Wely Lau

I had prepared to have a master degree study at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) since the January 2008. I have done the TOEFL test, have submitted the application, and have prepared all things related to study. Furthermore, NTU has accepted me.

I am ready to go. Even, I have applied my student pass.

Really! One more step to go.

Almost most of my friends have known that I was going to study at NTU, and I told them for sure "Yeah, I'll study at NTU".

But at last, I didn't take it.

The story began at the meeting of .NET Developer Idol July 1^st 2008. After the meeting, Mr Risman, Naren, and the idols (participants) had a chat at a café. At that café, I began to be poisoned by 2 Microsofties hehe. Mr Risman asked "Wel, why don't you try the Developer Evangelist position?". What? I am ready to study; I'll be back to my hometown next week at July 8^th and go to Singapore after that.

He added "The DE position is a golden opportunity, and if you want to take the study, you can take it anytime. Moreover, you pay by yourself, not a scholarship." I answered "Am I eligible to apply? Based on the requirement, my experience is still not sufficient. But actually, I am interested for the position. That is what I like to do."

Naren added "working in Microsoft is not easy, now you have an opportunity to try, to take the test and interview, you should try it". Furthermore, Naren challenged me to give a presentation and coding on the fly session that includes latest .NET Technologies (such as C# 3.0, LINQ to SQL, Asmx Web Service, WCF, WF, WPF, VSTO, ASP.NET 3.5) just like what he did in Balikpapan. Such a tough but challenging gate to pass! But at last, I decided to jump at the chance.

Along with confusing about the two choices in my mind, I still tried to explore the technologies that I haven't touched it before: WPF, WF, and VSTO. I had to learn fast in both architecture / conceptual view and "how – to" view.

I thought if I can pass the test and join Microsoft, it would be great. If not, I'll follow my plan to study, that's what I had planned for half year. Both of them are good choice. Nothing to lose! Just give a try, just do my best, let The Almighty determine which way I should go.

Finally, I have successfully passed the technical test and few interviews. Looks like, it is what we call "a destiny". My destiny! Fall through my study at NTU, and turn out to work at Microsoft Indonesia.

This time, I DEFER master degree study, NOT TO CANCEL it! It means that one day (maybe next year, next 3 or 5 or 10 years), I will take my master degree for sure! J It won't be late.

Special thanks to:

• Mr Risman for the opportunity and assistance. I am very grateful. I promise I'll do my best, I won't disappoint you.
• Mr Naren for the challenging test "presentation + coding on the fly session". It forced me to learn fast J. I need you guidance on further.
• Mr Norman for the advice. At last, we have opportunity to work together. J

The last, but not the least. Shirley for your support, advice, and everything.

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