Career advice to Grad Students at the pandemic crisis

A year ago, I was in the same shoes as the ones of the current graduate students. I know how you are feeling. I understand your anxiety and confusion. In 2020, I graduated with the first generation who could celebrate graduation only with the virtual ceremony. The pandemic hit, my work & life plans had been disrupted, I literally did not know where I would be heading to in such an unpredictable world... I made quite an investment in my mid-career study (my second Master's degree after working as an Executive/Chairperson for five years in Central Asia. I terminated my leadership roles at my previous workplaces). Hence, there was a higher stake for me to make a new career choice after a gap year at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy #MPA program. My friends advised me to get a foot into a door of any workplace, cause people were loosing jobs everywhere, even in Singapore. But I stick to my initial purpose - I need transform my mid-career pathway with a work I feel most passionate about. I only applied to a handful vacancies.

This pandemic crisis also brought me a new opportunity to transform my life perspective. I learnt to be at the PRESENT moment with my best effort, not to feel too anxious about the unknown future. I learnt to be patient. I learnt to have more Self-Care. Instead of wishing for getting into XYZ, I prayed to the God, "Take me to a place where I can serve Your people!" And I received my call - to serve my people back home at UNDP in the Kyrgyz Republic through #AcceleratorLabs.

After I moved back to #Kyrgyzstan, I've received another offer from a #Singapore education company with greater incentives$$. But I had not regret! I never look at the choices I made in the past, cause I believe that was the best choice at that moment. Moreover, when I changed my focus from working at XYZ to serving people, it does not make a difference where I serve.

My key message here is to share that, ???? ?????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????? ?????? ????????????. Don't give up what you stand for. Don't feel anxious if the future is unknown. Don't be confused in front of choices. Take your call, and act upon it! I feel much more fulfilling at a work to serve people, rather than serving my self-interests.

Recently, #LKYSPP invited me back to school to share my journey with the grad students & alumni. Additionally, I had a pleasure to moderate a panel with amazing speakers Kathleen Reen (Senior Director, Public Policy and Philanthropy APAC, #Twitter) & Calvin Chu Yee Ming (Partner, #EdenStrategy Singapore). I am convinced one more time from speakers' sharing -

PASSION & PURPOSE are our internal navigator at the career journey.

Sincerely wish all the best to our grad students on their path!

Jenny Jenish kyzy (Ensi T.)

MPA 2020', LKYSPP

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