Far Eastern University Career and Placement Office (FEU CAPO) launched the premier episode of Pre-Employment Preparation (PEP) Talk webinar series titled 'Getting by with the New Normal: Adapting to the New Work Set-up' via Microsoft Teams last Wednesday, June 3.

PEP Talk, a series of online seminars, aims to help graduating students of FEU prepare for their employment considering the ‘new normal’ brought by the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. It included an open forum for the students to give comments or ask questions after the talk.

Moderated by FEU Faculty Dr. Augustus Ceasar Destura Latosa, the first webisode featured guest speakers Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Co-Chairman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles and Ernst & Young Global Services Local Lead for Talent and Development Dennis Supetran.

Cabinet Secretary Nograles explained the provisions under the new normal set-up and the importance of adjusting amid the ongoing crisis.

“We have to find two things in order for us to go back to the old normal or what is normal ‘normal’. Number 1, we have to find adequate treatment. Number 2, we have to find the vaccine. But until makita natin ‘yan at ma-cascade natin ‘yung lahat ng ‘yan, kailangan lahat po tayo mag-a-adjust (But until we find and cascade these, we all need to adjust). New Normal basically means we need to find a set of conditions that will allow social and economic activities to proceed while still observing the rules to limit the transmission of the virus," he said.

Nograles also emphasized the need to find opportunities and alternative methods of business and employment as there has been a huge shift among industries.

“Kahit na marami sa atin ang nababahala, ang isipin din po natin na marami ring opportunities out there (Even though most of us are anxious, we should also think that there are still many opportunities out there). Even companies have to rethink how they do business, how they conduct business,” he said.

Nograles also furthered that there will be shifts in companies and businesses due to the new normal.

Meanwhile, Supetran shared that personal mindset and values are important guides aside from directives given by experts and the government.

“When we think about how we look at things, how do we analyze, what are some of the values and ethics that we hold – those become as important as a guide aside from directions we get from our experts in the industry, whether it’s in healthcare or in the science, and also the directions that we get from the government. It’s our own personal mindset, our own personal set of values that will help us thrive and be successful in this new normal,” Supetran stated.

When talking about getting by the new normal, Supetran believes that “the target really isn’t just to get by but how do we ensure that we thrive,” during these times.

In accordance, he shared three tips to help the graduating students thrive in the new work set-up – “prepare your remote workspace, look for companies that have strong and deeply-rooted values and study, read, discuss the future of work in your field.”

As of 4:00pm, June 7, Department of Health (DOH) has reported a total of 21,895 COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte placed the National Capital Region (NCR) under general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1.

- Janna Mae E. Bobier
Photo courtesy of FEU CAPO