KATHMANDU, Dec 22: It always helps when there's someone reliable who can give us that one piece of valuable advice, or a little bit of reassurance that we're doing the right thing, when we're all set to start our career. But not all of us are that fortunate, and there are some things that we'll have to learn on our own by trial and error.
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Words of wisdom
Like these experienced individuals we talked to, who share with us one piece of career advice they wish someone had given them when they ventured into their respective professions.
Satish Kumar Sukla, 65Professor at Madan Bhandari College and Kathmandu Model College
I was very fortunate to have my father as a professor who taught me many valuable lessons about teaching. What's really important in this field is self studying; one should be a good student first in order to be a good teacher. In our days, we had to study for more than 10 hours every day, so I was well equipped with the reading habit much before venturing into teaching. However, I hadn't thought much about the difficulty of addressing the mass. I remember my very first class as a teacher in which I had to lecture in front of 60 students. I was very nervous then because the challenge was not just speaking in front of them, but it was also to keep them engaged. It was the same for the entire week, but slowly I learnt that when one has prepared the subject matter well, it becomes easier to keep students engaged. However, I wish someone had told me that a teacher, besides preparing his lessons well, needs to practice delivering the same with eloquence, too.
Samjhana Upreti Rauniar, 38
Film Director
I wish people around me had been more encouraging regarding the field I chose. I won't say my family wasn't supportive about my choice, but no one in particular told me that this field is good and that I should definitely follow it if I am passionate about it. I took the decision on my own to earn a degree in film studies. If I had been more encouraged then I would be surer about the field I chose, rather than dwelling on confusion. Nonetheless, within these 15 years, all my doubts have been cleared and I have been able to prove myself better.
Barsha Shrestha, 53
Former Deputy CEO of Clean Energy Development Bank
When I started my banking career, no one told me that I should have the sense of ownership towards my institution; that I should work for the institution rather than for myself. The problem with only working for yourself without feeling the ownership towards your institution is that you will involve yourself in unnecessary things like politics to get yourself on the top. When you work for the organization, you'll give your best which will be recognized by your seniors and that'll eventually get you where you want to be. Taking my example, I started out as a junior assistant in Nabil Bank. At the time, my seniors only told me that I should work hard to meet the deadlines. However, knowingly or unknowingly, I always considered my bank as mine and it was at the top of my priorities. I never worked to be the manager per se but I worked because I felt that ownership towards the bank I was working for. Eventually, my hard work and dedication was recognized by my seniors and I was promoted to the post of the manager.
Rajesh Ghimire, 33
Makeup Artist, Arden the Beauty Point
When I started my career back in 2004, I was really enthusiastic but I didn't really have a long-term vision. Back then this industry hadn't really picked up the pace and I didn't know if I had a future as a makeup artist. I had skills of which I was really confident, and I thought as long as I did my work well, nothing could come between me and my success. However, there were so many challenges to overcome. And I was not prepared to face them at all. I wish experienced makeup artists, with whom I had really good links, gave me a heads up regarding this. There were times when I thought that I could never rise above these challenges. If someone had told me that challenges will come and go if you continue working honestly and tackle them one at a time, I wouldn't have to spend so much of my early days as a makeup artist doubting myself.
Sarbendra Khanal, 48
Chief of Metropolitan Crime Division
I began my career as an inspector 25 years ago. Back then, I thought the job of police officers was only to beat up people and put a brave face. But of course it's more than that. Being a police officer also calls for being updated and well-informed about current affairs, and being able to use one's morale to take the right decisions. The significance of education is highly underrated in our line of career, too. It was only when I was serving as the Deputy Superintendent of Police when I realized the importance of education and went on to complete my postgraduate degree in Public Administration. Today, I see that a lot of young people are looking forward to joining the police force. They are not particularly aware of the intellectual aspect required in a police officer. It'll be easier for them if they're well versed regarding it before they start out.
Dr Aruna Uprety, 56
Public Health Specialist
When I started my career 28 years ago, I wish someone told me the importance of documenting the stories I heard. As a public health professional, I went to different places of Nepal where I met different people with so many interesting stories to share. I wish I had documented those stories because today when I try to think about them, I barely remember the narration even if I remember the faces. Nonetheless, I'm glad I made that habit soon enough because it helped me so much with my profession. I have written many articles based on the documents, which have helped me gain international exposure. It also helps me to compare the different health practices, and treatment and prevention procedures adopted then and now, among other things.
