HR WORK: A LIFELONG ENGAGEMENT

While studying for her BS Psychology degree at Assumption College in Makati, Susie P.M. Amistoso  realized that she really wanted to be in a field where she could deal with people, especially the youth.

After graduation, she remembers sending copies of her resumé to a number of companies she wanted to explore. Among those that responded was John Clements Inc., an executive search firm where she completed part of her college practicum requirements. She thought she was being called for a possible job placement but instead, she was pleasantly surprised to learn that John Clements wanted her to be part of its  Recruitment team. After  one and a half years. Susie was invited in 1980 to work for Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. Inc., where she rose from the ranks during her 10-year stint. After gaining experience in the beverage industry, she considered moving to another  industry. That opportunity came when she joined Metro Drug Corporation, one of the country’s biggest distribution companies. Eventually, she moved to the pharmaceutical industry, where she thrived for a total of twenty years; first at Sandoz Phils. Inc.and finally at Bayer Phils.  Inc.,   from which she opted to  retire after fifteen years.

Nowadays,  aside from  assisting  her husband Joey in his architectural firm, she  remains engaged with people development through   her HR consulting projects both in the private and public sectors, and by mentoring young girls from a public high school in Las Piñas City.

Today, Susie with her husband Arch. Joey Amistoso

In "Pointers for New College Graduates," Susie shares her pieces of advice  for new college graduates:

·   Take a break. Take some time off after graduation. You need to recharge after all the stresses of exams, projects and paperworks. This vacation may take months but it must be productive. Find companies that pique your interest and send out resumés.

·   Be patient. Your heart and your mind need to agree on where you want to go. Discernment in your career choices may not come immediately after college so you have to be keen in doing your work well.

·   Be real. Seasoned interviewers can see through you. Communicate confidently and research well on the company you are applying to.

Read more about Susie’s pointers for college graduates, specifically  for those  aspiring to join the Human Resource Industry.

"Pointers for New College Graduates," by Gerry P. Siquijor. Available at Fully Booked,  St. Pauls, Pauline Bookstores and branches of Catholic Book Center.

A RELIGIOUS VOCATION IS NEVER LATE

Msgr. Dan Sta. Mara as he appears on the cover of his  third book:

One interesting career journey  featured  in "Pointers for New College Graduates" is that of  a priest, who found his calling way past college graduation. 

Msgr. Daniel Sta. Maria, currently Vicar General of the Diocese of Cubao,  recalls his  years before and after entering the seminary. 

He was born and raised,   together with  eight siblings.  in Mandaluyong City,  He wanted to reciprocate the dedication and hard work of his parents,  and did so  by graduating summa cum laude at the University of Sto. Tomas, where he earned his degree in BS Chemical Engineering.

Like a typical new graduate, Msgr. Dan thought he would be a family man.  When he was in college, he had a girlfriend , who broke up with him when he had to leave  the country  for  his masteral studies at Clarkson University in New York.

Msgr. Dan experienced how it was like to be corporate executive. He worked for years with Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio and with Dupont in Houston, Texas.  

Yet the call of a priestly vocation  proved too powerful for Msgr. Dan.  His  life took a big turn when he returned  in 1979 to the Philippines and decided to enter San Carlos Seminary in Makati City, then later, San Jose Seminary in Quezon City. . 

After what seemed  like a long and colorful journey, Msgr. Dan was ordained priest in 1986 at   the age of forty-three.

Learn more about Msgr. Dan's vocation story and his pointers for young adults at life's many crossroads.

Ms. Dan Sta. Maria wrote the foreword of "Pointers for New College Graduates,"  available at Fully Booked,  St. Pauls Bookstores and branches of Catholic Book Center.