MMDC and Globe Prepaid’s Step Up Sessions empower working students in upskilling for free

Balancing work, school, and personal growth can feel like an uphill battle for many young working students. The demands of earning a living while pursuing higher education and trying to advance in your career can be overwhelming. But what if there was a way to upskill for free and gain valuable insights from industry leaders without adding to your financial burden? Enter the Step Up Sessions, a collaborative initiative by Mapúa Malayan Digital College (MMDC) and Globe Prepaid, designed to empower working students to elevate their careers and lives.

The Birth of the Step Up Sessions

Launched under the Step Up sa Pangarap movement, the Step Up Sessions aim to provide working students with the support and resources they need to excel both academically and professionally. Hosted on the immersive GoHUSTLE digital interactive platform of the Globe Hangouts portal, these sessions offer six free upskilling talks featuring top industry leaders.

“At MMDC, we are driven by our commitment to the Step Up sa Pangarap movement. It’s a mission designed to inspire and empower working students across the country and the globe. We firmly believe that reaching your dreams begins with a progressive college education that prepares you for the demands of the modern workplace,” said Jenny Chua, MMDC’s Vice President for Marketing and Admissions, during the inaugural Step Up Session.

Empowering Leadership and Personal Growth

The first Step Up Session, held on June 4, focused on leadership, with Jannette Toral, founder of DigitalFilipino.com and co-founder of i-Metrics Asia Pacific Corporation, sharing her expertise. Toral emphasized the importance of three core values: encouraging others, embracing change, and strategic thinking.

“You have to know yourself to grow yourself,” Toral stated, highlighting that self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership. She provided a simple framework to help participants build confidence, set achievable goals, and take initiative. “Remember that you have to see value in yourself first before you add value to others,” she added.

The Power of Technology in Business

Neil Dimapilis, digital marketer and founder of Social Media Marketing Philippines (SMMPH), led the second talk, discussing the value of technology in business. He explained how integrating technology can streamline tasks, increase efficiency, and enable data-driven decision-making.

“Knowing which (technology) to use is just the start,” Dimapilis noted. “Training people to use them and learning how to maximize it is the rest of the battle.” He stressed the importance of choosing the right tools and effectively training team members to ensure optimal use and satisfaction.

Creating Meaningful Content and Personal Branding

On June 20, the second Step Up Session delved into personal branding and content creation. Alec Cuenca, podcaster, motivational speaker, and content creator, shared his insights on building a successful personal brand. He introduced the 7-hour Content System and encouraged participants to continually create and refine their content.

“The Hook is the first few seconds of the video and grabs the attention of viewers,” Cuenca explained, outlining the structure for creating viral content. He emphasized the importance of a growth mindset and the role of technology in expanding one’s influence.

Following Cuenca, digital marketer Jessica Madrazo discussed alternative ways to monetize creative skills, such as selling photos, videos, and designs. “It doesn’t just take a lot of creativity and talent. It also takes a lot of discipline and consistency,” Madrazo said, highlighting the need for dedication and perseverance in the creative industry.

Financial Literacy and Independence

The third Step Up Session, held on July 4, focused on financial literacy. Chester Catilago, MMDC Shared Services Director, opened the session by stressing the importance of managing finances effectively. “In today’s world, to know how to manage your finances is essential. Whether it’s budgeting, investing, saving, or planning for the future, these skills are vital for personal and professional success,” he said.

Mariel Bitanga-Kintanar, founder of Simply Finance and Director of Business Development and Partnerships of Paywatch, provided practical advice on financial management. “It’s never too late or too early to work on our money just like your studies,” she said, encouraging participants to start their financial journey immediately.

Kintanar shared tips on cultivating a healthy relationship with money, including practicing gratitude, changing limiting beliefs, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. She also discussed creating a financial game plan, managing a budget, and investing wisely. “Small steps done consistently will really add up to the improvement of your financial life,” she advised.

The Community and Support Network

One of the most significant benefits of the Step Up Sessions is the sense of community and support they foster. Participants like Shekinah Florentino and Maja Samaniego have found the sessions to be incredibly motivating and empowering.

“I found the Step Up Sessions to be very motivating, as it focused on important values and skills that will be essential for my future career,” Florentino shared. Samaniego added, “So far, Step Up Sa Pangarap has done wonders for my confidence as a young freelancer. The community has also been invaluable in providing not only a sense of camaraderie and support, but also the resources to go forward at your own pace, in your own time.”

The Step Up Sessions by MMDC and Globe Prepaid offer a comprehensive, free resource for young working students to upskill and advance their careers. From leadership and technology to personal branding and financial literacy, these sessions provide valuable insights and practical tools for personal and professional growth.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Join the upcoming Step Up Session on August 15 from 7pm to 9pm. Create an account on the Globe Hangouts portal and register for the sessions to start your journey towards a brighter future. And if you’re considering furthering your education, applications for MMDC’s school year 2024 to 2025 are ongoing, with Term 1 starting in August 2024. Apply now and step up towards your dreams!

Details provided in a recent press release.

Header image by jcomp on Freepik