Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC), the premier digital-first college in the Philippines, and Globe Prepaid concluded their exciting collaboration that gave working students and hustlers an opportunity to learn from top industry leaders through 6 free upskilling talks all hosted on the immersive GoHUSTLE digital interactive platform of the Globe Hangouts portal.

The Step Up Sessions hold true to the goals of the Step Up sa Pangarap movement, which was launched by MMDC last year, providing working students around the Philippines support and guidance to be able to earn an online college degree while excelling at work and empowering them to step up in their respective careers. The 6 upskilling talks featured top industry leaders from CEOs of startups to digital marketers and content creators who shared their expertise and experiences on various topics such as leadership, financial literacy, and finding side hustles.

With more than 1,100 registrants, the Step Up Sessions were successful in reaching a diverse audience from around the country and inspiring them to level up their careers and lives.

The very first Step Up session was held on June 4 and focused on the value of leadership and technology in business, kicking off the series of talks that featured speakers who embody leadership, the growth mindset as well as keeping up with technology to expand their business and grow in their careers. The second and third sessions gave light to the importance of content creation to today’s businesses and how crucial financial literacy is in your career and personal life. Both sessions provided the participants practical tips and practices to step up their careers and financial life.

The last three sessions were focused on creating balance among studies, work and one’s personal life, working towards your fullest potential and building a grit and growth mindset that will help secure a bright future for yourself. Stories from working students and professionals, who were also working students, inspired the participants that everyone is a work and progress. The engaging and relatable conversations and stories from speakers who talked about their own journeys, most especially the last Step Up session held last August 15, was a meaningful way to culminate the Step Up Sessions that not only inspired participants to take action but to give them that extra boost of confidence that their dreams, big or small, can be achieved with the right mindset and plan of action.

Student Farhannah Saguia said that the practical tips shared by the speakers were helpful and that hearing their stories was inspiring for her because these are stories and lessons you can’t find online. “Attending was definitely worth it because the industry experts featured in the program showed that even my biggest dreams can be achieved through small, consistent steps,” Farrah shared.

Another participant Jose Ronquillo said, “I learned new things and skills, but more importantly, I feel more motivated and inspired to pursue my dreams, even though they may seem impossible.” Most especially for the relatable stories from speakers who were working students themselves and shared actionable steps on how to achieve a work-study-life balance effectively.

Get to know more about Step Up sessions 4 - 6 below. All sessions are also accessible to view any time on the Globe Hangouts portal.

Creating the perfect balance between work and study

MMDC’s Academics and Instructional Systems Design Director Noel Toregoza kicked off the fourth Step Up Session and emphasized the importance of how online education can provide flexible schedules and relevant academic experiences that give working students the right support to achieve their goals at school, work, and at home. “It is our hope that you, the participants, will walk away with a realization of both the opportunities and the tactics that you can take advantage of as you strive to be more productive, explore alternative income streams or manage your daily activities,” he said. “For the working students present, mastering these skills is crucial as you navigate and juggle the demands of your jobs, studies and personal lives.”

As there is an abundance of side hustles these days, choosing the right one for you is essential in becoming successful in all facets of life. Digital Marketer Chris Caparas was the first speaker for the evening and shared his personal journey to achieving success on his own terms as someone who thrived in multiple side hustles. He shared how he turned his interests and passions into income-generating opportunities and how one can achieve it as well. “List down things you want to do as your side hustle. Reflect on it and by process of elimination you can find what fits your schedule and what you can devote enough time to. It should be a fun way to make extra cash and not feel like a second job,” he said. “After you find your side hustle, study it and research it. See what skills you can work on or assess if your current skills are already a good fit. “What is your edge in this industry? What can you offer when it comes to skills that you have? Study the market so you know the value of what you have to offer.”

He stressed that upskilling is very important in order to find your edge and MMDC is a great example on how one can improve their skills and be more competitive in the market. He added that connecting with a community that can foster relationships and support is helpful as you find your footing in your chosen side hustle. “With communities, with the right people, you will find your big break,” Caparas said.

To wrap up his talk, Caparas encouraged anyone looking for the right side hustle to enjoy the journey. There will be days where you may feel so overwhelmed with tasks or have so many things to do in a limited amount of time, but make the most of every single moment that will lead you to create a better future for yourself. He said, “When you have small wins, enjoy it. When you’re struggling, enjoy it. Enjoy the journey and learn from your experiences because it will help you in your future. Your side hustle should be something you enjoy doing so don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Find your edge and enjoy side hustling.”

