A bit about my story…

In 2011, I arrived in Melbourne, from Singapore, to undertake my post-grad studies in engineering management and business management.

I graduated in late 2012 and received a job offer to work in a tech startup in 2013.

I was overjoyed.

But a few months in 2013, I was fired from the startup – my first job out of uni – because I was overly stressed and underperforming terribly.

Back to square one now.

Dreams of piloting shot down

At this point, I was really interested to pursue a career as a pilot.

I got shortlisted for the cadet pilot program with Jetstar (at Moorabbin Airport, Melbourne) but failed the interview. I got invited for the Jetstar program selection at New Zealand and the program got cancelled after I booked my tickets.

Bummer! So I thought I take some private lessons then.

After a few private introductory classes, I had to pass my aviation medical before proceeding further.

During medical, the aviation doctor found something “funny” in my blood.

I had a higher-than-usual count of platelets and white blood cells.

I was referred to the specialist (a hematologist or a blood doctor) who found that I have essential thrombocythemia – a genetic disorder – which explained my high platelet count.

The good news was that if I get a cut, my blood clots more easily. The not so good news was that I had a higher risk and chance of getting a stroke. “So no flying.” she said. “It’s not worth the risk.”

Fine.

Back to the job search process then.

The gruelling job search

After several months, the brutal reality of the job search sank in.

I was either ignored by companies or received the stock-standard rejection emails.

I remember a typical Melbournian winter morning when the sky was grey, my wall was grey and I was feeling grey. Not so sure on how and when this would end.

I was desperate. I was struggling to pay rent. In my apartment, we (housemates and I) used milk crates as makeshift furniture, because we could either choose to pay for rent or for furniture. So the choice was obvious.

And then one day, I came across a quote by Albert Einstein which said “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

So I started a careers magazine with a friend and through that, I discovered my passion in training and coaching, and got the chance to conduct careers workshops in a few universities.

I then tailored my job applications and received an offer for a business and management trainer role in just 12 days.

But all in all, I had to send out 526 resumes over 561 days to land that full-time role.

My story featured was on The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, News.com.au, The Herald Sun and on other news outlets like The Daily Telegraph, The Courier Mail, The Advertiser and Perth Now.

Jobless international student turned international speaker

Now I’m on a mission to bring out the best in others and to invest in the next generation of leaders and game changers.

I’ve spoken to more than 3000 professionals and students in Australia, Asia and Africa. Some of the organisations I’m working with include:

  • Intel
  • Tesla
  • VW
  • National Australia Bank
  • New York University
  • Chartered Accountants
  • ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants)
  • City of Melbourne
  • UN Young Professionals Network
  • The University of Melbourne
  • RMIT, to name a few.

I believe the future is bright for those who seek out opportunities and that the next generation has so much to offer.

If the movement of transforming lives and empowering others resonates with you, do get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch!

Feel free to get in touch with me at dominic<at>dominicsoh.com