HIRE session equips Tamaraws with workplace readiness

Tamaraws from the Institute of Arts and Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing, and Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management are further prepared for the evolving demands of the professional world after another installment of the HR Insights for Readiness and Employability (HIRE) session, an initiative led by FEU Career Development and Placement Office. 

“We usually learn theories and concepts in class, but hearing directly from industry professionals made us realize how fast things change in actual workplaces,” said one student. 

“One important takeaway for me is that AI is now part of almost every industry,” said another student. “But it should be used as a tool, not something that replaces critical thinking. As future professionals, we need to learn how to use it properly and not let it dictate how we work.”

“What stood out to me was how different industries actually share similar expectations like communication, discipline, and adaptability,” a student said. “It made me realize that no matter what field we enter, these skills will always matter.”

The session featured industry professionals from various organizations, including Charles Vidallo, learning and development manager of The Bistro Group, and Ralph Eguia, training manager of The Bistro Group, who discussed workforce expectations in the hospitality and food service industry. They were joined by Jertrude Oliveros, talent acquisition manager of Makati Medical Center, and Lalaine Llaneta, senior manager and head of HR Operations of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, who provided insights on recruitment standards, clinical workforce readiness, and the growing demand for adaptable healthcare professionals. 

Other speakers were Micaela Allene Alvarez, talent acquisition officer of Bounty Plus Inc., and James Paul Malejana, TR-HR manager of PH Transmarine Carriers Inc., who highlighted workforce development in food production and maritime industries, emphasizing discipline, training, and operational readiness as key requirements for employability.

The session focused on workplace readiness, industry expectations, and the essential competencies required to succeed across the arts and sciences, health sciences, and tourism and hotel management sectors. Through discussions led by industry practitioners, the students gained a clearer understanding of how different fields are being reshaped by emerging trends, technological advancements, and changing workforce demands.

A highlight of the session was the discussion on industry trends and challenges, particularly how sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, food service, logistics, and corporate operations are adapting to rapid transformation. The speakers emphasized that graduates today are expected to be more flexible, adaptive, and equipped with both technical and soft skills to remain competitive.

The session also underscored how AI is increasingly shaping modern workplaces, influencing decision-making, workflow efficiency, and industry operations. The speakers noted that while AI offers significant advantages in productivity and data processing, it also requires responsible and critical use from future professionals, especially in maintaining ethical standards and human judgment in decision-making.

Across the discussion, the speakers underscored a shared theme: industries are no longer defined solely by technical expertise but increasingly by adaptability, communication, continuous learning, and the ability to work alongside emerging technologies such as AI.

The HIRE session last April 22 reflects FEU’s continued commitment to strengthening career readiness through direct engagement with industry leaders across multiple sectors. By bringing together professionals from hospitality, healthcare, food production, and maritime industries, the HIRE program provides students with a broader understanding of workforce realities beyond their immediate disciplines.