By Charmaine Loveria
School is almost over, and soon the days will start without you worrying about your thesis, or wondering if you will see your crush pass by the hallway. That’s because a whole new gateway is about to open, and that problematic thesis will soon turn into new research-heavy projects that could actually get you paid. You’ve made it – and yes, you’ve made Momma proud! So now, how do you really begin for yet another journey – the one that leads you to the road to adulting?
We asked several graduating students about their plans after graduation, what their motivations are and the kind of job they are eyeing. What is really in these millennials’ heads after breaking free from college?
Aries Brylle Ventura, 19
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Poverty motivates me. I come from an indigent family whose monthly average income is less than P10,000. I have four siblings. My parents got separated during my third year in college and this situation is what motivates me. I need to finish my college degree not because I want to, but because I need to. If I will not strive for success then I will be a great failure to my siblings. Since my parents were not able to support my studies, I found ways to continue my studies working as a part-time programmer and developing different systems for clients.
As a graduating student, my education has prepared me for my career to the extent that I am not worried. I have been prepared to be competitive enough and to take on new and greater challenges and responsibility.
In the next two to three years, I see myself becoming a good programmer but as of now, I need to be trained further and work with competence in order for me to achieve my goals in life. My ideal job is to work 48 hours a week while I create software or programs that can automate manual office work. And of course, a good salary must come with the job.
Kenneth Celzo Barandon, 22
Graphic Systems Technology
JAPAN SCHOOL OF ADVANCE TECHNOLOGY
I have learned so many things from my alma mater, from basic knowledge to complicated ones. College has prepared me well for the challenges of the real world. I intend to pursue a career in the field of animation in order for me to acquire more knowledge and enhance the skills I acquired in school.
My ideal job would be in the field of animation. I can see myself being a part of the creation of a famous animated film in the future. Watching movies which implement 3D animation motivates me and makes me want to create an equally excellent piece.
Rechelle S. Gangcuangco, 19
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
AMA COMPUTER COLLEGE
As a graduating student, I can say that going through a hard situation in college is an achievement that can lead me to my real life goals. After graduation, I want to find a job that is related to my degree where I can demonstrate my skills and the things that I’ve learned from my studies. I want to be able to stay in an organization where everyone will recognize me for my good work and to become an inspiration for many youngsters.
Mark Ezekiel Alarcon, 22
Marketing Management
Imus Institute College
My education has been focused in not only learning the fundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information learned within those classes. When I get a job, I want to set some benchmarks for the company, for example Employee Motivation, Increase in Profit, Customer Satisfaction.
Kimberly Gabrielle Diaz, 22
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
STI COLLEGE LAS PIÑAS
Some of my recent goals are to graduate from my alma mater and to find a job suitable for my course. I would like to develop myself to as much as possible become the best I can be, learning as much as I can about the role of an IT specialist and about how I can best serve the needs of the department and the company when I get a job. Eventually, I would like to become a lead and mentor to help others develop in their respective roles. An ideal job is where I can truly earn the experience and the knowledge needed to enhance my skills. It’s fine with me if I start from the bottom as long as I’m comfortable with my surroundings and in the near future I can become the person I want to be.
I am motivated by constant progress in my work; everyday is a new opportunity for me to enhance skills and knowledge I acquired in school. Seeing great outcomes from my work is my motivation.
Lourdes Vecinal de Guzman, 21
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Research
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
As a graduating student, my four years of studying in PUP helped me develop my skills and knowledge. Also, through the help of internship programs, I had the opportunity to have a peek into what goes on inside corporate organizations and show me how I can cope with certain situations. My goal is not only to find a regular job that will fit the course that I had taken, but also one that will satisfy my needs.
My motivation is my family. I want my parents to be proud of my achievements and also to pay them back for their sacrifices in sending me to university.