The second speaker for the evening was ZiNG Digital+ CEO and entrepreneur Gabby David who shared her experience as a working student and how she juggled her academics, hobbies, and social life. As a young entrepreneur who started her own business while completing her online college degree, she shows that it is possible to succeed in whatever it is that you do and do it well. She graduated with honors all while running her dream business, traveling and trying new hobbies, as well as nurturing her relationships. “It’s not easy but developing systems and processes in my routine for whatever I do on a daily basis really helped,” she shared. “My college was very different from the classroom type of learning which I really love. I got to learn outside of the traditional learning method and I'm really excited for people to experience it. You’re not limited to the four walls of a classroom and theoretical learning and you’re going outside of that box to try new things. You get to know more about yourself as well.”

“I’m here to remind you that anything is possible as long as you put your heart, mind and soul to work hard for it.”

She shared practical tips that worked for her personally and hoped that it would help those who find it challenging to find balance with work and studies. First, she discussed priority setting, which starts with setting your short and long term goals, as well as big and small tasks, then ranking them according to urgency, importance, and effort required, and then setting a personal deadline. She then shared some time management techniques such as time blocking, Pomodoro technique, to-do lists, focusing on high value tasks, chunking, and a weekly and daily review. She said, “Focus on the 20% of tasks that will yield 80% of the results.”

On top of all these, David drew importance to maintaining your well-being and feeding your mind, body, and soul — a lesson she echoes from her mentors. “I would highly recommend having a social support system as well because my friends got me through the past few years in my life.”

She then went into detail about chunking, a time management technique that she swears by, where you chunk a big task into bite-sized doable tasks so it will be easier to execute. She said to be clear with your intentions and set micro-goals and smaller tasks that are doable in order to avoid being overwhelmed with the bigger goals you’ve set. Creating an action plan will help achieve these micro goals. Next, creating habits will help establish a routine that works for you and help you set realistic goals that are unique and achievable for you. Lastly, David said that being flexible and being ready to adapt is crucial since not everything will be predictable especially when it comes to businesses.

To close her talk, she encouraged everyone to refine their habits and remember that what works for one person may not work for another. “Continuously refine and work on your routines and make adjustments as needed. Not all habits you start may work for you. Listen to yourself. Your intuition is your best guide. Focus on your systems—not your goals. It is hard and challenging but if you’re able to build the habits and the discipline within yourselves, your whole life will change.”

The journey to becoming your best professional self

The fifth Step Up Session kicked off with a message from MMDC’s Executive Director Dennis Tablante who shed light on what Step Up sa Pangarap is all about. “These events are more than just sessions. They are lifelines designed to engage and empower you in ways that transcend the traditional classroom. We understand the immense challenges you face, balancing studies, work and personal responsibilities. We know the struggle, the grit required and the resilience you demonstrate every single day,” he said. “Today’s topics are crucial as it will enhance not only your professional skills but also prepare you to navigate the complexities of the workplace with confidence and poise. We believe that engaging in these meaningful discussions and events makes you aware of taking a part of the step in ensuring your own success.”

The soft skills that are given light in this session are essential in building and developing one’s career and finding your full potential as a professional. With 15 years of extensive experience in media relations, corporate communications, writing, and digital marketing, Tracy Manlangit had so much wisdom and experience to share with all participants. She is currently the VP of Media and Influence at the global public relations and marketing agency Fleishman Hillard and discussed how to master effective communication and developing one’s professional demeanor.

Manlangit started with giving importance to effective communication at work and how it impacts someone’s career or business. “Effective communication helps boost productivity, enhance teamwork and drive business success. If all of us are willing to communicate with our colleagues, we will not only build a positive reputation for ourselves and our organization but also help drive the business forward,” she says. Verbal, non-verbal and written communication are all important when it comes to building rapport, collaborating with colleagues and building a positive reputation. “Let’s remember to be assertive but not aggressive,” Manlangit said.

In line with this Manlangit then discussed 3 elements of professional demeanor – appearance, behavior and attitude – and how it influences one’s confidence, professionalism and work environment. Though it’s important to express oneself through style and clothing, keeping your appearance professional is also important. Additionally, behavior and attitude will also establish credibility among peers and build trust and respect in a team. Manlangit said, “A positive and respectful attitude will foster a constructive work environment. Regardless of bad days at home or personal experiences that are not always easy. While it’s okay to take personal days to overcome any negative experiences, remember to train your brain to look for the silver lining.”

She closed her talk with some tips for improving oneself namely self-assessment, professional development and practice. She encouraged participants to take charge and take advantage of opportunities where you can practice what you learn and apply them in the workplace. “Be the person who continuously wants to be better. Allow yourself to seek feedback and be open to learning and growing, not just for yourself but also for the organization. It’s a way to sharpen the tools and always be ready to reuse to get the job done.”

