Friday, April 17, 2015

Reaction Paper on One Big Seminar


Reaction Paper
on
One Big Seminar

Topic 1 – Motivation

Speaker: Fr. Joel Eslabra

It’s nice that there was something in my mind that I cannot forget. Although I wrote this reaction paper on January 2, 2012 and the seminar happened several years but it is still fresh on my mind. It was very memorable that we have this series of seminars. I have really learned a lot of things from different speakers.

Spiritual development and motivation discussed by Fr. Joel Eslabra was very awesome and worthy of appreciation.  Those inspirational words of motivation awaken me to the realities of life. It was great to hear from a priest some helpful thoughts and very sensible insights. I am very thankful for such opportunity in my life.

            The experiences shared by Fr. Joel could be a wake up call for us. Maybe some things are meant to be laughed but they are true. In life, not all the time we are happy and contented. We are still searching for something that is not paid by money. That is happiness.

            We could be rebellious sometimes but not to the extent that we already hurt other people. The best person to talk to during problems in life is a priest. You are not only obliged to change for better but also motivated.

            Consulting a friend during those difficult times is very good especially if he/she can help you really with your problem. Personally, I do not have friend like a priest or seminary but I can observe to the people who have such. You will be enlightened if you have one and that is the reason I am trying to find. Truly, there something changed in me after the seminar and that I am thankful to the speaker who challenged our spiritual aspect.



Topic 2 – Call Handling

Speaker: Xylena Joy E. Ramirez

The useful and very practical tips of Ma’am Xylena Joy Ramirez during the discussion of Call Handling left a spark on my mind. The group worked and participated well. It was fun and interactive. It was also a great opportunity for us.

            The explanation is quite good. We had practice the correct way of answering a call. It is very useful especially if we will applying for a call center after graduation. I really like the discussions because it lets me understand what’s happening on a call center. Many of my questions are also answered by the speaker.

            The seminar is just for a short period of time but I think we have learned a lot. Correct practice will perfect a work. The important is we know the basic and we have skills.

            My classmates seem enjoyed the event and some has already acquired the skill during the seminar.  We do not have a luxury of time and our learning were not that complete but anyway I am still thankful for whoever organized the event.



Topic 3 – Personality Development

Speaker: Jose M. Lucero

There is a need of development especially for us students. It is not only as a career preparation but also as a challenge for us to take. The healthy discussions and practice during the seminar enlighten us on what to do specifically in a corporate business. It was fun, exciting and very practical. I realized that even the body movements pay off in the business world. It was a great topic discussion from Mr. Jose Lucero.

            As a challenge, we are test individually on how to carry our body and posture. There are also tips given to us. The testing went smoothly only that some of our classmates delayed it. The topic specializes for the shy persons. Confident is what we need in order to succeed.

            After the testing, we felt professional in our own. There are so many things to remember. I have remembered that even the movements of our body counts. The way we greet others and the way we introduce. We have to practice them all in order to perfect them.  

            What a wonderful discussions from a professional speaker! How lucky are we that we have this opportunity. This is once in a lifetime and I felt no regret in spending money. I do not know if it will happen again. I learned that first impression lasts. I cannot make another powerful first impression.If others find me weak and undeserving, they will treat me as what they looked at me and I will not allow that to happen.



Topic 4 – Corporate Ethics

Speaker: Susan Ann Masculino

Well, corporate ethics is what I liked the most. The discussions went smoothly and continuous. A lot of practical tips in writing a resume which I believe that everyone should take note were explained well. It will equip us especially in landing a job.

Resume should be well-written to attract employers and interviewers. I have learned that in our seminar. Steps on how to write a resume, preparation for an interview and what to answer during the interview are the things I should study more. It is very important especially when we apply even for on-the-job training on summer.

What is ethical in business world, we have to be ready with that. Now that we’re equipped with the tips and ways, we are little bit ready for the next step. The important thing is exposure so that we will not end up regretting.

In general, it was a great event – very inspiring, interactive and practical. Everybody in the group seem enjoyed the event and it was successful. I am looking forward for another seminar next time.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Eight Tips in Job Hunting

Get Smart, Get that Job!

A Compilation

Graduation can be the most important part of college life. In fact, I heard some graduating students asking their classmates, "How's your thesis? We have to finish this so that we can land a job easily".
Now that the school year is about to end, graduates will be taking a big leap. The next hurdle for the fresh graduates is to find suitable employment. Fresh graduates are often first timers when it comes to job hunting. The following tips will not necessarily put you on the job but it will improve your chances.

1.    Stay positive. Formulate a plan of action.

      Applying for a job is never easy because it is not a stroke of luck. That is why “the important thing when searching a job is having a positive attitude” says Carol Vecchio, founder and executive director of Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal in Seattle. Determine your interests and ready your skills. Always have an alternative way or have a plan B; like if you are an IT graduate and have not received any feedback from the companies you have applied to last month; then move on to your next choice. There are a lot of opportunities waiting for you.

2.    Show interest to the job you’re applying to.

     According to some human resources officers, it is important for a job applicant to give interest and to show eagerness for the job. Interviewees must manifest enough interest. Don’t just say "If that's your destiny then so be it". An applicant is expected to do a first up to a second follow-up without the plan to quit.

