OVCSA conducts 5th career convention

The Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) at the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs launched its 5th UPLB Career Convention on June 11 at the UPLB SU building with the theme “To Infinity and Beyond: Navigating Opportunities for a Successful Future.” 

As part of OCG’s effort to empower students, the event was designed to enable students to establish the necessary networks to build their careers.

The career convention was opened by an inspirational message from UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., which was delivered by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Janette H. Malata-Silva. 

Chancellor Camacho reminded the students to believe in their aspirations as they encounter challenges that will test their resiliency and ability to adapt. He also emphasized that service to the Motherland is an obligation and an honor as an “Iskolar ng Bayan.”

Jisselle C. Villamin, OIC-director of OCG, presented the rationale that gave the participants an overview of what to expect during the event. She said that the UPLB Career Convention is vital to students, especially the new graduates, to gain insights on new trends, challenges, and opportunities that will eventually lead them to find the right career. 

Villamin also highlighted the importance of being exposed to different industries — to build a network, to be inspired and motivated, and to hone their skills. 

To end the program, Jerry M. Ortega, RGC, the head of the organizing team for this year’s convention, presented the companies that took part in the event.

These are Atlas Nutrition, i-Bridge System Philippines. SunLife of Canada Philippines

Development Bank of the Philippines, MME Connections, Inc., Philippine National Bank, Innodata PhilChema, Inc., Monde Nissin Corporation, Charoen Phokphan Foods Philippines, Inc., and East-West Seed.

The event also recognized the need for job hunters to develop personally and professionally to achieve career development. This year, OCG invited experts to share their insights to help those needing help knowing where to start.

To offer tips on how to confidently jumpstart a career, Alessandra Miel Viriña-Opleda, the Employee Assistance Program Manager of In Touch Community Services, shared how to answer the common questions of fresh graduates, including where to begin, what happens next, and how to do new things in a new environment. 

Viriña-Opleda answered these questions by sharing her experiences and journey toward success in her career. According to her, it is best to look at “what you can do” and what you can offer to the job you are applying for instead of forcing yourself into something you haven’t prepared for.

On the other hand, the second speaker, Mariz Panaglima Borgoños-Pales, a Guidance Services Specialist III from Liliw National High School, talked about rising and performing in the chosen profession without burning out. 

Borgoños-Pales said, “You have to make sure you have all the resources to enhance both hard and soft skills, so you won’t have to exceed your limits just to rise above.” She added that to avoid running out of passion early on in your career, you must carefully assess your skills, undergo necessary training, and consistently practice self-development.

Aside from the tips and advice, the OCG, in partnership with the Alumni Relations through the “Tatak UPLB” program, presented stories from some UPLB alumni and how they succeeded in their chosen careers. 

These stories were presented to the students to inspire those who are still on their journey to success. The alumni shared the same advice to the younger generation looking to still find their way into this world: to not be afraid to fail and try again. 

They also encouraged the fresh graduates to explore, gain more experience, and persevere. According to them, being a UPLB graduate means nothing if one doesn’t uphold the values and etiquette taught inside the campus—using their ability to serve those in need.

The UPLB Career Convention concluded with job hunters bringing home small prizes from the participating companies.