FEU Students Look Beyond Job Openings to Find the Right Career Fit

For Rosa Degala, completing the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at Far Eastern University (FEU) did not mean that her next step was already prescribed. As a graduate of the FEU Institute of Arts and Sciences, she wanted to look beyond the career path most commonly associated with her degree. 

“One of the common perceptions about Psychology is that human resources is the only career path for us,” Rosa said. “But many of us want and even dream of working in a clinical setting.” 

That possibility became more tangible when Rosa explored the opportunities presented at the FEU Career Fair 2026. Among the participating companies, she found potential clinical roles for Psychology graduates and learned that her degree could also open doors to work outside the country. 

“I thought I would be limited to opportunities here in the Philippines or office-based work if I went into HR,” she said. “It’s really nice to know that it is still possible to achieve my dream of working overseas, whether in HR or as a clinical practitioner.” 

Rosa’s experience reflects a question familiar to many new graduates: not simply where they can find work, but where their education, interests, and abilities might take them.

Prosple, FEU Career Fair official event partner, provided copies of its book, Top 100 Employers for Fresh Graduates, to students and alumni attending the event. 

Held on July 14 and 15 at the FEU Manila Grandstand, the career fair brought together 56 of the university’s industry partners to help students and alumni explore employment opportunities, possible career paths, and areas for professional development. 

Fellow BS Psychology graduate Shamira Arguelles approached the transition from college to work just as deliberately, considering not only which employers were hiring but also which opportunities suited her training and interests. 

“I won’t just give my CV or résumé to industry partners for the sake of having a job,” Shamira said. “I know that you have to work hard for these opportunities, and you also need to have the specific skills for them.” 

Rather than viewing employment as the only immediate objective, Shamira hoped to find work related to her training and interests, whether in human resources, clinical practice, or another field that could contribute to mental health. 

Their search for the right opportunities unfolds as many new graduates face a more difficult labor market. The Philippine unemployment rate rose to 4.9% in June 2026 from 3.7% a year earlier. FEU Manila’s own employment data reflects this broader challenge: 30.64% of Batch 2025 graduates had found work within six months, compared with 64.35% of Batch 2024.

Employment outcomes gradually improved as Batch 2025 had more time to establish themselves. While the transition has taken longer for Batch 2025, the share of graduates securing work eventually increased to nearly half of the cohort, or 47.19%, a year after their graduation. 

Kyla Durana, meanwhile, approached the fair as an opportunity to begin establishing relationships with prospective employers and to find a workplace where she could continue developing. 

“My biggest goal is to connect with prospective companies where I might have a role in the future,” Kyla said. “I hope to find a company where I can gain meaningful experience and grow both as an individual and as a professional.” 

An FEU student looks at the Interactive Wall where fellow students used colored threads to visually represent and reflect on their FEU journey. 

FEU continues to support the journey beyond graduation by connecting students and alumni with potential employers, offering career guidance, and equipping them with practical tools for their next steps. 

During the career fair, the FEU Career Development and Placement Office (CD&P) assisted students and alumni in activating their LinkedIn profiles and verifying their accounts on the

FEU Career Services Portal. This online tool allows them to continue accessing job postings and career-related programs from the university and its industry partners. 

The Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) also provided information and frontline services to help students understand the responsibilities and benefits that come with entering the workforce. Their participation was supported by the IAS Student Council. 

The fair was organized with Prosple as the official event partner and with support from 24 Chicken and Grand Westside Hotel. FEU offices, student organizations, and volunteers from the National Service Reserve Corps, FEU Central Student Organization, E-Club, and the institute student councils also contributed to the event. 

For Rosa, Shamira, and Kyla, the experience did not necessarily settle every decision about what comes after college. It did, however, give them a clearer view of the opportunities available and the skills, connections, and choices that can turn their individual plans into meaningful careers.