I knew PowerPoint. Using MS PowerPoint is no big deal after all. That was what I thought before I applied in Chillibreeze.
It was a Saturday afternoon when I received an email from Chillibreeze for an interview for the post of a PowerPoint Designer. I was ecstatic and eager to give my best.
The day before the interview, I was on my laptop looking at all the PowerPoint tools and their functions. I browsed through the company's website, trying to absorb all the information on the site.
I was ready! I was confident that I would ace my test!
The Interview
The HR in-charge greeted me in the lobby. As I waited for my turn in Chillibreeze office, I did a final read-through of the shortcut keys and the tabs of PowerPoint.
As I waited for my test to start, I looked at the doodles on the walls of the corridors and the picture frames that had employees and their quotes. These gave me a glimpse into CB’s work culture, and it was evident that value provided by employees to customers was a very important facet of the company.
Later on, I understood that the foundation that helped Chillibreeze stand strong is it's Mission Statement.
Standing in the corridors of Chillibreeze and looking around, I felt that working at Chillibreeze would not be just about PowerPoint, but it would be a lot more.
I was called in for the online test that lasted for an hour. The last test was on PowerPoint skills, and it was intense.
I went through the first two slides, and it was no big deal. As I proceeded with the test, I gradually realized I knew nothing about PowerPoint! I completed the test and managed to pass.
As I sat in the lobby waiting for the interaction round. I was nervous and shaken for I realized that the test had not gone as well as I had expected it to.
When the interaction round began, the interviewer showed me the PowerPoint test that I took. I was amazed when they educated on how it could have been done better.
During the interaction, it was made very clear that in Chillibreeze, we must work hard and that the chances of working after hours are very high. We must be flexible, ready to learn and grow each day without being complacent.
They asked me, "Are you up for that challenge?" My immediate response was, ‘Yes!’
After a few days, I got a call from CB HR informing me that I was selected for a two-month training session which, on successful completion, would lead to an apprenticeship.
I jumped up with excitement!
Recalling the expectations communicated during the interview, I decided to learn and be well-prepared before I joined.
The Training
When the training sessions started, the trainer warned us that it was not going to be easy. And it wasn’t!
I felt that our two-month training session was a roller coaster ride. The trainer showed us some PowerPoint tools that we had not heard of earlier.
Each day, we learned something new. We were always surprised when our trainer showed us some tricks or demonstrated how using a simple tool we can create great designs.
The training period was intense and then we moved on to the apprenticeship period which was even more challenging. We learned about customer preferences, likes, dislikes, templates, and design.
My biggest takeaway from the training was not just new PowerPoint tools, but, clarity on the purpose and value of working, and the value of time.
What Changed my Mind
My preconceived notion that PowerPoint was easy changed the moment I set foot in Chillibreeze.
The things I’ve learned so far are just the tip of the iceberg. There is still so much for me to learn and what with the ever-evolving technology around, we have to continuously adapt and learn.
In addition to enhancing my skills, the work culture in Chillibreeze has instilled several values in me. I now focus on what is important in life and on making the best use of my time. I have learned that it is important to focus on actions that add value to our lives and the lives of those connected to us. I have realized that I need to constantly work on improving my efficiency.
I owe this change to the fact that I am now a part of Chillibreeze.
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