Ending the NYLON Manila Career Fair: University Takeover at the University of Asia & the Pacific was truly a serve and a slay. ICYMI, here are some highlights!
Related: Here’s What Went Down At The ADMU Stop Of The NYLON Manila Career Fair
The NYLON Manila Career Fair: University Takeover has had a successful run the last few weeks, but all things, even good things, come to an end. Bringing goodies, expert insights, and inspiration to college students in four different universities, the Career Fair sought to help prepare college students in navigating the next chapters of their lives.
After taking over De La Salle University, the University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Ateneo de Manila University, we made our way to the University of Asia and the Pacific in partnership with the University Student Government (USG) to host the last leg of the Career Fair. With insightful talks, good energy, and plenty of free goodies, the NYLON Manila Career Fair: University Takeover at UA&P said “Periodt” in the best way possible. If you’re eager to know what went down, we got you right here.
PRE-GAMING
The entire day was packed with opportunities even before the main program started. With booths situated at the University Student Commons, UA&P students (Dragons) from all programs and years visited our brand partners Bioten, Cetaphil and Benzac, and KISS Philippines to score some goodies, get consultations, and learn more about their products and advocacies. The NYLON Manila MyZine booth was also smack-dab in the middle of it all, and participants of the Career Fair got up close and personal with the MyZine in all its fun, function, and glory.
“I wasn’t really into collecting magazines before,” a student shared. “But [the MyZine] looks way more useful and fun for me.” Dragons got to assemble and decorate their MyZines right then and there, taking matters into their own hands as they do with their futures.
In front of Dizon Auditorium where the main program was to be held was also the AGC Power Holdings Corp. Human Resources‘ booth, where students could directly find out about (and apply to) openings and internship opportunities in NYLON Manila and all AGC PHC brands.
WISING UP
Before the program began, Brand Associate Bianca Lao got the crowd going with a Kahoot! pre-game all about NYLON Manila, the Career Fair, and UA&P. The main program was hosted by the University Student Government’s own President Eara Cayanga (who, coincidentally, was celebrating her birthday that same day) who brought up to the stage her fellow orgmates.
The USG started off the program by introducing themselves and talking about the service they provide as the highest governing body of the UA&P student population.
Then, Bioten gave the students a chance to win some of their new acne control products by holding a quick Kahoot! trivia game about the brand (did you know Bioten was founded in Greece?) and letting students know about their natural ingredients-based skin products.
Brought to the Career Fair by Cetaphil and Benzac, dermatologist Dr. Erin Santos (or The Nerdy Derma as some of us know her) had the crowd going “yass” or “naur” as she spotlighted some skincare and wellness tips and tricks so students can be more confident, courteous, and authentic during the job application process.
Next up, management consultant, transformational coach, and co-founder of Epiphany Collective PH Eric Cruz spoke about mentally preparing yourself for the potentially very stressful and overwhelming next stage of life for many—the workplace. He says, “We are not a victim to circumstances. Every moment is a moment of choice.” And when you have the choice, especially if you are navigating something so new and unfamiliar to you, choose to be big, bold, and brave.
Before the next part of the program, Bianca Lao took the stage again to host the main Kahoot! segment of the night, where the top three scoring students won themselves a Sunnies Flask and a HelloLulu. Questions ranged from facts about NYLON Manila to first job and workplace tidbits, and students learned as they played. It got pretty competitive NGL!
After the game, Career Counsellor and Director of Academic and Student Affairs at the SoFA Design Institute Madeleine “Mads” Constantino talked about some things that are very relevant to students gearing up to take the next step in their careers: self, salary, and success.
Recounting her career story, coming from a 12.5K salary to travelling the world and making an impact on other people’s lives, Mads emphasized that inasmuch as salary is important to people, experiences are also something to value and hold onto. Being fulfilled and growing as a person are also things to aspire to in one’s career.
PUTTING OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
Near the end of the program, Bianca Lao and Features Writer Nica Glorioso sat down with HR Specialists Dennise Rialp, Jenny Brutas, and Head of AGCPHC’s HR Mairen Buan, as well as with Modern Media Group Inc.’s Chief Operating Officer Anne Bernisca and Head of Operations Nikki Balboa and One Mega Group Inc.’s Chief Operating Officer (and proud UA&P alumnus) Ramon Galicia for a Q&A about properly crafting a resume or CV and preparing to enter the workplace.
UA&P students’ questions were answered and discussed during the panel—everything from ensuring your experiences in your resume or CV speak for your abilities and character to having a learning and growth mindset when navigating your first job.
“You have be deliberate and intentional in your job-seeking process,” Ramon Galicia advises. Even if you are unsure about the path you want in life, still be purposeful when you take your next steps.
“You are a human being, not a human doing,” Eric advises. “If you start with being, the doing will follow.”
“It’s okay to make mistakes,” Nikki says. “Just make sure you learn from them.” Even if you still have a few years before you start your working era, these are advice to take to heart.
The past few weeks have been jam-packed with lessons and inspiration, and it’s all thanks to everyone who made the NYLON Manila Career Fair: University Takeover happen. Our speakers and panelists brought their A-game and imparted so much wisdom, such as the importance of soft skills and knowing that you’re happiness and success in your career starts and ends with you, onto eager, excited students rearing to find, follow, and fulfill their dreams.
Thanks to our brand partners Cetaphil and Benzac, Bioten, and KISS Philippines, as well as our giveaway partners Cetaphil and Benzac, Solasta Jewelry, HelloLulu, Sunnies Face, Halia Co., and ARTernative Art Supplies.
Thank you as well to all the students who participated, from DLSU, UP, ADMU, and UA&P. Here’s to hoping we all take the next step forward wiser, more inspired, and a lot more hopeful.
Photos by Kieran Punay.
Continue Reading: What Went Down When We Took Over UP For The NYLON Manila Career Fair: University Takeover
