Action: Looks at Recruit Saturday to look for positions

Result: No jobs that I can apply to! Either (a) not qualified (b) not BIG enough bank (c) local bank (d) Public sector positions

Plan A (i)- Comb all job agencies in International Plaza

Result: Was slammed by two agencies for expecting too high a starting pay for a fresh graduate with no prior experience. Luckily, managed to find a one-woman agency who specialises in getting banking jobs

Plan A (ii) - Apply directly at the bank's website online - a little hard to get a position since it's a cold call, but since I do not want to apply for most jobs in the papers, I had better look at alternatives

Result: Went for one interview at JPMorgan recommended by the agency - but failed

Plan B - Went for a second interview at JPMorgan 3 weeks later for another position - success!

Objective: It's a temporary position (aka pay is terrible) but heck, it's JPMorgan. Let me get in first and see if I can get a permanent position somehow - Foot in the Door strategy

Plan C - Started work. Feels extremely demoralised by pay. Further demoralised in the realisation that no headcount exists in my department. Free Pokka Green Tea in the pantry cannot allievate my pain. Applies aggressively on the available positions posted in the internal database. Applies on external websites as well

Result: No luck on the database. Realises that applying internally may not be as easy as thought. Shortlisted for two different positions with Bloomberg. Both never made it past the 1st round

Plan D - Job agency helps me. Sends me for another permanent position interview at JPMorgan

Result: Shortlisted for 2nd round. Department boss speaks to me on the same day of interview. She has fought for a headcount and wants me to know she is interested to convert me - Wah!

Plan E - Rejects 2nd round to wait for my permanent position in current department. Decided that current department is closer to my interests

Result: Still waiting for news after 1 month. Feels very stupid and realises that I may have made a mistake rejecting the 2nd round because I may have become a permanent staff by now

Plan F - Tries for other positions. No harm trying since I really would not know how long I have to wait

Result - Job agency helps again. Sends me for oil trading company interview. Shortlisted for 2nd round. Spent the whole weekend learning all about oil and its trends. Failed 2nd round - Extremely demoralised. I had really wanted this position because I could have progressed to be an oil trader

Plan G - Boss tells me that headcount is finally approved by Global Manager!

Result: Waiting now for my last stage approval. Hopefully to be converted permanent by mid-November latest