Rodric Barrientos
He was just like any ordinary students in STI campus – bubbly, friendly, naughty at times, and loves to have fun. Most of the times, he has done his school works but there were instances where he missed doing them due to what he calls “temporary’ amnesia” or preferred forgetfulness. He also had sleepless nights preparing for mid-term and final exams but there were also times he escaped from the pressures of school and looked for comforts by hanging out with friends.
Rodric Barrientos is neither a whiz kid nor a gifted child. But now, he occupies one of the highly coveted positions in a US-based company. You might think its luck. But for this fine young man, it is all about attitude.
Rodric took time from his very hectic schedule to share with TouchPoint via Yahoo Messenger on how he has become an achiever in a foreign land.
TouchPoint: How is life in U.S.?
Rodric: My whole family is here already so “homesickness” has never been a problem to me. I am pretty much occupied by my work here and so I don’t have time to get sappy. If I am not at work, I simply take a rest or travel. But I do miss the Philippines!
TouchPoint: What is your work there?
Rodric: I am with EMBEE Incorporated, one of the top metal plating companies in California. I work as a System Network Administrator. I am basically in charge of overall IT/MIS functions, and my work covers maintenance of nine buildings!
TouchPoint: That is quite a tough job! How do you manage it?
Rodric: Yes, it is a tough job but I look at it as a challenge. By thinking that way, I get motivated with my day-to-day workloads. Of course, the good paycheck also gives an additional push.
TouchPoint: Were there instances where you felt discouraged or discriminated at work?
Rodric: Luckily, I have not experienced those situations. Rather, I feel very comfortable with my work and I believe that I am able to create good impressions here in terms of the Filipino’s competencies and attitude towards work.
TouchPoint: How did you do that?
Rodric: I try to exceed their expectations regarding on how I do my job. I make myself available anytime they need me – whether in the middle of the night or I am on vacation. I am with a 24-hour production company and so it is inevitable that my technical expertise will be needed even in untimely situations. It is not about being a ‘slave’ of work. For me, it is all about love for work. And the company certainly appreciates all my efforts. My heart sings with joy and pride everytime they commend my hard work and technical capabilities. And that enormous feeling is much more than the financial compensations I receive.
TouchPoint: We must congratulate your parents for a job well done in molding you to be a hard worker and responsible individual.
Rodric: Oh, thank you. I will tell them about it. But apart from the values that my parents taught me, I have to give it to STI for instilling in me the virtues of love for work, respect and humility. They also taught me to have dreams and believe on them. I would like to thank STI, as well as my teachers in STI College Cubao and STI Southwoods, for bringing out the best in me. I owe part of my success to them.
TouchPoint: Have you had failures in life and how did you handle them?
Rodric: Definitely yes. I have also had my share of pains and letdowns. I am just like any other students who went through tough times. I believe that is part of growing up and how we develop ourselves. I think that what worked for me is the fact that I considered education to be the key to a bright and rewarding future.
TouchPoint: Any words of wisdom to your fellow STIers who have yet to find their niche in the professional league?
Rodric: Just stay focused and never get discouraged by failures. I wish to share with my fellow STIers a line from an article I came across with and which helped me in a lot of ways – both in my personal and professional journeys. It says, “Failing is never a failure unless you fail to learn something from it.” So, don’t be afraid to take on the world. Get driven by your dreams; get running with great virtues on other end, and stay grounded with your Faith in Him. Also, always try to improve yourself. Do it constantly to keep you competitive. Lastly, have fun and enjoy life.
Jonah Falceso
Looking for a job is never a breeze. But with the right attitude, skills and the desire to succeed, you would find your own ‘place’ in the professional league. That’s how I got in!
I’ve set my eyes in call center early on in my career. I wanted to be part of this growing industry in view of its high demand on manpower as well as the good compensations the companies offer for call center jobs. I knew that I have the plus factor in terms of technical skills because of the training I got from STI. But I was also aware of the low acceptance rate of job-seekers in call centers primarily due to high standards and rigid training required in this industry.
