April 20, 2024
Tzu Chi holds its 3rd career talk for graduating scholars
By Dorothy Castro
Tzu Chi Philippines held its third career talk for graduating Tzu Chi scholars on April 20 at the Harmony Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Sixty graduating scholars gained new skills at perfecting their future job interviews through a discussion session, as well as insights on how to build their careers after graduation.
The event, emceed by volunteer Kinlon Fan, started with the Jing Si Aphorism “Never lose courage. Never lose faith. Nothing in this world is impossible when you are determined.” Scholars shared their thoughts as well as how they felt now as they are graduating and moving forward to new experiences starting their careers.
With the teachings of Master Cheng Yen through the story of “The Poor Teacher,” scholars were reminded of generosity and kindness to everyone, especially to those in need. Knowing that their efforts are appreciated no matter the amount, scholars donated to the victims of the recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan.
Scholars were also able to share many of their experiences and reflections as graduating students. Many of them recalled how they formed many wonderful friendships as Tzu Chi scholars, as well as the meaningful experiences and lessons they learned at Tzu Chi.
Darwin Soriano, guest speaker and volunteer interviewer for the program, gave many pointers on how scholars can improve their skills at job interviews. Another invited guest speaker, Nescel Asuncion, provided advice on how scholars can start their careers.
For Chatline Dela Cruz, a Tzu Chi scholar since 2021 studying BSBA Financial Management at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the mock interviews were a new and refreshing experience. She said, “I learned that I shouldn’t play safe with my answers. My answers were quite general, which meant they would not give me an edge.” Chatline hopes to work at a bank after graduation, applying her skills and knowledge as a Financial Management student and building her credentials through her future work opportunities.
When asked to share some advice for the scholars, Chatline said, “To our Tzu Chi scholars, we may encounter many changes and difficulties while in college, and there may be times that we are overwhelmed with problems. But one thing is for sure: When you have a goal, and you want to reach that goal, you should have a plan. When you do not have a plan or will, nothing will happen. This was my motivation all throughout college.”
Tzu Chi Scholar Miguel Bactol, a BA Anthropology student at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and Tzu Chi scholar since 2021, enjoyed the learning process of the mock interviews. “It gave us an opportunity to know ourselves and know our weaknesses, what parts of ourselves we can develop and improve through this kind of mock interview.”
To the next batch of graduating scholars, Miguel said, “It is okay to feel demotivated sometimes but do strive to prepare for your goals and plan. In our long years of studying, I know we dedicate a lot of effort during that time and that includes getting to know ourselves and how we respond to situations. I encourage Tzu Chi scholars to grab the opportunity to attend our Humanities classes. This kind of opportunity helps us to know the true version of ourselves and become good citizens and individuals.”
Before the mock interview, 60 graduating Tzu Chi scholars shared lessons learned from their years in college. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Master Cheng Yen’s story on “The Poor Teacher” inspired the scholars and taught them about kindness and generosity. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Program host Kinlon Fan (standing, left) talked about the recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan, and invited scholars to donate any amount for the victims. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi scholars donated money to victims of the recent magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Taiwan. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Darwin Soriano shared valuable knowledge on how scholars can prepare for job interviews. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Chatline Dela Cruz (in white) participated in a mock job interview with Darwin Soriano. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Miguel Bactol (in white) participated in a mock job interview during the talk with Darwin Soriano. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Graduating scholars broke into groups and participated in a mock interview led by guest interviewers. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Nescel Asuncion shared insights through the career talk for the graduating scholars. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests at the mock interview guided students in participating in interviews for their future work opportunities.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests at the mock interview guided students in participating in interviews for their future work opportunities.【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests at the mock interview guided students in participating in interviews for their future work opportunities.【Photo by Matt Serrano】