NWU-GC hosts Career Orientation for Graduating Studs

The Guidance Center of Northwestern University (NWU) held a virtual career orientation on April 28, 2022, via Zoom Videoconferencing App with the theme “Standing Strong for a Brighter Future.”  The said event was attended by the graduating students of NWU for Academic Year 2021-2022.

Ms. Sherley Bumanglag quoted Confucius as she rendered her welcome remarks, “Choose a job that you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

“When you love your work, it feels like a choice more than a burden. Choosing and pursuing the right career for you can be tough in the beginning. But isn’t it tougher to be living your entire life doing what you don’t love? Having a specific career plan requires planning, hard work, persistence, and a little optimistic approach toward life, leading you to a successful, accomplishing job that provides a life you want for you and your family. In the end, I want to say that life is more than mere our trades and careers; life is full of colors, wishes, love, and ambition. We should strive to be better than yesterday, and believe me, we can change our situations in life for the better if we try more,” Ms. Bumanglag added.

Prof. Joan Jesusa B. Velasco, Languages and Literature Department Head and The Review Adviser, talked about how to make an impressive resume and compose an application letter. She elaborated on the elements and styles of letter, and the proper format in making a resume.

“What is more important is we include details about us; we include factual information about us,” Prof. Velasco stated.

 “We’re preparing you for the next phase in your life, which is entering full adult life—enabling you to become self-sufficient, to provide for your own living, and also to help our families. So, it’s not just the competence in our own discipline is needed. There are also these guidance programs precisely to prepare you to enter into this next phase of your life. Whether you’re going to apply for a job or if you are going to be a licensed professional, then practice your profession in any case, or even to put up your own business if you’re an entrepreneur if you’re planning to be an entrepreneur. In all these things, you still have to have all these different skills that will be taught to you, is being taught to you. So that you will be able to transition well into your professional life,” said Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, University President, in his message.

Mrs. Charisse May Ziganay, Recruitment and Selection Officer from NWU Institutional Planning and Organizational Development Department (IPODD), discussed tips for an excellent job interview performance.

“An interview is essentially an opportunity to unlock the next chapter of your life, so an interview is really important, so don’t leave a chance. Preparation, as I said, is crucial. Preparation is the key to success. According to Chris Grosser, “Opportunities don’t happen; you create them,” said Mrs. Ziganay.

Ms. Leonavella Duldulao also delivered a talk about labor market information and 21st-century skills from the Department of Employment (DOLE) – Ilocos Norte Field Office.

Ms. Duldulao presented their Career Guidance Advocacy Program and Career and Employment Coaching (CGAP and CEC Seminar). She discussed the fundamental rights of workers and wage-related benefits, and POEA Legal modes of hiring overseas workers.

 “Start doing it if you can, and plan and execute. Kung may mga naiisip kayo, execute lang. Kung may gusto kayo, execute lang. Kung nagkamali kayo, it’s okay. Kapag naman umasenso kayo, be humble,” said Mr. Vincent Calimag, owner of The City Brew, as he talked about entrepreneurship as a career.

“You don’t need to be perfect for you to be able to start a business. But you should have a plan for you to be able to execute it,” he added.

Also, he emphasized to never stop learning, and God’s timing is never too late nor early but perfect.

Ms. Fatima Amor Dumenden, Head of Guidance and Counseling Office of St. Ferdinand College, Ilagan City, Isabela was the last speaker wherein she shared tips to remember for the first time job speakers: Be patient, do follow up, don’t keep your cover letter the same, don’t get distracted, and don’t limit yourself.

 “I hope na this new normal ay maging flexible tayo especially don sa tatahakin natin na landas,” Ms. Dumenden concluded.