The second speaker for the night was Brian Corella, Owner and Founder of The Maverick Hair Care Product, a trailblazer for creating quality and sustainable grooming and personal care products for men. His talk centered around career development based on his personal experiences and lessons, as well as finding the right career for you. “I would like to say there’s no right handbook on finding a career for you. It’s not a one size fits all journey. It’s about you, your interests, opportunities in front of you and opportunities you are willing to create for yourself,” he said.

He discussed how making your resume tailor fit to the role you are applying for and keeping it factual and honest. This is especially important and now that he is an employer he gives this piece of advice with a whole new different perspective. He said, “The goal is to get that interview first and when you get that interview you have to be able to carry yourself well.”

“One must also network effectively,” Corella continued. “Showing up is half the battle and the next half is staying present, being engaged and seizing the opportunities. When I was building my brand in 2015, I would always attend events and because my circle was the creative community, I would always attend creative shows and events. The more I did it, the more people recognized me, leading to more conversations. That’s how I slowly built my network with different suppliers and mentors – people who have done it before me. That’s where I would get tips on doing and growing the business effectively.”

He encouraged participants to keep experimenting and trying new things even as you navigate your career path. “Don’t be afraid to try different roles and industries. It’s in trying that you discover a passion or a skill you didn’t know you had. Internships and part-time jobs are a good place to start,” Corella shared. “Learn from everywhere and experience. If you can’t learn anything from the job try to learn from the people you’re working with. It’s about being a student of life.”

He continued and shared, “Although we are living in a fast paced world, good results take time. Just keep going. I’ve been working on the Maverick for 9 years now and I almost stopped in 2019. But because of the help of friends and even the pandemic, I was given a blessing in disguise. In 2019, the business was worth nothing. Today, we are worth a million dollars. It will happen but you have to be patient with the results.”

Having grit and embracing a growth mindset

The sixth and final Step Up Session was held last August 15. Rita de Jesus, MMDC’s Director for Student Affairs welcomed all the participants for the last leg of the series and gave emphasis to how we all have our own challenges and setbacks, but what truly matters is that we take action to do and be better, and become relentless in the process. “It’s the small little steps that matter. It’s showing up here tonight despite all our other responsibilities. It’s being here to know more and to learn more. These are what will get you to the podium and receive your own unique medal.

While this is the last of the series, I believe this is the perfect reminder for the start of the new school year in MMDC,” she says. “The success of others like that of the athletes who made their way to the Olympics are like the speakers we have here tonight who have stepped up in their life. They can be sources of inspiration as they show us that it can be done. You also have MMDC to support you and to be your partner as you Step Up in college and in life, outside and after college.”

The first speaker of the evening was LJ Jose, Digital Creator and Founder and CEO of Ads Intensive, a Tiktok and Meta ads agency. He shared that he was once a working student and early on he realized the importance of your mindset in achieving success, understanding the grit and growth mindset, and the relevance of balancing work and studies for working students.

“Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals. It is your ability to stay committed to your goal despite challenges,” he said. “Your growth mindset is the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning and persistence.It is your ability to open up your mind and not limit it to what you know based on people and environment you surround yourself with.”

He encouraged the participants to take advantage of talks such as the Step Up sessions as it is an opportunity for continuous learning, something that was not as accessible when he was starting out. Jose then shared practical advice on how to turn your challenges and struggles into triumphs. “Embrace your challenges and see them as opportunities to learn and grow. You will be able to build your character, personality and your work ethic. Also look back on your past challenges and reflect on how you overcame them. It’s like giving yourself feedback.”

When it comes to building resilience, he shared that setting realistic goals and breaking them down into smaller and more manageable goals will help you build confidence and feel fulfilled, giving you the extra motivation to keep going for bigger and more ambitious goals. He gave his own personal example of how he was a college dropout but turned things around for himself and became an entrepreneur and investor. “I was also laid off during the pandemic,” he shared. And this experience pushed him to finally take charge of his career by creating his own agency in order to help local businesses. “One of my biggest why’s is to become a successful businessman, the first in our family, so I can give back and help those who supported me when I was just starting out.”

To conclude his talk, Jose gave more practical tips and advice to help working students stay motivated as well as to balance their work and studies, most especially for time management and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout.

The next speaker was MMDC working student Kimberly Roblas, who has been balancing work and studies since she was 16 years old. As a content strategist and manager, writer, and student, she is also the breadwinner of her family. “The path that I took was very rough. I started working at 16 because we are financially challenged,” she shared. Her father was a cellphone technician and her mother was a market vendor. As the eldest daughter of 7 children, Roblas had to Step Up not only for her family but also for herself in order to achieve her goals. As a ‘certified raketera’, she worked multiple jobs so she could finance her studies. She worked as an office assistant, selling various items such as popcorn, bread, mango shakes – whatever her classmates craved – in order to continue her studies.

