Thursday 16 March 2017

Post-College Life #1: Meeting New People

the world out there is surely big, but - where do I start? 
As 2016 has passed and there were no new posts in 2017, I'm so sorry )): 
My schedule has been messed up with projects here and there, while submitting CVs everywhere for a secure job and secure $$ for.... well, a big plan. I hope you guys will forgive me for such a long long incognito and yes, this blog hasn't ceased yet. 

Graduated, and "jumped" into the real life is kind of scary, isn't it? No "geronimo" exclamation thingy? No?

Well, how are you, guys? I hope you're doing fine and awesome as always :D

Okay, I'm making a rant series namely Post-College Life series (or if you made an acronym, it's "PCL" which means PECEL in Indonesia - well, literally)! This post was for you: ladies and gents that had graduated!

How's your post-graduation life, guys? 
To be honest, that question was kind of... offensive, for some people, right? 

Graduated, and "jumped" in a real life situation is kind of scary, isn't it? No "geronimo" exclamation thingy? No? 


Whenever you apply for a job or even submitting applications for a scholarship, or even when your Mum tells you that YOU are the one that have to pay the bills, you always kind of wishing to go back in time where you just sat and listened to a lecture, jotted down your notebooks, sent love notes to your classmate, or nudged your classmate and gossiping or even asked the meal that you guys wanted to eat after class. Or, you wish you could rewrite your thesis? :D 


Well, there will be a question after you graduated : where do I start? 


[..] the first thing (and kind of crucial) you need to mastered is how to meet new people. Why? You will meet new people when you put your resume in your dream office, you will meet new people while waiting for your turn for the interview, you will meet new people to interview you, you will meet new people [..]



So, here's a little simple answer : while you're finding your true dream was or even the "perfect job", the first thing (and kind of crucial) you need to mastered is how to meet new people. Why? You will meet new people when you put your resume in your dream office, you will meet new people while waiting for your turn for the interview, you will meet new people to interview you, you will meet new people; or even you guys who have been planning to travel all over the world, you will meet new people - NEW PEOPLE! *yaay*

Meeting new people is kind of scary, of course. You will meet different people from all over the world, with different backgrounds, different ages... Uh, thinking about meeting new people was so easy but at the same time, it's kind of scary, isn't it? I mean, these new people wouldn't have the same perspective as yours, they will have their own perspectives and sometimes you couldn't shove down your opinions through their throats.

Well, the truth is, meeting new people isn't that scary. Remember when you're in kindergarten, you'd meet a new kid and later, you're playing like you're best friends? Let's go back to the kindergarten life and here's how to strike a good conversation with new people :

1. Smile, and say hi. That's kinda basic, right? Don't be afraid to be the one that initiates the conversation! You're not going to get any judgments just for being nice! If it's online and this people came up nowhere, it will be creepy, but hey, it's IRL convo, it will be just fine. 


I mean, these new people wouldn't have the same perspective as yours, they will have their own perspectives and sometimes you couldn't shove down your opinions through their throats.

2. The Art of Small Talk. Small talk... urgh. Who hates small talks? RAISE YOUR HAND! Hahaha. Okay, guys, now put them aside. You have to master the art of small talk when it comes to post-college life. But first, make a forever reminder at least three things that you enjoy talking about and three things that you don't know so much but you would enjoy to talk about it.  Keep throwing topics until something clicks! 

3. Listen and respond. Attentive listening is crucial. This time, put aside your judgments  or even differences. Try to be a good listener. Appreciate their thoughts, their arguments. 

4. Be curious, ask questions. If you ask questions, that means you're interested and you're appreciating your convo partner. Make your convo partner feel respected. However, don't be so curious and it makes you sounded like a stalker or even annoying, and making your convo partner uncomfortable. Nope. If you're sounded like you're interested, your convo partner will talk openly and more comfortable with you.

5. Look for common interests. This common interests will lead to a good convo, believe me.

6. Humours! Humours! Why so serious? Don't forget to throw jokes! (but not offensive, please). Make your convo partner feel comfortable, make them relax and enjoying the casual convo with you. Don't be sounded like you teach, preach, or impress - that's a big no no. 

7. Just be yourself! Like in kindergarten, you're playing with this new kid because you didn't have to be anything but yourself. Becoming yourself and opened up to people is good because everybody is unique. But remember, don't be sounded like over-sharing and don't stir up conversation to "me" and "I". That will be sounded like you're highly boasting about yourself. This is conversation, it's not just about you, but your convo partner too. Ew. That's the typical convo that I really want to avoid. 

8. Time's up! Now, make a new connection! Post-college life means networking. Small talks: through friendly tone, eye contacts, topics, you can develop a new connection. Don't forget to ask for their contact, I'm sure they will be handy next time. Making a broad networking is a must for a post-college life. 


and believe me, having a conversation with new people radiates positivity. 


It's okay to open up to people, and talk. The world out there isn't as scary as you think. Now, go ahead, GERONIMOOOOOOOOOOOO!!


Good luck in your real life and welcome to the jungle!,
-Aya ❤


please anticipate the next PCL series in the next time! Hope you enjoy it!  

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