OVCSA-OCG holds 6th career convention

The Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG) has once again provided a platform for employers, experienced professionals, and talented entry-level individuals to connect and establish a professional partnership.

This happened at the 6th UPLB Career Convention held on March 12-14, 2025, at the Makiling Ballroom Hall, Student Union Building, with the theme “PADAYON: Patuloy na Pagtuklas sa Matagumpay na Bukas” (Forward We Go: Continuous Pursuit of a Prosperous Future). 

Members of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA) Executive Committee, partner companies, students, and staff attended the opening ceremony held on March 12, 2025. 

In her opening speech, Dr. Janette H. Malata-Silva, vice chancellor for student affairs, introduced the VUCA principle, which teaches embracing the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of the environment. 

She emphasized that adaptability and continuous learning are key to unlocking opportunities. Vice Chancellor Malata-Silva reiterated that this goal is within reach through working together.

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. also delivered a special message to students attending the event. 

He encouraged them to make the most of the three-day event by attending career sessions, building networks, and engaging in discussions with industry experts. 

He also stressed the importance of learning from pioneers in various industries, urging students to “ask questions, explore options, and open yourself to new possibilities.” 

Lastly, Chancellor Camacho reminded students to be steadfast in their commitment to excellence and service.

Resource speaker Remund Jordan Labios, a faculty member at the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship, discussed pairUP, a platform where students can find internship programs and career opportunities. 

Labios said that he believes UP can provide a future-ready education by equipping students with in-demand skills through technology. 

He explained that pairUP helps students stay on track and engage with the evolving job market as it offers “ease of searching for internships through partnerships with industry leaders.” 

Labios also shared practical tips on how students can optimize their online profiles effectively to secure internships and ultimately find the right job.

Following the inspiring talks, the event formally opened with the presentation of partner companies and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The 6th UPLB Career Convention was attended by hundreds of students from the university as well as invited students from other universities, including San Sebastian College-Recoletos. 

Industry participants included the Bank of the Philippine Islands, East-West Seed, Innodata Knowledge Services, Inc., KLT Fruits, La Filipina Uy Gongco Group of Companies, Manulife Financial Corporation, MME Connections, Inc., Monde Nissin Corporation, Philchema, Inc., Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, Redwood Farms Integrated, Inc., San Miguel Foods, SEAOIL Philippines, Inc., and Thick and Thin Agri-Products, Inc.

The event also served as a venue for the students to learn about government agencies that provide social security and other benefits to employees, such as PAG-IBIG Fund Calamba and Social Security System (SSS).

In addition to career guidance, participants enjoyed tokens and prizes from the participating companies. Special prizes were awarded to students who visited every booth throughout the convention. 

OCG also launched the Career Nook, where participants could take a RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional) test administered by OCG’s junior psychometricians to help them discover potential career paths and fields of study.

The UPLB Career Convention is an annual event organized by OCG to provide career guidance and development, primarily to UPLB graduates. It provides them with the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into various career paths.