The pandemic was tough as her parents lost their jobs and they racked up their debt in order to survive. “I had to step up and help my parents since I was the eldest. I applied for online jobs and I finally got hired as a writer for a company based in India,” she said. Apart from her part-time job, she was part of her student council and tutored her younger siblings. She took on more jobs to provide more financial support for her family’s needs up until she was in her freshman year in a traditional university.

Roblas was determined to finish school in order to reach the goals she set for herself. “My current setup wasn’t sustainable so I decided to transfer to MMDC,” she shared. The modern curriculum, flexibility and supportive community for working students gave her the drive to continue her studies while keeping up with her responsibilities at work and at home. “These Step Up sessions are a great example of how MMDC fosters a supportive environment by offering upskilling sessions that help both students and professionals grow in all areas of their lives. And with a diverse community, there are plenty of opportunities for us to network, join clubs, and to share our passions.”

She shared a few tips that helped her push forward and step up for the life she wants for herself and for her family as well as some tools to help with productivity and balancing work and studies effectively. “Remember, we all have the power to shape the future we want. Just step up, claim the power and take action.”

Up next was Nian Ellao, the founder of Vyous Digital Studio, Feast Media and Freelancers Helping Freelancers community. She turned her passion for brand management and creative production into a business which she has scaled through the years. As a working student herself, she knows how difficult it can be to balance work and studies as well as to finance your own education, which she experienced as well. But she believed that she had to have the knowledge, experience and the skills to become successful in her chosen path. Despite graduating with honors and doing well in her corporate job, she was still faced with many setbacks and hardships brought upon by the competitive environment as a freelancer. “This industry does humble you,” she said. “There is no blueprint for success. It’s fair game out here.” Her journey to successfully handling her own ad agency was certainly not linear. She experienced highs and lows, but she gave herself one year to try something new, learn new things and enroll in different courses in order to live her life according to her own terms.

Ellao passed on some helpful pieces of advice to anyone looking to start their own business or start freelancing, which also helped her in her own journey. “I believe investing in branding and learning more about branding gave me an advantage in this industry because I started getting noticed by my dream clients even if I was fairly new to the industry,” she said. “Second, you have to have clarity on your ability to deliver. If you say you can do one thing then make sure you will be able to do it.” Nian further explained that if you want to be good at something and be able to deliver, say yes to opportunities and gain the right experience. She also shared that putting yourself out there and building your network and portfolio is essential in this industry. “Lastly, confidence over competence. When I was starting 4 years ago, I didn’t know everything. I would still bank on confidence and not just competence. It’s not only about your ability to deliver but also your ability to learn.”

Ellao also gave the participants some words of encouragement that being flexible and open to change is a part of the journey. Things may not always go as planned and on some days you’d have to wing it regardless of how long you have been in the industry. “It’s hard to dream big sometimes because of fear. But the first step is to recognize what you really want and what your dreams are in life no matter how big because that is where we will maximize our potential.”

The final speaker for the evening was director, creative entrepreneur and artist Melvin Jordan, also the owner and founder of Port80 - Middle East, and inspired the participants with his stories of embracing failure and celebrating even the smallest of wins. He started working when he was just 14 years old and had quite a few nuggets of wisdom to share from his 10 years of experience as a working student and as a creative. He believes that inspiration doesn’t come to those who wait. “You pursue it everyday. You wake up and you choose to do it. You choose to be inspired. It’s not easy to chase inspiration and handle it properly, but for you to arrive at that point of inspiration, you usually have to move towards it and move within it. You create it and cultivate it everyday.”

He shared that confidence is essential when it comes to becoming successful. Your skills, knowledge and talent are just a part of reaching your full potential. You have to be confident enough to show up and share your talent with others. “Be proactive and put yourself out there,” he said. But at the same time Jordan also encouraged the participants to be ready to fail forward. “Fail hard but make sure to stand up and get started again,” and these are words he still lives by up to this day.

He also shared how important it is to keep your inspiration positive and sustainable and remind everyone that you can go further in your career and in your life if you have others in your team. Jordan said, “Find good meaning, find what you really want to do and find positive inspiration that will keep you growing up until decades to come.”

The evening ended with a grand raffle eligible for those who attended all 6 sessions. The winner gets to choose 1 GoHustle package that will support them to Step Up in their careers whether it be for content creation, content streaming, online learning or for side hustles.

If you missed the Step Up Sessions or are keen on looking back on past sessions, you can watch all 6 talks via the Globe Hangouts portal at any time.

Ready to take the next step for a better future? Applications for the MMDC’s school year 2024 to 2025 are ongoing. Apply now.

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