1,600 Graduating Students undergo Career Guidance Seminar-Workshop

One thousand and six hundred graduating students participated in the Career Guidance Seminar-Workshop with the theme, “IMAGE for Success: Integrity, Management, Attitude, Grooming & Gender Sensitivity, Enthusiasm & Mental Health in the Workplace,” held at the University Convention Center, November 18 and 20.

The activity was spearheaded by the Office of Student Affairs led by Dr. Raul M. Ebuňa, the Director of OSA through the concerted efforts of Guidance and Counseling Center headed by Mary Grace B. Pacatang, RGC in cooperation with the University Center for Gender and Development and the University Senior Student’s Council.

The seminar-workshop was divided into two batches. Day 1 was joined by the graduating students from the College of Agriculture, Nursing, Forestry and Environmental Science, and Veterinary Medicine. Meanwhile, Day 2 was attended by the College of Arts and Sciences, Business and Management, Engineering, Human Ecology, and Education.

Dr. Jose Alexander Abella, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, inspired the students in his motivational message emphasizing that the parameter of being successful depends on a person. And that, they could make their own parameters of success.

In an interview, he revealed that some people may measure success if they could earn their first million by the age of 30. And that, they will consider themselves successful in those parameters.

“Others may view success in that way, but for me, it is different. I personally measure success if I am happy with the work I am with,” Dr. Abella supplemented.

He also shared that the most important character that enables a person to succeed is the attitude. It is very necessary, especially in the workplace.

“You [students] should be a TEAM PLAYER. In order for an organization to achieve its goals and objectives, you need to possess it.”

Dr. Abella stressed out that an employee, for example, should not be a burden to an organization; he/she should have a good attitude to blend within the workplace.

According to him, “There might be some who are very good academically with a very good scholastic record, ‘Magna Cum laude’ or Cum Laude,’ for instance, but don’t have the right character or attitude, then, talagang mahihirapan tayo diyan.”

Moreover, Art Vincent Oco, the Chairperson of USSCO and AB History graduating student detailed in an interview that the seminar-workshop was relevant to all students of CMU to prepare them in the next stage of adult life – that is to enter the world of employment.

“This is an avenue for us to grasp the various lectures given by the highly competent speakers who are experts in their own field of specialization and interest,” Mr. Oco added.

He also expressed that academic affiliation is not the mere measure to be employed; attitude also matters. “Developing one’s attitude holistically in the workplace is a must.”

Meanwhile, the following topics were discussed: (1) “Grooming: Power Dressing/Proper Decorum and Acing the Interview” by Prof. Amita B. Sususco; (2) “Attitude: Psychological Preparation for Board Exam” by Dr. Leo G. Labrador; (3) “Resume Writing” by Noel E. Margate, RGC; (4) “Integrity: Professionalism and Ethics at Work” by Dr. Gamaliela A. Dumancas; and (5) “Management: Office and Financial Management” by Karleen D. Zambas.

In addition, these topics were included: (6) “Enthusiasm and Mental Health at Work” by Mary Grace B. Pacatang, RGC; (7) “Gender: Anti-Sexual Harassment and Anti-Violence against Women and Children” by Atty. Jonalyn D. Villacura, (8) “Workshop on Basic Graphic Design” by Tracy Van H. Tangonan; and (9) “Hair and Make-up Demo and Workshop” by Rea Julie Mae B. Morales. (Maejoy L. Talisay)