Friday, April 27, 2007

Today I had lunch with my supervisors Jo and Jen. It was Jen's treat. We had Pastamania at the client's place today. Was interesting having lunch with 2 PWC staff from Hong Kong and New Zealand because they've had so many different experiences. Jen said that PWC has the best culture amongst the Big 4, and I am not surprised.

Been a great first week. The biggest lesson I've learnt is to be meticulous at work and to ask the clients as many questions as possible. It's not about finding the numbers, it's about understanding what they mean. I'm very glad I got this job. I normally do such a bad job at being detailed, but this internship has forced me to become meticulous.

Because it's only me, Jen and Jo on the job, the amount of work we've been doing is crazy. Today was really manageable compared to yesterday. On the other spectrum, some of my intern pals get to relax because there can be as many as 40 people on their team. The millions of numbers I see everyday at work gives me a little more confidence to work with numbers if I ever work in a bank.

I am honestly grateful for this job. After a full day at work, I feel proud I worked my ass off for the company and the client. It's when I'm in the cab home that's when I get a feeling of a job well done. I can't tell you in words how it feels. Now I truly believe that anyone who is determined enough can do a job in any industry. It's all about playing a role, and working your ass off.
It's 7.45am now and fucking early to be writing. My cab's coming in 15 minutes to pick me up for work. Going to be a long day. Client's office. PWC party at MOS. Grandma's birthday dinner. Just looking forward to a good night's rest tonight and maybe some golf this weekend.



Thursday, April 26, 2007

Today was my first day at the client's office and it was great. Met the team at the office first thing in the morning before heading down to the client with Joanna. Jo is full-time auditor from PWC New Zealand and she said that I'm one of the few people that she understands and that understands what she's saying. I'm not surprised. She makes the crocodile hunter sound like the queen.

Once we reached ground zero, it was immediately down to business. Jo gave me tons of excel files, bank statements and balance sheets to tally and agree. She came with the assumption I was lock and load, so she totally went through the figures and explained them to me like I knew what she was talking about. She had obviously not paid much attention to the fact that I told her in the cab that I was a social science student. For a good 10 minutes, I stared at the figures and was thinking OMG. At this moment, an epiphany in the voice of my Financial Accounting prof said "IAN!! YOU CAN DO THIS!".

Shocked that Prof Tony had personally come to say hi in my head, and snapping out of my dyslexia, the numbers started to make sense. Through the day, I was balancing financial statments, chasing staff for transaction records and making sure numbers were agreeing. It was so wierd because the staff (like Jo) immediately assumed that I had some intrinsic source of immense Auditing experience and started spewing 5 syllable accounting words that even Tony had not mentioned before. The PWC lanyard around my neck summoned an instant souce of expertise that I was obvioiusly not aware of. I really learnt alot today and it felt great learning from Jo.

One of the figures in the lease records didn't tally. After masterfully executing a rapidfire sentence of 100 different accounting terms. one of the clients, Gillian, looked at me, suggesting that this anomaly was where my auditing expertise was required. With her gestulation and her eyebrow movement, I somehow deduced she was indeed insisting that adjustments were made to the entries after they were done wrongly. It was almost as if she had a question mark on her forehead and it was my God-given power to rememdy it. I paused for a moment to gain compure. Another moment. "OH YES THAT'S RIGHT!" I forced, "thats great then, it makes sense. The numbers do agree. Thanks Gillian!" I forced harder, trying to smile. She immediately smiled back, question mark gone, very happy with herself that Mr PWC Auditor had approved her oh-so-excellent accounting method. They really should rename Assurance "Reassurance" instead.

I love the work. It's challenging and meticulous. Can't wait for tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Hi Prof,

Hope you're enjoying the break. I just ended 2 days of training at PWC and had my first job with a shopping mall operator. During training we went through things like bank reconciliation, depreciation, bank confirmations and loads more. Today I had my fair share of balance sheets, income statments, bank statements and many other very numerical documents!

