Alex D. Ledesma, LIA-COM, DLSU, 2013 |
In January 2014, a few months after earning her double degrees in AB Political Science and BS Business Management, Alex was offered a position at Unilever Philippines, where she is currently a Category Operations Executive for the Skincare line.
Below are few of the pieces of advice that she shared in "Pointers for New College Graduates:"
• Wake up. The world does not owe you anything. When you graduate from college, you are not entitled to anything. Once you leave the safe confines of school, you will realize that all are trying to make it on their own. You no longer have the support of your university and your parents can not get that dream job for you. Whatever you have set for yourself, you have to work for it and that would entail hard work and perseverance. The world definitely does not owe anyone anything. In fact, in whatever industry or career you end up getting into, always ask yourself: “What can I do or contribute to make this a better place?” Whether it is simply improving a process, or initiating new ways to do things, always have the mindset:
“I want this organization to be better off than when I joined it.”
You have the responsibility to not only be invaluable, but to be an agent of change in your own sphere of influence,
“ If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”
• Be willing to wash the dirty dishes. When I was in high school my economics teacher shared a quote that I will never forget:
“Everybody wants to be a hero, but nobody wants to wash the dirty dishes.”
Although he meant this in the context of economic development, the principle of it remains; everyone wants to be part of the highlight reel or be the front liners, but not all are willing to work behind the scenes, make the unpopular decisions, do the heavy work. If you begin on something you truly believe in, whether it be a small project or a job you will be taking on, always do it with passion. Remember that with passion, nothing is too difficult or inconvenient, you will always be willing to get things done.
Read more about Alex's words for new graduates and for those considering a marketing career.
"Pointers for New College Graduates," by Gerry P. Siquijor. Available at Fully Booked, St. Pauls Bookstores and branches of Catholic Book Center.
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