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To bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world information technology practices, fourth-year students of the Philippine Society of Information Technology Students (PSITS) at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) joined the Industry Readiness Seminar held on October 18, 2025, at the USM Commercial Building.
A total of 72 participants attended the seminar, including 17 PSITS officers, 26 BS Computer Science students, 4 BS Information Systems students, and 25 BLIS students. The activity aimed to help them gain the practical skills needed to perform well in the IT field.
The seminar started with a message from PSITS Adviser Ryan Z. Gonzaga, who explained that the organization’s goal is to help students become not only academically capable but also ready for industry work.
“PSITS is not all about academics; I designed a roadmap so PSITS students will also reach an industry-ready level,” he said.
One of the speakers, Mr. Dave Francis Rotaquio, talked about professional growth. He stressed the importance of interpersonal and communication skills, especially when working with clients from other countries.
“Soft skills are the most important thing because your clients in the near future will be overseas and foreigners… Don’t rely on AI 100% as a student developer,” he said.
Rotaquio reminded students that while technical knowledge is important, success also depends on adaptability and good communication. He encouraged them to balance technical ability with emotional intelligence, which is needed in the global IT industry.
Another speaker, Mr. Amir Fahd Hadji Usop, discussed the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning.
“You don’t need to be the smartest in the room; you only need to be curious and willing to learn,” he said.
Usop’s message encouraged students to keep an open mind and continue learning as they move forward in their IT careers.
The event, headed by Department Chairperson Janice T. Palmaera and Prof. Alvin C. Mibalo, ended with the theme “Real Skills for the Real World,” which further strengthened PSITS USM’s mission of aligning education with the changing needs of the IT industry.
Text by: Karl Nicholie Suobiron
Photos: Philippine Society of Information Technology Students – USM Facebook Page