In other words, I am very grateful for your class! There is at least one student who is very glad that he took your class! Thanks again. There's no way a social science student could have pulled this stunt without your help. The work is challenging, but the environment is excellent and the people are warm. I recommmend your students consider doing their accounting internships at PWC in future.

Take care and I'll let you know if I get through the rest of my 8 weeks here!

Sincerely,

Ian

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Heys GABESSSS!!!!

How's everything going? KY msn-ed me and he was like GABE IS IN MANCHESTERRRRR???? Then I found out you left a post on the blog.

YES GARY GREGS ROX MY SOCKS! I got an A!!!!

Hurry come back soon. The power of 3 is, well, 1 short of the power of 4 so come back soon before I turn into an accountant and Angs turns into a marketer. Tots acting role reversal. It's just my second day at PWC and already I really, really enjoy it here. The people are very warm and friendly. If you were here you might think alot differently about the stuff you study. I really applied all my FA stuff to our training session and I really enjoyed it. It was quite hard at first but after a quick recap it was ok.

I got my first phone interview with Emory University. The interviewer sounded really rushed so I don't think it was a good sign. Dunno la. Got an internship interview on thurs for citib so have to be up late tonight to read more. Not going to be easy because you know I'm not really the finance sort. Oh well.

Hope you're having fun. Eat fish and chips for me. And Man U for KY. Not eat them though aiyah you know what I mean. Say Hi to april! April's come and gone so quickly this year hurhurhurhur.

Lassie come home.


Ian

Monday, April 23, 2007

PWC Day 1

Acted like an accountant today. Got a 10kg ibm laptop with a bag that could fit an elephant. So many people starting work today so sent and recieved tons of good luck messages. Boons and Chengs working next door so lunch tomorrow. Luckily had jason, linting, lionel and tiff with me today otherwise would have felt like drowning in a sea of accounting. Ok not really.

Got a nice act auditor pwc lanyward for the pass. Mandatory America's Next Top Model photoshoot for the mugshot. Minor victory after finding out I got an A for mpw. Lunch at macs. My first job will be at Parkway Parade Mall on wed. See how it goes. Quite interesting so far.

Phone interview at night. Super gross. Super sleepy. Night.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

a poser from another mother


The Trick

There is a technique to friendship one should master. It's called the "Boomerang" technique. At some point or other, even our closest friends (and us) enter wierd stages which can bewilder even the most seasoned friendships.

This techinque is useful, and applicable in the event a friend inexplicably gets into a wierd "phase" of sorts, for example: books-before-bros, ho's before bro's, disappearing act, new job adjustments.

1. Throw: Throw advice and show concern for your friend. Watch out for your friend. He / she may adopt unexplained random behaviour that is not normal and may irritate the shit out of you for extended / short periods of time, but even crappy friends need some lovin'.

2. Wait: This is probably the hardest thing to do. At some point, the only realistic thing to do is to acknowledge you've tried your best, and leave it up to your friend to wake up and smell the roses. I've learnt sometimes it takes a fall to really learn something.

3. Return: Assuming you have waited it out, most friends do come to their senses. In all the times when I've had friends go random on me, almost always do people snap out of it. The key here is being able to give your friend support after he / she realises that they were abit of a doofsbag. We'd want that support too if we screwed up.

Friday, April 20, 2007

Lucky

This is about the time where I usually take a moment to remember all that's happened the past school term. Ever since stepping foot in SMU, I have been lucky. It seems that no matter how eventful or exciting the past terms have been, the new term always has a way of being more fun and fulfilling than ever. And this term is no exception.

I really worked hard this term. Our grades are being released next week, but no matter what grades I get, I'm quite proud of the fact that I was really focused this time.

I have made some of my best friends this term, and made many other friends who I know I will keep for life. It's funny how my friends are scattered from social science, econs, biz, and all the way to accountancy. One thing I like about school is I get to see my friends from the different schools every day.

Next week, my internship at PWC starts. Which is a little too soon. I'm quite apprehensive because I'll have to do auditing with not much of a background. Nonetheless I'm quite excited and I'm looking forward to making new friends at work.

