I looked myself in the mirror for the last time; my hair looked neat, tie perfectly fit between my collars and matched with the color of my belt. My trouser was ironed so well that it could slice a passing fly not to mention my shoes which I could see my reflection through them. Meeting professor Wang is something hard to come by, leave alone interview him. And so this was the day I was set to interview Him. I called the secretary just to confirm the time the interview was to take place which was scheduled at 9:30am. Without wasting any minute, I got into my car and sped towards college.
I managed to be in the office on time. After a warm welcome, I was ushered in and shown where to sit as I waited for my time. Soon, I heard my name and was told step inside. Armed with my recorder, I knocked gently after which I heard a hoarse voice from inside, ‘come in’. Without hesitation, I entered, pretending to stand and after a while, the professor pointed to me a chair. He talked to me while his glasses patched on his nose. Professor Wang’s look stood calm but seemed to be curious on what I intended to enquire or ask about. I slowly swung in seat and met his same calm stare that was accompanied with greetings. I replied by letting him know that I was good, to which he replied “no problem, feel free.”
Straight to the agenda of our meeting or interview, I explained to him about my aim of securing an appointment to meet him. For some time, I had to lean towards him to grasp what he was saying since with his age and accent, one has to focus on his lips in order to get comprehend what he his uttering. I shot my first question which focused on how to be successful in my current academic life and also in my career, to which he replied,
“The sole secret to success is hard work and determination. If one is not determined to succeed both academically and socially, how will he even start working hard? On the issue of career, one should always strive to grow as that is the only way to prove to your employers that they still need you.” I asked, “Do you think students are doing their best here in campus?“ He hesitated to reply before stating that most of them were doing what it was expected of them. He also mentioned that there were only a few who always dragged others behind both in the way they reason and act. He emphasized on the fact that students’ core business in college is to read and learn. The only time one has to unwind is through playing games or engaging on some of the practical part of their course if they exist.
He claimed that stood impressed by the effort, motivation, skills and cooperation displayed by students in organizations such as clubs. The Professor mentioned that linking students with their potential employees was a wise move since it created exposure before one could land into the job market. Hence, students could gain experience and reduce challenges that come with job hunting. Mr. Wang wished to address on the fact that graduates ought not to expect to apply everything they learned in class in the real world. In addition, he encouraged them to search for more knowledge and could even go to the extent of getting another degree or advancing to the next academic level. In addition, he addressed the fact that a first degree stands as an eye opener and helps an individual to reason creatively and critically so as to make sound decisions. He, however, gave an exception of more practical courses like medicine and engineering where their knowledge is required immediately one steps into the market.
Having no other questions, I thanked him for his precious time of which I believe a handshake closed the deal. Before I could exit he called me back. ’I have noticed the eagerness knowledge in you. Kindly cultivate on it, and I promise you will go far and beyond” I was then invited for a cup of coffee by him as I stepped outside. Thanks to Professor Wang’s patience and kindness, my interview stood as a successful one.
