Written by Shaira Jane Salingbay and Kristina Velasco
The University of Baguio Center for Counseling and Student Development (UB-CCSD) launched this semester’s Placement Activities with a Pre-Employment Webinar on March 8, 2025. The event, held via Zoom, was themed “#Subscribed to the CCSD L-Series: Learning to Be” and titled #BeJobReadyUBians. This informative webinar brought together the university’s graduating students and experts to discuss key aspects of the job application process and prepare them for their career journey.
The event featured three sessions. Session 1: #Becoming Globally Competitive, featured Mr. Joseph L. Belen, Labor and Employment Officer II from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Cordillera. Valuable insights on the different services offered by DOLE were shared, specifically the Career Development Support Program for first-time job seekers. An overview of the employability dimensions, global job market trends, and the future of work was also discussed.
Session 2: Being Mentally Resilient in the Workplace, on the other hand, was led by Ms. Leny O. Estacio, RGC, LPT and the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace, particularly in the context of the “better normal” environment was discussed. She highlighted the impact of workplace conditions on employees’ mental health and shared strategies for practicing wellness and self-care.
For the last session: Session 3: Effective Application Documents and Interviewing Tips, Ms. Lenore Belingon from the UB Human Resources Management Center engaged the graduating students by asking about their plans post-graduation and guiding them on how to effectively present themselves to potential employers. Her session focused on the proper format and content of application documents, such as resumes, curriculum vitae (CVs), personal data sheets (PDS) for government, and application letters.
In addition to the sessions, three distinguished alumni were invited to share their experiences and words of encouragement with the students as they prepare to enter the workforce. These alumni, who have successfully navigated the challenges of starting a career, shared personal stories and valuable insights that motivated the students to stay resilient, adaptable, and focused as they embark on their professional journeys.
Taking all of these into consideration, the #BeJobReadyUBians webinar provided a valuable platform for graduating students to gain essential insights and skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. With expert guidance on everything from career development to mental well-being, students were empowered to confidently pursue their professional aspirations.