I've also got my first interview on Monday. The dean of admissions from Emory is supposed to call me at night for a phone interview. I'm quite excited, and I think I'm all set.

This term has been nothing short of great. I am truly lucky. I forsee this summer spells many changes for me as well.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

I've been so busy slacking I haven't had time to upload my birthday photos. Bernard, eric, dz and ky surprised me in the middle of the night on my birthday to wish me. Eric scared the shit out of me cuz I was expecting my bro to be the one knocking on my bedroom door.

On my birthday itself was mugging the whole day in the library, but had a mini celebration with the A-listers: boons, weims, cheryl, poh, ky and serene, at Ice Cold and tried a special brew Hoeegarden. TOTALLY high on acohol and impossible to study after that.

Had a great dinner at Brewerkz with my family. Opted for brewerkz because I didn't want some place stuffy and we had such a good time stuffing ourselves on wings and beer.

Right after exams had a non-surprise suprise bithday party at home with the a-listers and gabe, bert, eric, adel, benk, ky, and st. Was like the best birthday in the universe because the cake was AWFULLY CHOCOLATE and we had only the most awes poss pizza delivered. and OMG THIS ERIC, was the ringleader to lead everyone to buy me a nintendo DS after I sold my DS. Was REALLY REALLY happy. Best birthday present ever2000.

The company was so good. Conversation, bad jokes and laughter galore. It made me happy to see all my different school friends come together for a good time where everyone could just hangout and enjoy.

Thanks to all my friends who made this birthday a really special one. I had a great time and I hope you had some good laughs as well.

some pics from the party and weim's one as well:














Friday, April 13, 2007

Heys to all my dear friends. I didn't really wanna blog about my birthday, but today the Singtel network screwed up and I wasn't able to recieve your smses for the whole day. Didn't realise till a few of my friends asked if they got their birthday wishes, and I didn't recieve them. Was so damn busy in the libs studying I didn't realise I wasn't getting any msges till much later.

Thanks for all the wishes. I hate to have to blog about it but it would be damn yucks if I didn't let you know my phone was fucked and I appreciate all the wishes. I called Singtel and after one rude customer service person and the line ,"I want to speak to your supervisor now!", I managed to get one month free subscription and they said they'll forward my msges to me tomorrow.

Tmrw is my last paper so been studying like mad today. It's been a great term, with such amazing friends. Thanks for making this the best term yet. Every one of you has made it special. I am gratefulbirtsboy84.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

I just came home from school. Was in the library the whole day with the bestiespiffaweimsteveer doing my Financial Accounting. I took the bus back and I had a headache. Felt like throwing up all the way home. Putting on some music didn't really help. The person sitting next to me was falling asleep and waking up abruptly repeatedly for 1/2 an hour, I swear his neck will snap soon from all the jerky motions.

I made a promise to myself in between headaches that I would work so hard that I would never have to take the bus again unless it was of my own free will. There comes a certain miniature glory in earning enough money so that you and your kids can not have to top up your ez-link card. Ever. This is an honest promise to myself.

Suddenly, I have the motivation to finish doing my Financial Accounting. So there, my turning point in life, on the 106 home. Thanks SBS. The world, here I come!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

A random, funny song for 2 of my randomest, funniest friends.

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Ian

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Today didnt do much studying. Was fucking procrastinating the whole fucking day. I'm so not studying at home EVER. Those lazy ass librarians. Haha yeah just blame it on them right? fucking librarians. Confirm the downfall of my GPA. HELPPPPPPP. I am already deciding what to do at the end of the exams. 1. dinner with cherylpohangsweimseer 2. day out with angsericgabe 3. lunchish with seh-woongabericangsadelouisalexnenjamin koh. Weims made me feel better by saying he didn't study much either, which is RJ-speak for "wanna bet I studied the whole day". Kidding. Ok not kidding. Helpppppppppp.

Friday, April 06, 2007

There's something about cheesy country music that really makes you smile. My first country CD was a Shania Twain one and my last was a keith urban one that Eve gave. I think Shania, Faith Hill, Dixie Chicks and Kid Rock really opened up the genre to more a more contemporary pop sound.

