# data[].attributes.headline
Activity 4: Reflection on Mock Job Interview Experience

# data[].attributes.subject
Activity 4: Reflection on Mock Job Interview Experience

# data[].attributes.body
1. How did you feel during the duration of the whole interview? Did it change from beginning to end?
I was actually not as worried as I was compared to the initial mock job interview, I anticipated that it would be the same or somewhat similar. What I was distressed about however were the technical difficulties I was experiencing before and during the interview. I was on standby around 30 minutes prior to the interview but right at the moment I was up, my laptop was not cooperating at all which caused me to feel extremely embarrassed. I dove into the interview without seeing Ms. Am on my screen because it was just black, the only thing I saw was the button dock of Zoom. I wish I had seen her but perhaps it was less pressuring because I can’t see her expressions to my answers. Overall, I felt relaxed from start to finish even if I knew I had a few hiccups throughout the interview.

2. What is your significant learning and realization before and after the interview?
That all I really need to take me through things like interviews is to really be myself and to just dive in even if you’re not entirely ready. For my final mock job interview, I had very little preparation because I was more focused on my presentation for my thesis defense. I may not be sure about what’s going to be asked in the interview but I’m more sure of myself and I saw that was enough. And of course, being prepared with the necessary documents.  I shouldn’t stress myself out thinking about the possible questions. I assure myself that everything is going to be fine as long as I answer sincerely and truthfully and I saw that it’s worked out well for me.

3. What were the suggestions to you? Do you agree with them? How are you going to adjust to them?
One suggestion that was given to me was that when answering the question “What are your weaknesses?” is that I have to look for a weakness of mine that can sound good or beneficial to some extent. My answer to that question during the interview was that I easily get anxious but I can manage my emotions well. I agree with Ms. Am’s suggestion, I can see how her advice can make a better impression than what I had initially answered in the interview. Next time I’ll make sure I list down my weaknesses that sound good, not just for the sake of future interviews but to also know myself better. I was also completely caught off-guard when asked to talk about a time I made a mistake, I have no idea what came over me but I literally forgot every memory I ever had at that moment! Perhaps a factor as to why I had a mental lapse that moment is that I was functioning on just two hours of sleep that day.

4. With the suggestions and experience you had, what will you tell your past self to do for the interview?
I would tell myself to keep a mental list of the negative aspects of my character such as my weaknesses, although I am aware of them and I have no problems in sharing, I just don’t have them stored in my mind to share them when I need to. Also, I will definitely tell myself the night before that I had an interview the next day, HAHA! It completely slipped my mind due to the fact that I was finishing my thesis paper the whole morning and when I checked my notifications from my IR002 class I happened to be a part of the first batch. I only remembered when it was 10AM on the same day and it made my nape hurt from high blood pressure. My mock job interview was at 2PM and my Thesis mock defense was at 3PM.

# data[].attributes.headline
Activity 3: Practice STAR Method Application

# data[].attributes.subject
Activity 3: Practice STAR Method Application

# data[].attributes.body
Talk about a time when you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.
Situation: I had to work with a classmate and a good friend of mine for one of my classes.

Task: We were to collaborate on a project in rebranding an existing brand and create a new marketing plan for it. We both have different work ethics, he is more relaxed whereas I am more of a person that follows a schedule and does everything in steps. I strive to be equal with my groupmates or partners, but in this case, I had to take on more of a leadership role because our progress would be incredibly slow even if we met halfway. We were also very different when it came to our visions and creative ideas so we had to find a middle ground there too.

Action: It was frustrating for me at first but I had to just keep encouraging him to be on time instead of projecting an imposing attitude even when I appeared to be the leader among us both. I had to find his strength which is his ideas, and mine is executing work efficiently. So most of the concepts were from him and the execution was done by me.

Result: The outcome was better than we ever anticipated, we were told that our work looked professional and neat and the ideas behind it were creative and fresh. I believe that knowing the strengths and weaknesses of everyone involved, open communication, and being transparent yet kind about it was the key to achieving this together.

