The UP Career Assistance Program for Engineering Students (UP CAPES) once again demonstrated its commitment to shaping the future of Filipino engineers through its highly anticipated event, UPSKILL 2024. Held from November 18 to 22, 2024, UPSKILL 2024 provided students from the UP Diliman College of Engineering with essential skills and knowledge to successfully navigate their career paths.

The week-long event featured a series of workshops and consultations designed to enhance students' competencies relevant to their future careers. Participants engaged in various activities, including insightful talks, resume consultations, and interview simulations, all tailored to broaden their skill sets and improve their readiness for the competitive job market.

Resume 101 and Career Craft session, held on November 18, kicked off UPSKILL 2024 by providing students with expert guidance on refining their resumes. Career coaches and HR professionals offered valuable feedback to enhance participants' appeal to potential employers in a competitive job market. Notably, Ms. Alodia Day Percal, a Human Resources Manager at Enabled and a graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, shared her extensive career development insights, empowering students with practical strategies to improve their job application skills.

Shopee workshop held last November 20 at UPSKILL 2024


Warming up our Skills through UPSKILL

The highlight of UPSKILL 2024 was the Skills Enhancement Workshop, held from November 18 to 20, which offered students a diverse array of workshops focused on essential competencies for their future careers. Each workshop was meticulously crafted to address specific industry demands, providing practical training that equipped participants with the skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market.

The Machine Learning at the Edge with MAX78000 AI Microcontroller workshop, hosted by Analog Devices Gen. Trias, Inc., showcased cutting-edge technology on November 19. Led by Cendric Encarnacion, an Embedded Software Engineer, and Mariel Tinacao, an AI/ML Software Engineer, the session attracted numerous attendees eager to learn about the features and practical applications of the MAX78000 AI microcontroller in edge computing. Participants gained valuable insights into how this advanced system-on-chip enables efficient AI processing at ultra-low power, making it ideal for a variety of applications in the Internet of Things (IoT).


Seven Seven Global Services Inc. hosted the Mastering Presentation Skills workshop, which provided valuable insights into enhancing presentation techniques on November 19. Led by Leea Lee, participants learned effective strategies for engaging diverse audiences and improving their overall presentation skills. This workshop attracted numerous attendees eager to refine their abilities and boost their confidence in delivering impactful presentations.


Shell Shared Services Asia BV hosted the workshop Navigating a Hybrid Engineering Career on November 20, guiding participants through the essential skills needed to excel in both technical and field roles. Led by Angelo Kris "Lok" Marcos, a General Manager at Asset Care (TAO), the session attracted numerous attendees eager to explore strategies for expanding their careers in the dynamic engineering landscape. Participants gained valuable insights into balancing technical expertise with practical field experience, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in the industry.


Finally, Shoppee Philippines Inc. conducted the workshop Project Management in Logistics on November 20, focusing on essential tools for planning, executing, and monitoring projects within the logistics sector. Led by Julianne Florendo, a Logistics Projects Associate in the Operations Department, the session attracted numerous participants eager to enhance their project management skills. Attendees gained valuable insights into effective strategies for managing logistics projects, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to excel in this dynamic field.


Boosting career readiness!

The Resume Consultation and Interview Simulation sub-events, held on November 21 and 22 provided UP engineering students with invaluable opportunities to refine their resumes and practice real-life job interview scenarios. These interactive sessions, designed to enhance career readiness, allowed participants to receive personalized feedback from HR professionals, helping them polish their application materials and build confidence for future interviews. Serving as the culminating activities of USPKILL 2024, these events empowered students with essential skills to excel in the competitive job market.


UPSKILL 2024 exemplified UP CAPES' unwavering dedication to preparing engineering students for the demands of the ever-evolving job market. By providing access to professional guidance and hands-on training, the event empowered students to build a solid foundation for their future careers. As UP CAPES continues its mission of bridging the gap between academia and industry, Upskill stands as a beacon of excellence, illuminating the path toward success for aspiring engineers.


Written by: Mark Andrei Morales