3.    Always welcome options from a company.

     If the company suggests that an applicant takes a post other than what he is applying for, then it’s an indication that the would-be employer is interested. Your chances are high so, evaluated and go for it.

     Employers are not only looking for driven candidates but also those who have above average skills or expertise. So if you are not so sure regarding what you can do, make sure to have a listing to get started.

4.    Sell yourself. Send applications as many as you can.

     There’s always a chance that a company is looking for a guy like you. If you fail for the first time, do not get disappointed. Instead, take and consider it as a challenge. It’s a part of looking- around process.

     Improve your resume. You can get an interview just by presenting your resume. Make it look professional. No one wants to read a very long application letter and resume so provide only information that is important and relevant to the job.

5.    Ask information for related job openings.

     Don’t hesitate to ask job openings from your relatives and friends. If you know someone in the company you have applied, then ask if he can put in a good word for you. You can better improve your chances of finding a job by visiting the internet. Networking, as study shows, is one of the best methods of landing jobs. There are still various government and private agencies that offer training, workshops and career information. It could help you a lot especially for your experience. Jobs listed in newspapers, magazines and many different media could also open the door for you.

6.    Choose companies which you like and respect.

     Send your applications to companies with good background. Research the company or organization and if possible, those who will interview. Showing some knowledge about the company shows a proactive attitude. Be familiar with the company’s products and goals. Get to know its mission and vision. If you believe in them, then join!

7.    Be kind to yourself and don’t add to your anxieties.

     For the graduates of Batch 2015 it’s stressful looking for a job. Set your goals but don’t panic when you get an entry-level job. You may find a job that is not perfect for you or 100 percent to your liking but think that it is just a temporary position. Instead, focus on your long-term goals.
Look after yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest. Consider limiting your job hunting to certain days of the week. Take some time for our hobbies, personal interests and other rewarding pursuits.  Remind yourself of the positive efforts you are making and most important; seek support from God, from your family and friends.

8.    Batch 2015-- you are on the entry-level. It’s always an advantage to keep cool, keep calm, stay focused and ready for a challenge. Stay positive. That is why, it is the first and the last tip for any job hunting.

     With today’s advancement of technology, job seekers find it easy to look for available jobs. But remember, it doesn't matter how many jobs are out there. You are just looking for one – the right one for you! Batch 2015, Are you ready for a new adventure?

Monday, December 15, 2014

Go Green: Recycle, Plant a Christmas tree


How do you celebrate your Christmas? Christmas is time for giving. It is also time for excesses that causes negative impacts on environment. Increased wastes which result to increasing volume of landfills and carbon emissions are happening each year.

Different people in different places celebrated Christmas in different ways. But as we can observe, this Christmas is more different from some other Christmas spent years ago. What do you think is the reason?
During Christmas, almost everyone is busy decorating their houses. All kinds of stuffs and decorations were collected and placed on every corner of the house. Why do we gather those things and spent much money when we can do recycling? 
Time magazine published its own ways on how to recycle and use alternative things to decorate houses on Christmas. Here are some ways and tips which everybody can use during Christmas: Lights. Choose LEDs (Light-emitting diodes) to minimize power consumption. Gifts. Handmade gifts are best choice for greener gifts. Gift wraps. Use recycled-paper wrap for your gifts. Ornaments. Recycle leftover aluminum shavings to make a nice tree ornament. Wreaths. You can make a silver bell wreath out of old cans. Candles. Using candles is another way to conserve electricity. Use only renewable and biodegradable materials for decorations of houses. More at www.time.com/time/magazine
Some people and organizations in other places have their own style of recycling this Christmas. Danny Seo, author of “Simply Green Giving” also recommended using old things to wrap and decorate gifts. Artist Jeff Clap used discarded aluminum oxygen canisters from Mt. Everest as decorative bells. While residents of Portland, Oregon bought a potted or balled Christmas tree (roots still attached) and replanted it in their backyard after Christmas. The same thing also happened in the Urban Forest of San Francisco who rented nontraditional trees such as Southern Magnolia and Strawberry and replanted them in city streets.
In places locally like San Isidro, some people did not put any decors in their houses. It is because they have to minimize spending money and go natural.
On the other hand, although some people celebrated green Christmas but there are people abused it. What can you see on streets after the celebration? There’s tons of garbage, Christmas gift wrappers and other decors scattered anywhere.
And who we are going to blame of thousands of deaths happened in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and nearby provinces in Mindanao just before the Christmas? It happened because of illegal logging and abusive practices of some people. Local residents were caught unprepared when typhoon Sendong hit their region. Is this the mistake of the weather bureau because of their failure to give appropriate warnings and forecasts? Or it is on the plenty of uprooted and cut trees and logs seen on the news believed to be the reason of massive flash floods?
Local governments of the region blamed each other and questions are being asked as to why indiscriminate and illegal logging was permitted in that area that has destroyed the green cover and mountains. Although President Benigno Aquino has ordered an investigation into these aspects but what should the government do to prevent such calamities to happen again?
Well, this problem is inevitable and could happen again and again if not solved or prevented. What we have to do is start anew. Let us plant trees and call it our own Christmas trees. Not only that we have our tree to decorate every Christmas but also a hope for greener world every year. #