----------------------------------

Describe a time when it was especially important to make a good impression on a client. How did you go about doing so?
Situation: The most recent occurrence I can think of is my Initial Mock Job Interview for this class.

Task: Each student had to prepare for a 15-20 minute mock job interview and I really wanted to do well, my only issue was that I was extremely nervous and while I was mentally ready, I wasn't emotionally due to personal stress and problems.

Action: But I just thought to myself that I have to do the interview, I can't use being emotionally unstable as an excuse not to show up even if it is valid, but I knew deep down that I could do it. I didn't really have an issue about what to say in the interview, I just thought about being able to answer all the questions as sincerely as I can.

Result: I was pleasantly surprised by the feedback I received from Miss Jessie and Miss AJ and I got a perfect score which is something I didn't expect at all. I wasn't 100% confident with my answers and I found some questions hard to answer but I did stay true to everything I shared. I realized because of their feedback that I am capable of managing my emotions effectively.

# data[].attributes.headline
Assignment 2: SMART Goals Guide Questions

# data[].attributes.subject
Assignment 2: SMART Goals Guide Questions

# data[].attributes.body
What makes your goal SPECIFIC?
My goal is to become a college art professor specializing in teaching how to use different mediums.

How can you MEASURE your goal?

I will need a Bachelor’s Degree to qualify for a master's degree. I plan to take my Master's in UP Diliman and I've read their requirements. To name a few: 2.0 GPA or higher and Graduate level English proficiency for foreign students (graduate-level standard of TOEFL). Since I want to specialize in teaching mediums, then I'll need to know how to use different mediums.

How can you ATTAIN your goal?

I am aware that CIIT College of Arts and Technology hires professors who are currently taking their Masters so I will try to apply to teach part-time for them, this way I can gain experience in teaching also aside from funding my extended education. But If I cannot get into CIIT, then I will look for a part-time job where I'll be able to sustain my Master's program.

What makes your goal REALISTIC?

I am passionate when it comes to art and I know my current skills have a purpose. I am really eager and I have a deep desire to share my knowledge, especially when I have found ways to draw things better and easier.

What is the TIMELINE of your goal?

Right after I graduate (2022) The duration of Masters in Fine Arts in UP Diliman is 5 years so if I get in immediately, I will most likely finish my Master's degree in around 2027 or 2028.

# data[].attributes.headline
Assignment 2: VISION BOARD Guide Questions

# data[].attributes.subject
Assignment 2: VISION BOARD Guide Questions

# data[].attributes.body
How do you feel about thinking of your Goal and Vision?
Planning or thinking about my future always brings some sort of anxiety since we never really know what the future holds, but at the same time thinking about teaching others how to draw or paint or use mediums awakens my excitement and eventually overpowers my anxiety.

Has your Goal and Vision changed in the last 1 year?
Surprisingly it has not! I entered college with my eyes fixed on the goal of wanting to be a college art professor someday and I have exercised that goal by teaching my classmates in our free time and even during the pandemic where I've held Google Meetings to teach them.

How did you understand the Value Proposition?
My value proposition highlights what makes me special and different from everyone else.

# data[].attributes.body
Are there new things you've discovered about yourself?
I've realized while writing this that I am still as passionate as I was to become a teacher someday, that dream did not waver through the years. I remember entering college with that goal already embedded in my mind. But I've been so caught up in my thesis that I'm starting to lose sight of what I want to become. So this activity was refreshing and eye opening.

What are the things you think you need to do to reach your Career or Goal?
I'll need a lot of perseverance, determination, and a lot of compassion towards myself. Also, while I will be in the position to teach, I should also keep an open mind in learning also from my students. Life is a never-ending learning process.

What are your action items to achieve your Goal and Vision?
I know that while I have explored many mediums and have gotten quite efficient in them, I shouldn't stop going out of my comfort zone, I should keep experimenting to really have that versatility I need in order to teach someday.

# data[].attributes.body
IDENTIFY WHO YOU ARE AND WHO I HELP:
Hello! My name is Jane Marah Bermejo but you may call me Chao! I am a multidisciplinary fine arts artist and I would love to be a book illustrator of all ages.

