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About her education:

1. Why did you choose home economics? 

To be completely honest, it wasn't my first choice. I wanted to pursue BS Clothing Technology, but was encouraged to take BSHE instead. Looking back, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because the program allowed me to explore a little bit of everything under the College of Home Economics. It opened doors to diverse fields and gave me a lot of options and experience in deciding on what to pursue.

2. How did your education in home economics prepare you for your career?

It took me some time to realize just how much Home Economics shaped my career. At first, I thought I was venturing into areas far from my degree, but eventually, I recognized that HE gave me the fundamentals that matter in any profession. These are the same skills I continue to hone and use everyday. 

3. What specific knowledge and skills from the BSHE program did you find most useful in your career?

One of the most useful skills I gained from BSHE is systems thinking and the ability to see how different components affect or influence one another within a process. Whether it’s managing a household or leading a business unit, the principle is the same. It always comes back to balancing resources, to understanding people’s needs, and aiming for sustainable outcomes.

Communication and project management were also important. Our coursework often involved planning, coordination, and practical implementation, all of which mirror the work I do now in business strategy. I also found that the emphasis on human development and consumer behavior gave me an edge in understanding workplace dynamics and decision-making in the real world. 

4. What is your most memorable experience during your years as a student in the BSHE program?

One of my most memorable experiences was working on our practicum and entrepreneurship courses. It was through those hands-on experiences that I discovered the fundamentals in running a business and later on found two of my own. Although I’m no longer managing my own businesses, I’m looking forward to finding new opportunities in the near future. 

About her career:

1. What was your first job after graduation? Share how you landed your first job.

I graduated in 2018 and my first job was as a Project Assistant at the Korea Trade Center, which operates as part of the commercial sector of the Korean Embassy. I landed the job six months after graduating with the mindset that I must take any opportunity offered and the pressure of being a fresh graduate wanting to prove yourself in the real world. 

2. How has your career changed/evolved since you started working?

Since then, I’ve worked across three very different industries. From the tourism sector, I transitioned into the retail industry as part of Las Arca Gift Curators, a then start-up company specializing in product seeding and gifting for reputable brands. I started as a Senior Fulfillment Officer and eventually became the Operations Manager, leading production, procurement, and logistics for custom gift packages and brand collaborations. That experience was where I built most of my work habits from learning how to juggle timelines, people, to creative output all at once. It was exciting and fast-paced, but also exhausting. The long hours eventually pushed me to pause and reflect on what truly mattered to me. 

After nearly a year, an unexpected opportunity came through a referral to join a non-profit organization. It wasn’t part of my plan to shift to a different industry but with the mindset to learn and the right people to mentor me along the way, I was able to transition successfully. 

3. What is your current position? Describe it in detail, including your tasks and challenges.

Today, I work as a Business Strategist for World Vision Philippines. My role focuses on supporting the development of organizational strategies and plans to ensure that our local office remains aligned with our global partnership. In essence, I help create systems and structures that enable teams to serve people more effectively. I’m always reminded that work is not just about reaching targets and plans, but having the heart to serve vulnerable children.  That makes it both rewarding and challenging in the best ways.

4. What are the essential knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in your chosen career?

To succeed in the development sector, particularly in strategy, it’s essential to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. But equally important is the ability to understand people and systems. Strategy isn’t just about setting targets or frameworks but about connecting insights to how it relates to real life impact. 

Communication, adaptability, and collaboration are also key. Much of my work involves bringing different teams together to align goals and move toward a common vision. Lastly, a sense of empathy and purpose keeps the work grounded and meaningful, especially if it means to help our communities. 

Advice for current students:

1. What are the things you know now that you wish you had known when you were still a BSHE student?

It’s okay if your path isn’t clear yet. Over time, you’ll realize that every experience helps shape who you are where you’re meant to be. Oftentimes we hear the phrase “trust the process” and they are right because we should always allow ourselves to grow through different seasons.  

2. Share advice to current students on how to deal with academic workload and balance different tasks and responsibilities.

Learn to manage your energy, not just your time. Identify what drains you and what recharges you. When you start paying attention to that balance, you’ll notice how much better you can be at what you do. Remember that rest and boundaries are not signs of weakness. 

3. What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue the same career path as you?

Don’t be afraid to take opportunities outside your comfort zone. Every role can teach you something that you shouldn’t take for granted. And most importantly, keep your values at the center of your work.