When I was four years old, my father moved from Hong Kong to Indonesia to start a textile company, leaving me with my mother. In order to alleviate the pressures of separation, I developed the computer skills needed for electronic communication at an early age--my eighth school year. The Internet caught my attention immediately, and became an enjoyable tool. In the summer of 1992, I utilized my computing skills by volunteering at a library, where I helped with computer and Internet related questions. During that time, my father's business had launched many technological changes that led to automation of its production line. These improvements had saved his company from bankruptcy. Visiting him and seeing how the new system had increased his profits heightened my interest in Information Technology (IT). I now live in Canada, where computers continue to play a large role in my daily affairs. I use electronic mail and Internet chats to communicate with both parents, and have chosen MIS as my course of study.
Information Technology fascinates me not only because it makes companies more competitive, but also because it can bridge great distances to bring people together. I have much respect for and interest in the IT industry. Personal satisfaction also plays a key role in my career decision. While monetary rewards are of practical importance, true job satisfaction springs from the opportunity to grow and learn within an industry. I enjoy acquiring new skills and information, which help me adapt to the fast-changing world as well as piquing my interest. In addition, a career with open prospects would give me constant incentive to improve myself and gain more knowledge. I currently volunteer for an on-campus organization, Job Link, in which I am responsible for posting employment opportunities on the World Wide Web, answering questions, and preparing informative handouts. This position has broadened my computing abilities and has improved my interpersonal skills, which are crucial to any business endeavor. I enjoy the sense of productivity and usefulness I gain from the work, and feel it is a valuable experience for future employment.