DEFINE MY WHY:
I have a profound interest in sharing knowledge and tackling issues that I are hard to talk about through the form of story books whether this is for children or for adults.

WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUE:
I have over 10 years of experience experimenting and exploring different mediums. I have become proficient in many traditional mediums and I've also adapted to digital software's such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Other than being able to use a wide variety of mediums, my art style can range from abstract all the way to hyperrealism. Though hyperrealism is my forte, I was hired by an Engineering University back in 2016 to illustrate for a children's book so I can say that I'm really versatile.

CALL TO ACTION:
You can check out my online portfolio on Behance by searching my name Chao Bermejo so that you may see the variety of work I have.

# data[].attributes.body
SCENARIO 1

Applying for a job as a Fresh Graduate.
(Guide Question: What are your action items to prepare?)

Expectation:
I am aspiring to be a college art professor someday which will require a Master's degree so at first I was expecting to take my Master's right after I graduate from college but now I realize that it's quite unrealistic and it would be more advisable to take on a job to save up for my extended education.

As for the guide question, for sure I will have to prepare the necessary documents needed to apply for a job. I do think it's going to be a little difficult for me to find a job that I can enjoy to it's fullest potential because I wanted to specialize in traditional arts but I'm currently majoring in Visual Communication. So something I really need to prepare is having an open mind in finding something I will love doing even if it isn't completely in my interest.

Reality:
I do think it will be hard to look for a job as a fresh graduate in the pandemic because many are looking for a job in this time but most especially finding something that I will love doing. I'm almost graduating and I'm still unsure about what possible job I can take while I save for my Master's degree, Visual Communication is somewhat like graphic design which is something I can do but don't necessarily enjoy hehe. But I also know I need to make sacrifices so if it will take for me to do something I don't love for the sake of sustaining for my family then by all means! I know in God's time, everything will come to pass.

An action plan I have is to thoroughly look for a job that won't entirely compromise my passion, so finding a job that will somehow still cater to my interests. But surprisingly, there's a possibility that my interest in music may rise. If there is an opportunity that may involve music, I might actually consider!

SCENARIO 2

Preparing For Your First Interview.
(Guide Question: How are you going to prepare?)

Expectation:
While I'm extroverted and may appear confident, I'm actually very shy and self conscious but I think my bravery usually takes me through presentations and interviews.

In preparing for an interview, I know the most important thing is to stay authentic to myself but of course assessing which facets of me I should present and highlight. Though I probably will say more than necessary during the interview, I talk a lot when my adrenaline is on a high! xD

Reality:
I believe and know that attitude is the most important even above skills, I've always been advised that I shouldn't drain myself to obtain titles like Latin Honors and should focus more on my soft skills because hard skills are easier to teach while soft skills are harder to instill in people.

So I'll prepare just like what I expect interviewers look for, my portfolio and required documents, authenticity and kindness. I'll probably talk to myself in the mirror a few times to help myself articulate myself better because I know I overthink about such things.

SCENARIO 3

Deciding on Accepting A Job Offer
(Guide Question: What are the things you need to consider?)

Expectation:
I really want to take on a job that has some sort of teaching element in it or a job where I can traditionally or digitally create illustrations for book companies or something of that sort. I'm quite terrified of taking on a job offer that will require a lot of advertisement designing or graphic designing or anything that involves marketing (I have a slight trauma with marketing because of one class I had) I'm also expecting that the salary won't be that big since I'll be a fresh grad.

Things I need to consider of course is the schedule of the work, I'd like to stay away from a job that has a graveyard shift (although as a college student sleeping late is completely normal aaaa), of course a salary that won't cut me too short or won't be enough compared to the work required and a job that won't conflict with Sunday which I consider as the Lord's day.

Reality:
I think my expectations aren't too far fetched. I think jobs that require a graveyard shift are usually international companies but I'm also sure that not all international companies are like this, I'll just have to look very carefully. Like I said earlier, sometimes I can't always get what I plan to so probably along the way I'd have to make adjustments or compromises but hopefully not too much. It is a very unpredictable time. I'll also have to consider the approval of my parents! :>