Why I employed an Award holder

We do say the Award makes you better prepared for the world outside especially when it comes to employment opportunities, on this not we get an employer’s perspective from Mohamed Rahiman, CEO of Quantum Training Centre, Kulaijaya, Malaysia.

Mohamed Rahiman says the Award “is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.”

“As an employer and an ex-government employee in the areas of talent retention and skill enhancement, I see many areas which tertiary institutions, vocational schools and school leavers can and need to address to improve young people’s employability.

Closing the gap between school and work

“Our task is to prepare these young and eager people so that they are more employable and take a life-long approach to learning). They should never stop pursuing new knowledge or testing the uncharted boundaries of the world for their personal advancement and for the betterment of the human race.

“We need to close all the gaps between school and working life. We must make them attractive enough so that people recruit them more for their attitude and see them less as a liability to be trained – too costly and a time consuming responsibility for the employer.

Embedding employable skills

“One of the main ways in which we can help them is to systematise the direct involvement of these young people in activities and interaction outside the comfort of their routine life.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award ensures that the key elements of employability are embedded into them at an early stage of their life. As they complete their Award activities they develop employable skills in areas such as: communication, cultural sensitivity, leadership and creative qualities and many more positive attributes.

Confidence in uncharted territory

“They also learn about giving back to society, living a life outside their comfort zone, and they have inculcated in them the intrinsic value of life-long learning. One of the most important skills I have encountered when dealing with Award holders is that they are more confident in venturing into any uncharted territory where new environments, challenges or people are abundant and the norm. At least they are willing to endeavour with an excellent attitude of positive vibes.

“One of the best descriptions I can give to other employers about the Award is to share with them its content: it entails participants venturing outside their comfort zone with a positive attitude while they complete various tasks in a constantly new and challenging environment. If anyone wants an energetic young recruit armed with a vibrant attitude to any working environment, this is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.”

Since employing a Gold Award holder, Ravichandran Balasubramaniam, Mohamed has been appointed to the Award in Malaysia’s advisory board. He also heads up their National Training Panel.

Ravi's employment story

The Award has taught me what life is all about, transforming me from an

ordinary to an extraordinary person. I am also in no doubt that it helped me to get my first job with the Malaysian Government – the Award has had a major impact in my life.

I first got involved with the Award when I started my Bronze at secondary school, then progressed through Silver and Gold as I went through each level of formal education.

The Award has helped my career in several different ways. It has certainly helped me to develop new skills and personal qualities. For example, taking part in activities such as handball for my Physical Recreation (which I’d never played before), and doing my Adventurous Journey with the Royal Malaysian Police Force in the jungle, has developed my inner motivational and mental strength. Many people observe me and see the changes in me.

Consistent, disciplined, connected

The Award has taught me a lot about being consistent and disciplined at all times – it can help you to achieve excellence. After taking a badminton umpiring course for my Skills section, I won an award for being the youngest badminton umpire to serve in Malaysia. One of the greatest moments of my life was umpiring at a match where Lee Chong Wei, the world number one, was playing.

My Award experience has also helped me to connect with different communities of people. My Residential Project at Kampung Bukit Gemuruh, Terengganu State, took me six hours by bus from home. I stayed and mingled with Malay people which gave me a really worthwhile experience.

My employer was curious

Currently I’m working as assistant Chief Marshall at Quantum Training Centre in Johor, Malaysia. I provide leadership training and teambuilding activities for a wide range of people.

The fact that I had done my Award definitely affected my prospects when I

was interviewed for my current job. My employer was curious to know what the Award was all about. When I explained all the details to him, he was impressed with my involvement – especially the Service section, my contribution to society. I had been volunteering in some community projects in rural areas, and am chair of a young volunteer organisation.

“Award holders are more confident in venturing into any uncharted territory where new environment, challenges or people are abundant and the norm. At least they are willing to endeavor with an excellent attitude of positive vibes... If anyone wants an energetic young recruit armed with a vibrant attitude to any working environment, this is the right platform from which to recruit future leaders.” Mohamed Rahiman, CEO of Quantum Training Centre, Kulaijaya, Malaysia, and Ravi’s employer.

The Award's international currency

One of the biggest reasons my employer value my Award qualification was in the branding of the Award itself, which shows that it is international. I was the first Indian from Malaysia to receive the Gold Award. My employer felt proud of me and took me on because he wants me to develop this potential in other staff as well.

He has become so committed and interested in the Award himself that he has got actively involved. The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia, which runs the Award, has appointed him to the Award’s advisory board. He also heads up the National Training Panel.

Realizing my inner potential

The Award has enabled me to realize my inner potential and start my career. I want to be a successful businessman, and also be a great politician in years to come. My motivation to do the Award was not about employment but to be a better person for my family, society and country. But it's a big bonus when it helps me to get a great job.

Originally published on International Award official website at http://www.intaward.org/award-story/ravis-employment-story