by Rise Lozano | November 14, 2023
In a bid to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, 3rd and 4th-year students of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) gathered at Saint Joseph Hall (SJH) Academic Hall last November 8 and 9, 2023, for the orientation of their mandatory course requirement, practicum and on-the-job training (OJT).
This academic year marks the first batch of 3rd-year psychology students undergoing practicum/OJT. 3rd-year students will be deployed in their designated setting based on their corresponding degree: clinical setting for BS (Bachelor of Science) in Psychology, and industrial setting for AB (Bachelor of Arts) in Psychology. In contrast, 4th-year students will be undertaking their second OJT in the industrial setting.
The orientation stated that the 3rd-year psychology students are required to complete a total of 400 hours of practicum in their designated deployments, while 4th-year students still follow 300 hours. The communication students, on the other hand, are required to complete 500 hours in total.
The event aims to equip SAS students with the necessary skills, insights, and knowledge to thrive as they embark on their practicum experiences. The two-day event featured engaging seminars and presentations by industry experts, offering valuable perspectives on the demands and expectations of professional environments. Topics covered included workplace ethics, practicum work responsibilities, and industry-specific insights relevant to each student's field of study.
Prof. Yamrev Chaneco, the practicum coordinator, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping the future workforce. "Practicum experiences prepare the students as they officially enter the world of work. It is an integral part of our curriculum, allowing students to apply the knowledge they’ve learned in school in real-world settings,” said Prof. Chaneco.
"This orientation has been an eye-opener for me. It's not just about what we learn in textbooks; it's about how we apply that knowledge in our future workplaces. I feel a little scared, but I am excited for it [OJT].” shared Aletheia Concepcion, a SAS student in AB Psychology.
The practicum proper is set to kick off on the third week of the second semester.
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