As part of the IS Week celebration, the International Studies Society organized the IS Skills Session last March 24, 2023, with a hybrid set-up in the SMT Building, Lecture Building Rooms 3 and 4. This event aimed to strengthen IS students’ understanding of various international relations subjects, including negotiation, resume building, and public speaking, through an engaging lecture.
Four outstanding IS alumni were invited to speak: (1) Ms. Frances Therese Zabala, who currently works at the Women and Gender Institute (WAGI), showcased the diverse range of opportunities available to IS students, encompassing roles as diplomats, development workers, legal professionals, civil servants, academics, think tank experts, researchers, entrepreneurs, among others.
(2) Ms. Sophia Garcia received a full scholarship for her Master’s Degree at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, and delved into the art of resume building. She provided practical tips for crafting an impactful resume, but her emphasis on personal growth and meaningful experiences left a lasting impression on the IS students.
(3) Ms. Mirma Tica-Ortiz, an MC IS and Social Science faculty, focused her talk on enhancing public speaking skills. She provided valuable tips on speaking confidently and offered advice on effective delivery. She emphasized the importance of thorough preparation and speaking from the heart.
(4) Mr. Rej Torrecampo, an IS faculty and currently the Director of NDCP’s Philippine Center of Excellence in Defense, Development, and Security, discussed the art of negotiation and the importance of understanding the counterpart before bargaining. He also highlighted the importance of trust-building in negotiations and effective negotiation strategies.
In addition to MCIS students, the forum also welcomed the presence of IS students from various universities, such as the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
The event’s highlights were uploaded on the International Studies Society’s official Facebook page, which can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/issocmc.
For more information on how to apply to the BA-International Studies program and be exposed to diverse opportunities like this, you may reach the Department Chairperson, Dr. Melanie Reyes, at mmreyes@mc.edu.ph.
