John Paul De Gracia Lordan2011-04793

The Search Is On

Organized by the UP Career Assistance Program (UP CAP), Career Fair 2014 Beyond the Frontier was a real blast! I never expected the event to be that big. I was in awe to see over 90 companies across all industries participated in the said event. Perhaps, I have exhibited a wrong perception about career fairs. I thought it would be dull and boring, that all I need to do is submit my resume for internship to the company associates stationed on their respective company booths. Well, I realized that I have overlooked one certain aspect of career fairs. I forgot that at least, I needed to communicate. I should learn to talk to them to know more about their companies. Honestly, at first, I felt shy. I felt the need to compose myself and be more confident before I approach them. So, I first went to the P&G booth where there were no company associates present and just put my resume in the internship box placed on their booth. However, after that, I suddenly felt an urge to get some information from these companies. After I got all the confidence I needed, I walked with my friend through the halls until an associate from Deloitte, a firm that provides audit, tax, consulting, enterprise risk and financial advisory services, approached me. It was the moment that signaled me to communicate. Gladly, I was able to present myself by first telling her my name and the degree program I am in. She then let me fill out an online form from their company database needed to monitor applicants. I also asked some questions about what the company does and the usual department and positions assigned to an aspiring intern like me. It was evident that the company associates of Deloitte were really approachable and enthusiastic. They looked excited to hire people for employment and for internship in their company.

Moreover, I was also able to talk to the company associate of Unilever. I believe that the competition is very tight to apply as an intern for this company. However, I still wanted to try so I introduced myself and submitted my resume. She then asked me the department I would like to join if ever I will be accepted as an intern and I answered the Marketing department. She explained to me instructions on how I can keep posted with the company and expressed her concern for me to know more about the details of my planned internship through the access of their company’s website. Afterwards, she gave me a Clear shampoo as a freebie.

In line with the functions of communication, I can say that my experience in the career fair did not only help me know the information about the companies but has helped me as well, to define myself as to how I respond to the same kind of situation. Being able to communicate with the companies helped me break the barrier between the things that sets them apart from me -- experience. Through communication, I was able to build initial relationships by introducing myself and asking questions. These actions helped me define myself better. I believe, it is through effective communication which will help me cross boundaries and understand well the processes undertaken by different companies. Truly, communication has played the important role of contributing to the growth of an individual and the society as a whole.

Overall, I would say that Career Fair 2014 Beyond the Frontier was not your ordinary career fair. It was something that will expose you to the different flavors of the real world. Indeed, it was an EXPERIENCE and an event truly worth attending.