Written by Jeffry Carillo

All ears were focused on the screen as the next speaker was introduced. She has been a digital producer for more than 10 years and is one of the pride icons of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, she graduated Cum Laude of BA Organizational Communication at University of the Philippines Manila in 2007 and later, a Summa Cum Laude of MA Development Communication at UP Open University in 2012. She is Ms. Ice Valenzuela.

Ms. Ice started her talk with her amazing Organizational Communication story. She took the degree out of curiosity because she felt that it was meant for her. Like most students, Ms. Ice shared how their batch did their pitch, had fun in a bar somewhere in MOA to celebrate how they survived a year, and even a picture under the famous “Oble” Statue. She didn’t want to end her college life carrying only academic learnings, so she also joined organizations while balancing her academic responsibilities. She was a member of the University of the Philippines-Junior Marketing Association (UPM-JMA) and was eventually added to the list of the organization’s amazing former presidents. A roller coaster of emotions filled her college life since she got to question if she was on her right path, but Ms. Ice told the importance of having a support system. 

She versed the lessons she learned from her college journey.  Ms. Ice motivated the attendees to be inquisitive because to juice out answers, a question must be spoken first. A learning mindset is essential for healthy growth and one must take failures as a learning opportunity. And lastly, she pointed out that organizations will help you build networks and form strong relationships that will last a lifetime. As she said,

“Important ang acads pero important din ang org life.” 

14 years after graduating from the course, she shared how to land your first job. In order to make an impactful resume, it should be a one-pager with experiences and details relevant to the job you are applying for. From her perspective as a Hiring Manager, she looks for an objective and a skill set on the job-related. She also noted how to prepare for the interview and the application process for the job you are seeking. Further, she emphasized that we need to apply to the companies that “match your values” because as Ms. Ice elaborated, “In life, we are redirected by our value.”

She ended her talk by sharing how her active engagement and participation in student organizations shaped her into a woman who is excellent and always stellar in network groups and company activities. This shows how her stay in BA Organizational Communication helped her be an excellent communicator, develop a healthy mindset, be courageous, curious, and extra in every task she does. And surely, these are the skills that she still uses today.