Career Talk 2021

“When opportunity comes your way, don’t forget to invite if for dinner,” Dr. Philip Ian Padilla, UPV Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, said in his opening remarks for the Career Talk 2021 last February 23, 2021.

Career Talk is an annual program of the Office of Student Affairs that aims to equip the university’s graduating students with skills and advice for their journeys after graduation. With the advent of the current pandemic and increasing unemployment rates, the university opened the program to all who might need it through remote platforms.

Prof. Julie Prescott, Director of The Information and Publications Office, shared useful tips for creating professional online profiles. She advised the young students to be an open slate for opportunities and be bold in their career choices.

Dr. Sheila Marie Guevarra-Hocson, Director for Guidance and Counseling at Far Eastern University, talked about Soft Skills for Employment in the New Normal. She emphasized that the youth seeking employment should focus on agility, flexibility, openness to criticisms, and speed to develop their respective careers.

Prof. Jude Vincent Parcon, Faculty of the Division of Humanities, talked about creating application letters and resumes. He also gave tips on how to prepare for online job interviews.

Ms. Binky Pitogo, entrepreneur and fashion designer, shared her journey as an entrepreneur. She was able to convey the ins and outs of starting your own business as well as scaling up, innovating, and eventually paying it forward.

Ms. Niezel Anne T. Sabrido, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of the Department of Labor and Employment Region VI, talked about Job Trends in the New Normal. Information Technology tops the list of most in-demand industries to go into.

Other emerging industries, according to Ms. Sabrido, are Renewable energy, Ship Building and Ship Repair.

UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano challenged the youth to be daring because the workforce is indeed ever-changing. (Ms. Paula Khryss Ushiyama, Office of Student Affairs)