sizes!

Everyone wears a mask to protect themselves from the world and I think it is wise to do so; No one survive without the mask on, anyway. I don't blame anyone and I don't judge. I, myself wear a mask.

The problem is, they wear theirs so perfectly well that I thought it is them in their own skin!! I was wrong tho, they have they own insecurities and problems but they are able to smile and be carefree about it!

Anyway, the biggest and most common concern among the girls are:
Prestige.

YES!! It is prestige!! and I admit, I have had that concern before.

Well, first what is prestige? 

I think this quote describe "PRESTIGE" quite well

and beware, it can "blind" you!

To sums up, the prestige here is the Social Status which includes: Power, Money, Ego, and Pride.

FYI, in Indonesia, the Bank Frontliner job as "Customer Service Officer" or "Teller" is not a prestigious job that  people want. The pay is not too high and the financial risk is high. 

in short,

NOT DESIRABLE!

Honestly, we, PFL are not stupid at all. Some come from a good university majoring in Food Tech, some from Law School, and some from IT background. We are mostly here because our personality test says that we belongs to the Operational Division!! Because we have the skills and ability to do the operational job!! NO Less!

TO Dear Other Trainees Program:
Just because it is different from your skills, or is not needed by you,
doesn't mean that it is (we are) worthless or less then you!!

I am honestly thought that they (my friends) didn't have that kind of thoughts in mind as they are so carefree and they look happy. I never know that quite a few of them didn't even tell their closest friend about their job now because they are scared of being judge harshly.

Of course, I had that thoughts as well. It is just that mine happened before I signed the contract. I think the burden is heavier on my shoulder as I am an international graduates and I have been having good jobs with good pay before. 

However, as I get into the training, I started to realized that this lowly job is actually a lot better than all my previous jobs. 

• I really feel needed and cherished by the company
• I know I am in a really good hand (the company really take care of their employees' welfare)
• I know clearly what benefit I get now and what I can be in the future (career path)
• I know clearly what I am doing (the clear job desk and what is expected from me)
• I am happy (this is by far the most important things on the equation!!)
• I know that the company is credible!! (this is an important point for me, due to the harsh experience that I have been through before)
• The company gives as much or more than what we could give back (our training is very costly! We got free lunch, 2 snacks, accommodation support, in class training and outbound training with professional trainers. 

The reasons why I should not be shameful of the job:

• There is really rare for a company to really take care of their people as good as BCA. They give us expensive training + meals + allowance + flight tickets for us to be a better person. They help us to balance our working life and personal life by a lot of programs and seminars. Do any other company able to do that??
• It is not easy to enter the company. Many fails during the entrance exam or interview or medical check up. Those who join the company are already selected individuals! 

Did you know how many have fail? and how many stages we have to get through????

• There is a clear career ladder to climb. There is less nepotism here as everything is transparent. If you have a skills and you can show them to your bosses, that skill will be fully utilized. Some of the ex-frontliners become a trainer that is sought after even after retirement!!

Well, my previous jobs!

• As I mentioned before, BCA 'graduates' is highly sought after. So, even if your contract was terminated after 3 years, do not worry about employment!! Other banks know how valuable you are.
• There is lots of bonuses! THR, THT, Performance bonuses! I do not even get that from my 2 previous jobs!
• There is a lot of programs with the winner's prize: TRAVELLING ABROAD! *not easy tho, I know, but still*
• There is not such thing as lowly job! I am not doing a crime or something bad. This is a legal job and I am not receiving my paycheck from those so-called-friends. If I am listening to what they say, can they give me a job??

What I have done to prove myself to others:

• Believe in yourself. I believe that as long as there is a will, there is a way! If you do not believe in yourself, no one will. As my Head of Operational said, "Do not think about what people will tell you, about how come an international graduates be a frontliner. I started from frontliner as well." This words have actually be my pillars of strength against many many doubts  that I had along the way. Those words give me hope and confidence that: "It doesn't matter where you start, it matters where it ends"

• Shut yourself out of negative people. Those who matters doesn't care and those who care doesn't matter! Work hard and be successful! Let success be your noise!! There is no better way to silence them than success right? 
• Do awesome jobs! Nothing speaks louder than the good results from the works you do. 
• Have the attitude right. It is a inner beauty that shine the brightest after all. If your supervisor can see how good you are with people, I believe they will trust you and give you more chances to prove yourself as well.

I think those who jump right up to the top lack experience and wisdom to take decision. They also lack empathy and know how about stuff. 

Anyway, I have promised myself to climb up the career leader in 3 years or less!!

Oh, and I found this really nice quote for my profession!!