The disappointing work ethic of young graduates

A reader replies to a piece written by FMT columnist Scott Ng about the lack of integrity and sense of entitlement of young job seekers in the country today.

COMMENT

By Aaron Ong

I operate an engineering company.

Scott Ng’s article “Things may get worse for young job seekers” was a good read for all university graduates and academia as it was spot on.

Even my engineering company has stopped hiring fresh graduates as none of them are mature enough or equipped with proper human and personal (don’t talk about technical) skills that enable them to overcome the daily challenges that come their way.

For example, a fresh graduate employee was tasked to go to a site to measure and produce a simple drawing. I can easily complete this job in three days. Six weeks and many follow-ups later, the drawing has yet to be completed with various excuses i.e. no AutoCAD, no internet, computer breakdown, car needs servicing, site too far, grandfather’s birthday approaching, etc.

When berated for his lack of results, the employee said the company was acting in an unfair manner, that the pressure was too great. As a result of this mindset, many resign just a month or two down the road, at the drop of a hat, for the flimsiest of excuses.

This is not something made up, but actually happened with a graduate from the University of *******.

Another graduate from our local University of *******, having a master’s degree in chemical engineering, surreptitiously plagiarised two major reports. When discovered and fined RM50, he angrily threatened to report us to the labour office, saying that our action was unlawful and insisting we abide by the law.

He did not realise the company was giving him a chance to make amends. He subsequently got an official show cause letter, the first step towards dismissal. He replied to the letter and, too cowardly to face the upcoming Domestic Inquiry, promptly resigned. Joined Oct 7, 2015, resigned Nov 5, 2015 – not even a month. He was the last of 16 employees. 100% of these fresh graduates are failures, despite holding degrees from reputable universities.

Young graduates on average think the company, society and industry owe them a living. Their salaries are a God-given right, and delivery of results can be thrown out the window. Instead, they relish the opportunity to cheat and pilfer here and there, like petty thieves.

The orders of their bosses/superiors are ignored, and if it can’t be ignored, it is to be frustrated as much as possible. Far from being humble, they are egoistic, antagonistic and defensive when challenged.

All company action, whether good or bad, is taken in a negative light. When fined RM50 for plagiarism, this particular young graduate put up a fight, not realising the company was giving him a rare chance to make amends without going through painful paperwork.

When asked to travel to a certain site, many complain about the mileage allowance given, yet are not able to prove their mileage allowance is insufficient to cover costs. No appreciation is given to the company.

When given the opportunity to go to the US for training, they complain that they have to pay for their own passport and visa, conveniently forgetting that the company is investing RM17,000 in them.

The concepts of honesty, sacrifice, appreciation, loyalty, results and perseverance are not in a fresh graduate’s vocabulary.

Aaron Ong is an FMT reader.