November-2

Dow chemical gave me a heart-warming impression. I arrived at the MBS airport (midland, bay city and saginaw) at ~11:00 pm in the evening, and found Bob Johnson, the manager of the microscopy group, was waiting for me in the pick-up area. I was escorted to the Ashman hotel, owned by Dow, and checked in to a very nice room with a king size bed. At 7:00 am in the morning, two senior staff members greeted me morning in the hotel lobby, and bought me a breakfast. They were nice, down to earth and approachable. Then it went the typical on-site interview routine: presentation and one-on-one. I will skip through this part. At noon, a manager of the analytical division, Paul, took me out for a lunch. I carelessly mentioned that I cooked some italian food, then I found myself in a small but fancy italian restaurant. Paul turned out to be a food-lover like me, and we clicked by finding out that we are both a meat lover! He gave me a little lecture on a fancy italian aged vinegar, the one served with olive oil. We also talked about the the nature around midland. I confessed to him that I am a water lover, and he told me that he owned a boat. Yes, I think we clicked.

About 5 pm, my whole day interview ended. I was guided outside the interview room, but to another office. "Another interview ?" I asked myself. Surprisingly, they handed me an offer letter, with salary on it! I was speechless, really. They told me it's rare to hand out offer on spot, and I was found to be a right person for their position. Forget to mention what they are hiring me for: a TEM researcher focusing on catalyst. I had a feeling that I am getting this job but not that quick. It's the first real job offer in my life. To be honest, tears started to pump up my eyes.

On my way to the MBS airport (thanks for Hong Liang who gave me a ride), I reflected on this whole job-hunting thing. My dear girl friend has been very very supportive. I had to admit that I am a fragile and sort-up a pessimistic person, always looking at the dark side of anything. It's amazing that I remain depression-free so far, based on how I view things. It's my girlfriend who cherishes me every time I need and gives me hope. She deserves the GIRL FRIEND OF THE YEAR. I also wanted to thank my family, my parents and my sister. Without their supports through telephone and emails, I can't go this far. One of the best things about modern human civilization, I read from the Penguin World history, is that we depend more and more on each other, than ever before.

From Will Smith's the pursuit of happyness, I realized that the feeling of happiness won't arrive at your heart unless you try really hard. I did, and I feel it now. It feels really good. Too good that I didn't give a damn when they told me that my flight was canceled in the pre-thanksgiving night.

Two advises for my fellow job hunters: 1. prepare. read as much as you can to know enough of the company, the industry and the world. This has to be started early, maybe 1 or 2 years before your job hunting. Read english newspaper, nytimes is a good one. Economist is also a place where I learned a lot. I strongly recommended them. 2. don't be pessimistic.