Stories of Excellence: Janelle Cassandra Uy

I graduated from MMCM with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. After graduation, the hurdle of finding a job was really tough. Despite graduating with Latin Honors, having numerous achievements, organization a Filiations and contributions, the reality in the Engineering field is that employers tend to prioritize the years of work experience that you have – of which you will be competing against seasoned engineers who are also looking for new opportunities.

People would often ask why experiences are prioritized when you graduated with a lot of awards, and projects. What many don’t realize is that software development jobs are largely skill-based, and being a fresh-graduate without prior industry experience, proving that capability can be diFicult as school projects, and workplace standards can be quite diFerent.

Fortunately, throughout this period, My Mapúan network, mentors, professors, and friends all helped every one of us who were looking for work. Deans and teachers giving advices in our career plans. The MMCM Center for Career and Placement was very proactive in inquiring us about our employment status, and helping those in need, referring our resumes to their partners and that was also how I found my job!

During this phase, I was taught of a lot of things that weren’t often emphasized in our daily lives and in school. When it comes to the workforce, networks, friends, and acquaintances are just as important as your skills, and sometimes even more.

While striving for academic excellence is important, some jobs value practical skills that cannot be proven through awards and academic excellence, but only through your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and resilience.

I overcame my challenges with the help of my Mapúan friends and networks who were there to help me get through my hardships, and to this, I am forever grateful to everyone from my Mapúan network, they had not only helped me find a job, but also a community that truly cares.