Written by Fritzel Diale and Glory Ann Llamas
Photos courtesy of Maria Cassandra Lim, Jan Felicity Gayo, Liezel Banatao
A group of University of Baguio (UB) intern students in Accountancy, in collaboration with the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) UB chapter, took their first step in preparing for the professional world by conducting a webinar with the theme, “Balancing Books and Behaviors: Mastering Office Etiquette for Future Professionals” last September 7, 2024, via Google Meet. The webinar was attended by 118 students of UB – who were eager to learn how to navigate the corporate environment – and one (1) UB-SBAA Accountancy alumna, Ms. Janine Besitan, as speaker.
The main host, Ms. Maria Cassandra Lim, began the webinar with an introduction that set the tone for the importance of etiquette in the workplace. Ms. Liezel Banatao and Ms. Jan Felicity Gayo were then called for a short icebreaker. Every time a participant guessed the correct answer, Ms. Banatao and Ms. Gayo explained how each word related to the theme.
The speaker, Ms. Besitan, first outlined the specific topics she discussed in the webinar, including work/business etiquette, email and telephone etiquette, personal and professional boundaries, dressing and grooming, and other etiquette basics. To avoid overwhelming the participants with long-winded discussions, the speaker focused on sharing personal experiences related to each topic, which helped the participants better grasp the concepts.
After the discussion proper, the session moved into the question and answer (Q&A) portion, which was just as lively and engaging. Participants eagerly presented common but challenging “what if” scenarios in the workplace, seeking advice on how to handle them. The speaker broke down each scenario and explained, step by step, the proper ways to handle it. This interactive nature of the discussion reinforced the learning experience for the participants.
Overall, the webinar, “Balancing Books and Behaviors: Mastering Office Etiquette for Future Professionals,” provided invaluable insights to student participants. Led by Ms. Besitan and the organizers, the event emphasized the importance of mastering professional behavior in the workplace. Through real-life experiences, engaging discussions, and interactive scenarios, participants gained a deeper understanding of office etiquette, personal boundaries, and effective communication. Many attendees expressed that the webinar left them wanting more and eagerly anticipate future sessions on this topic. The JPIA organization, in collaboration with Accountancy interns, is excited to meet this demand and looks forward to organizing more webinars in the future.
This event aligns with the University of Baguio’s objective and mission to provide balanced quality education, preparing students for success in their professional endeavors. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN-SDG) 8, which promotes sustainable, productive, and decent work for all. By equipping students with essential skills for navigating the workplace, the webinar contributes to their personal and professional growth, fostering a future-ready workforce committed to excellence and ethical practices.
Fritzel Diale, Glory Ann Llamas, Maria Cassandra Lim, Jan Felicity Gayo, and Liezel Banatao are the Accountancy intern organizers of the event.
