You're Being in UP is Not Enough

When I graduated two years ago I had nothing particular in mind of what I'm gonna do. I just relied on the fact that my parents approved (uh, more of, like, "convinced") of my attendance to a one-year training in IT. Some people then just had to ask, "Why are you taking this? You're a CS graduate, right?" I think I've made a handful versions of my reason but everything simply boils down to this: It's none of your business. I can afford the tuition. That's why. So shut it.

As I carried on with the program, I realized more reasons previously unrevealed. Setting the IT certification (which is apparently hardly recognized as of writing) and Nihongo (oh, yeah) classes aside, I found the things I learned in my four years in Miami, in a way, lacking. "So that's why some are eager to proceed to a Masters Degree," I thought. True enough, at the end of the program, I could say that I'm ready to take on anything. As they say, "Bring it on, itch."

After graduating from a tertiary education for the second time four months ago, I went home to the Land of Promise and spent a whooping two months of rest. Many regarded me as too confident. That may be true, but not really. I was only thinking that even if it's the end of the world tomorrow, employers will still hire someone to hire today. And I...deserved some rest. My job-hunt excursion has taught me a lot. Here's a list of tips for those of my kind, an iskolar ng bayan.

• The fact that you studied (and graduated, if applicable) in the University of the Philippines won't be enough. Graduate on time and don't fail a single subject. Some companies actually put high regard to those who don't have any failing grade. And besides, there are, say, three other titan universities, you know...

• Participate in extracurricular activities. Constructing your resume as a fresh graduate can be very tough as you basically don't have any work experience at all. That's why you compensate it when the best things you did while in college. Luckily for me, the training did it all.

• Make your resume standout. I'd have to admit I had to spend a day or two researching and learning how to make it very effective. As what my classmate who's currently working in a multinational company advised, "It's your passport." I ended up with the one below.
  
  
  
• Do appropriately. If you're applying for a Business Analyst position, don't include in your resume your skills in playing the piano blindfoldedly.

• Come on time for your interviews. You have Google Maps to thank for that. Man, how I was able to appreciate it! It's just so wicked that even St. Mike's and Upper Valley in the dorm area is on it!

• Always bring with you your updated resume. Don't assume that because you submitted it online, the person who'll get the freak out of you (okay, the one who'll interview you) also happens to have it. And a valid ID too!

• Acknowledge every notification from interested employers. A simple "Thank you for the update" will do. Similarly, update them at least a day earlier if you won't be able to make it to your appointment and ask for a possible reschedule.

• Practice but don't memorize what you're to say. Be spontaneous and bore a hole into the interviewer's eyes. "Tell me about yourself," is the most classic example. In the many interviews that I've killed, I've actually only answered this overrated Q twice. And oh, answer in the language you're asked.

I had my first contract signing this morning. The search is over. I look forward to being regularized in six months. This post may be out of time, but I just can't wait for the graduation month to have this, can I? At any rate, I hope you found this post interesting.

For the time being, enjoy what college life has to offer. You are bound to definitely miss it. By "enjoy" I mean academics too. See you in the industry after four years then! (Yes, I am telling you to graduate on time.)


Best regards,

Locker B, Room 22