It's the cheesy country twang and the strumming of the guitars that really puts anyone at ease. This one's for the mug bugs.

Picture - Ian

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Dying. Just dying. This has been the most pukest term ever. I've been in the libs for a good part of the week (and term).

I am just damn grateful for my friends this term. My pals have salvaged pukefest2007 into friends_fun2007. In all seriousness and nonsenseboy_84 aside, I am very grateful for each of them.

I just hope that even once we're working, we can take the time to meet up and enjoy each others company. Hanging out with Nick on tues, I kinda realised that real friends can stay friends no matter what the circumstance, background, interests or the changes that come our way. There's something comforting about knowing you have a friend you can depend on, always.

I feel lucky. And I am grateful.
I got stubborn from my dad. But I got perfectionist from my mom. Having high expectations for yourself is a double edged sword. On one hand it drives you to do better, but it also makes you your biggest critic.

I love my friends. And because I try to give my friends my best, I used to get especially disapointed when a friend let me down. But I think there comes a point where a person has to be reasonable. No one is perfect.

There will always be friends who only call when they need a favor, the friends who always leave you as plan B, and the best friends who fall short of being the best sometimes. But the point is, no one is perfect, and no one should have to be.

Life, like friendship, is not perfect. And the only way to deal with that, is to embrace imperfection. I am not a good example of a person who takes imperfection well, but I know of a friend who taught me to relax, and smile, even in the face of imperfection. There comes a trick in demanding the best of yourself, without expecting anything in return.

I've learnt the meaning of appreciating imperfection, to accept life for what it is, and your friends for who they are.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Hey Dick!

Good luck for your first day tomorrow! I'm really happy you've made it this far. I know life hasn't always been easy, but this is your break out moment. Go for it!

It was great to catch up with you today. Feels like the good old days again.

Take care of yourself big guy. Bros always.












Monday, April 02, 2007

Bap msged me from Japan to say he got me an electric MIDI keyboard for my mac. Been wanting one for a month now but wasn't able to save up for one since the onset of the exams and the sudden increase in junk food expenditures. Was damn happy. I guess Bap knows me well. Thanks Bap.

When we were young, mom and bap used to take us to the bookshop. They let us pick one book at a visit. Any book we wanted. I've always loved fact books. And Dorling Kindersly books are the most beautiful fact books. Of course, they weren't cheap, and when we were that age, we didn't really know better. All we wanted were the shiny books with he glossy pages and colourful pictures. Whatever it was, they always let us buy books because they knew reading was important.

More than just books, my parents have always made sure we've never had to worry about the material things. There's a fine line between spoiling your children and providing them with all their needs. Somehow my parents managed to figure it out.

I think over the years, my dad has worked especially hard to make sure we've never had to worry about money. That we could just focus on our lives and making the best out of it. That we could just concentrate on giving our best while he makes sure we've got a decent roof over our heads. I've always considered myself lucky.

As I grow up, I feel alot closer to my dad because I am beginning to feel what it is like being him. He has shown me that being a man really means working hard so that your family will never have to worry. This is the side of my dad that I respect the most. And I think its a side of me that I feel strongest about. I don't ever want my children to have to worry every time they buy something. I don't want my family to worry about things that are beyond their control. And I always want my friends and family to feel like I can take care of them no matter what happens. And I think that this has always motivated me to do my best.

Now, more than ever, I feel the need to rise to the challenge. Especially in school and work. If working hard now means my family will get to live well, then I'll get it done hook or by crook. I see friends who are squandering their chances now, at one of the most important times of their lives, and unfortunately, no amount of encouragement can change a person. I would be most ashamed if I came home from work knowing that my family is doing worse off only because I didn't try my best. I don't mean to sound like a caveman, but it's my honest opnion that as guys, it's our prime duty to make sure our family is taken cared of. No matter what.

I am just grateful to have a dad like bap. Someone who has reinforced my own beliefs, and always encouraged me to try my best. And to rise to the challenge, and be a man. A caveman.