'Best for the Best'

Too often we hear the story: people today work harder and harder for less. Too many people find their daily work no longer an engaging part of life, and instead as something to be avoided. Finding a new and better job, however, is easier said than done. Worldwide, the economy and the market make it increasingly difficult to save, to invest, to start up a business, or especially to find a fresh start. As fears mount of a global recession and of a widespread crisis, great courage and vision are needed to help see this challenge off.

In these trying times, the Ateneo Alumni Association (AAA) seeks to provide that leadership. The AAA has tapped into its deep and diverse network to provide a unique channel for people to confront these troubling times. In a joint effort with placement giant JobsDB.com, the AAA presents the first ever AAA Career Expo on Nov. 22 and 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Ateneo Grade School covered courts. Entitled “The Best for the Best,” the AAA is tapping its vast alumni network to present opportunities for people everywhere, be they job seekers, would-be investors, franchisers and even entrepreneurs.

“The Career Expo is a first for the AAA, we have never done this before,” said Jesus de la Fuente, the 2008 president of the AAA. “We bring this service not just to Ateneo alumni and students, but their families, friends, colleagues and more.”

“The Career Expo is more than just the typical job fairs done on-campus,” explains Louie General, AAA treasurer and project lead on the event. “The job fairs traditionally in the university always were exclusively for the year’s graduating class. This time, we wanted to open the doors for the alumni everywhere, and even up to their families, friends, neighbors and more. A lot of companies have positions where experience is needed, and Ateneans can provide that experience they need.”

General went on to explain how this event was prompted by a clamor among the alumni body. “Some alumni expressed a desire to move on from being employed to being self-employed. A career shift, if you will. Perhaps tired or bored with corporate life, they may be ready and willing to try entrepreneurship. With that in mind, we will also have companies who can offer these opportunities to our alumni. Some will be well-known franchises, while others may not be as well-known but will nevertheless be just as promising.”

This emphasis is evident right away in the openings available. A diverse range of positions is made available. With openings for operations managers, senior executives, vice presidents, the Career Expo suggests a promise of great opportunity for those who make it if they try. Invited are companies such as the ABS-CBN, Unilever, RCBC, Philippine Seven, The Ayala Group of Companies, PLDT and more. The AAA also invited hundreds of franchising groups to present their businesses to those interested in trying their hand at being in charge.

In preparing for this undertaking, the AAA has the support of JobsDB.com, incorporating new technology to get things done better. “The Best for the Best will be ‘paperless’,” explains General. “Job-seekers will not need to bring anything; no printed copies of their resume or whatever. After registering, they will each be given a Career Card, which will have their resume encoded in a barcode. Then they only need to have their cards scanned by card readers that each participating company will have at their booths. This will automatically transmit their data to those companies, without having to use any printed material.” 

“What has always set the Ateneo and the AAA apart is its people, its network of alumni,” explained de la Fuente. “By reaching out through this network, we can really be the agent that brings together the very best, for the very best.”

All companies, corporations, franchisers and NGO’s interested in “being among ‘The Best for The Best’” may call Ms. Jill Campo at 426-6001 loc. 4687 or 4688 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

(For pre-registration, log on to careerfair.jobsdb.com.ph/aaacex08.)