I wrote this message to one of leading national newspapers in the country in there PeopleAtWork section. I felt very happy that it got published albeit some minor alterations and cuts to make the story short so it wouldn’t fill up much column space.
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Good day. Before I tell you about my problem, I’ll give you a background of my story.
Cebu-After a semester of college, my siblings and I stopped schooling due to financial difficulties. During that time, I spent my days working in fast food joints. Luckily after, my father had a project that enabled us to continue studying and transfer to a better school. I shifted from Mechanical to Industrial Engineering because my previous school didn’t offer the latter course. But I didn’t have trouble for all my subjects were of credit. We started a business while studying for 2 semesters and 1 summer. However, things didn’t last; we stopped again while our business slowly went down. Now, with some skills and a few dreams left, I started looking for a job that’s above the minimum wage so I can also support my family. I believe that being in a call center would be the best choice as I’m still an undergraduate.
I applied at a company here as an erep. I passed the initial interview and an English online exam. When it came to my final interview, I was denied because I didn’t meet their qualifications, particularly my Academic status. The company only accepts those who have finished a minimum of 2 years (4 semesters) of college in 1 course.
She (my interviewer) told me I needed to finish one more year in Industrial Engineering for me to be considered. I explained why I shifted and that my first course should still be counted cause all engineering courses have the same subjects during the first year. She replied that technically, it’s still a different course and that even if it’s counted, I still couldn’t achieve the minimum 2 years.
I have only finished a total of 3 semesters and 1 summer of college education. So far, I’ve accomplished 80 units and if miraculously, I’ll end up in school again, I will be of 3rd year standing. I begged that I needed the job and was really interested. I even inquired if they had a program offered to applicants like me. But she couldn’t do anything about it. I wanted to ask any supervisor or any person who has authority to reconsider my situation. But I was too stunned to react after I got denied.
I don’t hold any grudge against the interviewer. I even commend her for telling me the bad news in the nicest manner possible. But she insisted that it was their company’s policy.
I just don’t get why the basis is 2 years. I thought you just need to have the major qualifications such as being excellent in English communications, being internet-savvy, dynamic, service-oriented etc. I didn’t expect that my education would be greatly scrutinized. My work experience, which should’ve been an advantage, wasn’t even mentioned because of that issue.
I have other dreams, just that we’re a struggling family trying to find food on the table. I just hope that in my next application, I wouldn’t be cut short. That companies would base people on what they can do, not the education they’ve attained.
Nowadays, I’ve heard Interior Design graduates working in banks, engineers becoming businessmen; and evident enough, a high school graduate as the head of the government. Unfortunately, I’ve also heard of a manager getting demoted to a service crew position after finding out he didn’t graduate a 4 year-course.
It’s a chicken and egg situation, that’s why I wanted to work so I can finish my studies. I’d accept it more if I didn’t pass during a training period or something of the same occurrence; cause then I would’ve had a chance to prove my worth. I’m no Bill Gates, I just want to be reconsidered.
I will try to find my luck in other call center companies. But I’m afraid I’ll be denied again.
19 and anxious