The University of the Philippines Career Assistance Program for Engineering Students (UP CAPES) is entering an exciting new chapter in 2024 with a fresh roster of Executive Board members and Directors, alongside a rebranding initiative. This transformation emphasizes UP CAPES' commitment to supporting engineering students in their career development and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
New Leadership and Structure
The newly appointed Executive Board and Directors bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to UP CAPES. Erwin Ray Gerona has been elected as the new President, while Reux Van Galang will serve as the Executive Vice President. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization, the committee structure has been revamped. Process Excellence has been added to the committee organization which aims to make the systems of the organization more efficient. The Flagships Committee was also established to ensure that a focused dedicated team is utilized for the operation of our events. “This is all done to continue the organization’s vision to become the top-of-mind and dependable career development partner of each and every UP engineering undergraduate student. We continuously find ways to excel and be the premier career-oriented organization in the college and the university” Erwin reports.
This restructuring ensures that all members can work cohesively towards common goals, making it feasible for the Executive Board to implement strategic initiatives. Each committee is now aligned with specific functions, such as events, partnerships, and member engagement, allowing for streamlined communication and collaboration. This fresh leadership and organizational structure reflect UP CAPES' commitment to fostering a supportive environment for engineering students as they navigate their career paths.
Jobfair 2024 and Mixer 2024
The success of #Jobfair2024 and #Mixer2024 has significantly elevated UP CAPES' profile as a premier organization for career networking among engineering students in UP Diliman. These events attracted numerous companies and provided students with invaluable opportunities to connect with potential employers. The positive feedback and high participation rates have positioned UP CAPES as a top-of-mind organization for students seeking career advancement.
Jobfair 2024, which attracted almost 2,000 students in its whole week, not only facilitated direct interactions between students and industry representatives but also showcased the diverse career paths available to engineering graduates from Informative talks, such as Internship 101 and Fresh Grad 101, to Company Booths and Talks. Meanwhile, the Mixer 2024 provided a relaxed environment for networking, fostering relationships that could lead to internships and job placements.
Opening of Jobfair 2024 last March 11, 2024
Growing Membership Interest
As a result of these successful initiatives, there has been a marked increase in interest among students wanting to join UP CAPES. The organization opened their recruitment form last July 29, 2024, to accommodate the influx of new members. Additionally, UP CAPES actively recruited at the Opening Week Engineering Org Fair on August 20, 2024, targeting freshmen students who are eager to start developing their career paths early on. Many are drawn to the organization due to the benefits it offers, including access to exclusive career resources, workshops, and mentorship programs. Members report gaining essential skills that enhance their employability and professional readiness.
Students at the CAPES Booth during Engineering Opening Week
Upcoming Event: CAPES Week
UP CAPES is gearing up for its highly anticipated CAPES Week, a week-long event that aims to introduce the organization's events, services, and co-presenter for the year through exhibits, talks, and other engaging activities. This event will culminate in a grand pakain open to all members, where a special announcement related to the rebranding initiative will be made. As the organization moves forward, it remains dedicated to its mission of empowering the next generation of engineers to excel in their careers.
Stay tuned for more details on this exciting event that promises to kick off and introduces the new chapter of UP CAPES with a bang!