Time is flying past, and you're already in your final year as university students. In a month's time, you'll be off, free from the constraints of lecturers and clinical supervisors, free from thoughts of clinics and assignments, released from the clutches of midterms and final exams. You are coming out as adults, working adults, finally. After years of being lectured, scolded, days of sleepless nights... you are finally qualified as professional optometrists.
Yet... what will you face out there in the real world? How will everything work out? Will you be happy out there?
Dear juniors,
This, is what this letter is going to be about. Not that I've worked long enough. Nor that I can claim to have long enough experience in the field. No. But because I have had just started working not more than a year ago that I still remember those hope, expectations, and fears that my friends and I share. Also because I see how some of my ex-course mates and friends, and myself, fare in different places and situations, Malays, Chinese, and Indians alike. I hope, this letter can serve as a guide to you, so that you make your decisions wisely in deciding where you will be in the near future.
First and foremost, before you decide 'where' to work, think carefully of why you become an optometrist, if you have not done so yet. Decide what really drive you on. Is it the thirst of knowledge, the moneymaking aspects of the business world, the humanitarian aspects, the clinical pearls... and the list goes on. For the reasons, had it been strong enough, will let you go on and stand strong, no matter what challenges lie ahead.
Secondly, what do you want in your job? Experience? Less working hours? A large pay check? Location? A five-day per week work? Know that you can't have all that you want in one go. If you wish for experience, you might not earn as much as others, but you get to learn a lot more. If you want less working hours, you might have a smaller pay check. And the list goes on. It all boils down to, are you going to be happy with what you have, albeit some compromise. Inquire through all this in your job interview with your prospective employer. Also, you should be clear whether you are supposed to make sales or not, and personal target sales, or are you free to focus on your refraction and clinic only.
A word of advice from me, know that although you've earned your degree, it doesn't mean you know everything. As my employer points out, as soon as you step out of the university, you are back to square one again. There will be so much more to learn, clinical-wise, dispensing-wise, and most of all, patient management. The people you meet in the optometry clinic does not represent the whole general population, and people of different background and race tend to react and treat things in different ways. All this, are matters you will slowly learn through your senior optometrist, your sale assistant, and your boss, if you are willing to.
Personally, for me, I love clinical part of optometry. If you like them too, make sure that you try to find a store with not only equipment such as slit lamp, but also with a senior optometrist to guide you. Yes, I know that it is not as easy to come by, along with a good pay. But it's a worthy sacrifice on the pay. For it will be valuable experience in years to come.
Even if you are more interested in business and sales, just be sure that you carry out your role as optometrists to the best of your ability, not just your role as a salesperson in order to earn higher income. Be sure to consider the customers as a whole, and address their needs and issues, professionally. Listen to your conscience, and weigh options which will fully benefit the customer, not just yourself. Provide them with options, give them proper advice, and keep yourself updated so that you can find out more ways to manage your customers. You can be good at both, sales and clinical, although you might be inclined more to one direction. Just try to balance between the two as best as you can, and you'll be fine, insyaAllah.
Last but not least, remember that the job you are about to choose is not just a way to earn money. But as a way to gain valuable experience and increase your skills by leaps and bound, should you allow them to. And make sure that you will be happy in carrying out your role as an optometrist where you are, with the carrier itself, not just the money that you earn. Hence, choose wisely and do not hesitate to talk to your seniors for advice, and ask your future employer all the questions you have regarding his or her practice when you come for the interview.
May you find fruitful years ahead of you and enjoy being in this field more so when you start working!
_Humayra'_
Tips from my sifu:
ReplyDelete1. Be humble. You learn from everyone around you.
2. Be grateful for the opportunity. Many are not as fortunate as you.
3. Your patient's best medical interest comes first, even if they dont see the importance of it.
4. Dont forget where you come from. Give back to society.
5. Be humble when you're successful. Read #1 to #5 again.