March 4, 2026
Tzu Chi scholars face industry leaders in mock interviews
By Thania Florendo
Graduating Tzu Chi scholars took a bold step toward their professional futures on February 28, as they faced mock interviews conducted by industry leaders at Harmony Hall , Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The event gathered 38 graduating scholars from the National Capital Region and three from Bicol who attended in person. Participating online were 20 scholars from Bicol, 19 from Iloilo, 13 from Davao, seven from Palo, and six from Pampanga. In total, 28 volunteer interviewers from various industries—including banking, finance, information technology, education, and human resources—generously shared their time and expertise. More than a simulation, the activity created a realistic professional setting where scholars were challenged, mentored, and encouraged to grow in confidence.
The program began with a short briefing delivered by Darwin Soriano, who helped ease the scholars’ nervousness. The interviewers then introduced themselves one by one, sharing practical tips—and even lighthearted jokes—before the scholars proceeded to their assigned interviewers.
The mock interviews were conducted in a hybrid format to ensure inclusivity and equal access to mentorship. Whether attending onsite or virtually, scholars were given the same opportunity to engage with industry professionals, receive constructive feedback, and experience the dynamics of a real job interview setting.
Among the volunteer interviewers was Cecile Claron, a university registrar and quality assurance officer from St. Paul University–Quezon City. For her, participating in the mock interviews was both professional and personal. Having once been a scholar herself, Claron shared that the experience inspired her to give back to students who are now in the same stage of life she once faced.
Her message to the scholars was clear: Be resilient and stay hungry for learning.
“Do not just be content with what you know now, because you might become irrelevant later on. Stay humble and grounded,” she said, adding that she hopes to expand partnerships in the future by encouraging fellow educators to support the initiative.
Meanwhile, Ralf Aaron Macapagal, a Tzu Chi scholar from the Philippine Normal University, taking up a Bachelor of English Education, found the interview experience uniquely insightful. He shared that the questions were more situational and contextual than he expected, especially as someone preparing for a teaching career.
Reflecting on his experience, Macapagal emphasized the importance of embracing growth.
“Mistakes are part of learning. From those mistakes, we improve ourselves,” he said, noting that activities like the mock interview help prevent “culture shock” when scholars enter the workforce. According to him, the experience ensures that they are not only graduating but are also prepared for employment.
Another scholar, James Carlo Nazaria, AB Communication student at Bicol University, attended the session in person while completing his internship in Metro Manila. Facing seasoned professionals—some with 10 to 20 years of experience—initially made him nervous.
“At some point, I was nervous because they are CEOs and experienced professionals. But I always think about why I started everything. That fuels my determination to answer the questions from the heart,” he said.
Nazaria encouraged fellow scholars to remain open to opportunities.
“Do not close yourself to one opportunity. Do not limit yourself to one position. You might be successful in places you did not expect,” he said, expressing gratitude to Tzu Chi for organizing Humanities classes and career preparation activities that equip scholars with essential life skills.
After the rigorous and nerve-wracking panel interviews and feedback sessions, the scholars gathered once more for additional sharing from the volunteer professionals, who emphasized the importance of perseverance and continuous self-improvement.
To conclude the event, Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So underscored that the activity represented something far deeper than a practice session. She thanked the volunteer interviewers for generously sharing their time, expertise, and insights, emphasizing that the event was a meaningful learning experience.
She added that the questions asked, feedback given, and encouragement shared would help shape the scholars not only as professionals but as individuals with character and purpose.
Through initiatives like this, Tzu Chi continues to bridge education and employment—ensuring that its scholars graduate not only with degrees, but with confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of direction for the future.
Graduating Tzu Chi scholars arrive in business attire, ready to take on mock interviews led by volunteer industry professionals.
Tzu Chi scholar James Carlo Nazaria of Bicol University takes part in an interactive sentence-completion game designed to ease nerves and energize the room before the interviews begin.
Guest speaker Darwin Soriano once again took the stage to guide and brief the scholars ahead of their mock interviews.
Scholars listened attentively to preparation tips before meeting their assigned interviewers.
Online participants from Tzu Chi liaison offices also joined the opening program virtually.
Ralf Aaron Macapagal took part in a quick on-stage activity, answering a few questions in front of the audience.
Interviewers from various industries, like Maridol Siapuatco, gave brief introductions and shared advice with the scholars, one by one.
Nescel Asuncion, a returning guest interviewer, shares her expertise to inspire Tzu Chi scholars.
Tensions eased as a volunteer interviewer shared lighthearted tips and cracked a few jokes.
Scholars enjoyed the talk as they heard inspiring stories from interviewers about overcoming challenges and building successful careers.
Interviewers for virtual sessions moved to a separate room to conduct online interviews.
Guest interviewers reviewed the resumes provided and asked essential questions, offering feedback to help the scholars improve.
The room came alive as mock interviews started, with each interviewer engaging three to five scholars.
Scholars showcased their achievements and aspirations through thoughtful responses.
Drawing from years of experience, interviewers shared honest feedback and expert tips to help scholars improve.
Tzu Chi scholars Nicole Fetalcorin and Harold Llorca from Bicol University, both currently interning with the Tzu Chi Communications Department, attended their mock interviews in person.
From humble beginnings as a Tzu Chi scholar, Elvin Mercader is now a senior director at a prestigious accounting firm, proving that hard work truly pays off.
Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So expressed her gratitude to the volunteer interviewers and guest speakers, noting that their guidance helps shape scholars not only as professionals but also as individuals of character and purpose.