As what new graduates usually do, I sent out resumes to every call center company I know. But it was through I-CARES that I was able to set my foot forward in this industry. Through my registration and resume updating at I-CARES, I got a call from the HR department of a call center company based in Ortigas for an interview. I grabbed the chance and never let the opportunity slipped through my hands. I worked doubly hard during training to finally secure the job. After work, I would go home immediately and further my studies in American culture and accent as well company product knowledge to improve my performance and pass the training. Of course, my hard work paid off! Now, I continuously enjoy working in Pacific Hub Corporation as Sales Associates. In this job, I get to learn to deal with different types of people – both with my co-workers and foreigners in various countries.
As what I’ve always believed, STIers could go places. We have the right attitude, the skills and the winning heart! Just a short advice to my fellow STIers: Believe in yourself, believe in the things that you can do. Always find time to study and improve your skills. Do some research about the company you are applying for. It would be a big help during interview. Don’t be afraid to show them what you can do and how you can be a big asset for the company. Lastly, trust God and never forget to pray because He will be the source of your strength….and your income!
Bryan Roy Urfano
I-CARES has paved the way to a very challenging career I have right now. I registered in I-CARES last April 2004 and just after a month, I got a call for a possible seat for a two-month training for Java2EE under IPI. To cut the long story short, I got IN! After two months of rigid training (with sufficient allowance!), valuable ‘live project’ experiences, I am now off to a bigger career!
Finding a job that you want is really not that easy. I am a living testimony to that! Due to the rising competition in the job market coupled with economic instability, I applied as a sales clerk in one of the shopping malls even if it is not in line with my profession. I treated it as a ‘temporary’ job just so to cope up with my financial needs. While on it, I kept in my heart the strong desire to build a career for myself—a career that I want and a profession I know I could excel. Until I got this opportunity from I-CARES. And the rest is history…
Truly, my life has never been this challenging, exciting and fun eversince I expanded my network through I-CARES. With a promising career at hand, friends and supportive family, I am enjoying each day of my life. My piece of advice to my co-STIers: believe in yourself and continue to pursue you dream. Invest your time in learning new things. It works! Thank you very much, STI!
Hilbert C. Ross
“I have put up my own computer shop directly after graduation. It proved to be difficult to manage so after a year, I decided to get a regular job instead. I never had experience in working as an employee so I was a little anxious at first. It’s good that I thought of dropping off at our Alumni Office. It’s there that I heard about I-CARES. Then I visited their site and tried their services. After only two weeks, I received a call. So here I am now, working at a premier research company. I know I still need to go a long way before I get the career I’ve been dreaming of; but I’m not worried. Because at the back of my mind I know that my alma mater STI will be there to help me to achieve it.”
Mel E. Semana
“Graduating in a school like STI is a totally positive experience. Where can you find a college that after two years of educating its students, it even gets a hand at ensuring that after they graduate, they find a good job. I was not expecting to land on a job right after I finished college. I-CARES was a big help. Before we graduated, we were asked to register in their website. That was the start. With just one click, I got myself a job! For me, getting a decent employment after college is more than just the promise of financial security. Through this job, I’ve proven that I got what it takes to make it in this business. I would not be able to realize this had it not been for I-CARES. Thank you STI for this opportunity, I hope you can help others with your programs!”
John Discaller
He is currently the Systems Analyst and Programmer for Mindanao Textile. He’s in charge of all I.T. matters from procurement, testing, and installation to learning new software. Another responsibility is always tinkering around to find new ways to make the company more efficient and cost-effective.
John took up Cobol Programming in STI Quezon Avenue in 1984 then went back years later for a Computer-Science course at STI EDSA-Crossing. He explains how his education helped him immensely, “I owe much of my success and career to STI. Not only did the school give me the means to get a high-paying job but also to provide much needed comfort for my family.”
Rollie Bartolome
MIS Systems Analyst for Philippine Fuji Xerox, took the long hard road to success. Instead of staying with the family printing business, where he could have had it made, he decided to take a COBOL Programming Course in STI Makati and see where his determination and diligence will take him. In 1986, he started at Fuji Xerox as an OJT.
These days, he sets the tone and direction for his division, making sure that the company is always kept up to speed on the latest I.T. Rollie admits to the value of his education, “STI gave me the opportunity to be what I am today. Dahil sa trabaho ko, nakabili ako ng bahay at kotse. Iba rin yung nakaka-provide ka sa needs ng family mo.”
