Discovering and understanding an organization's culture(like ACTM for example or any other org:D)

        I learned from my previous lectures that in order to understand an organization it must be viewed through "cultural lens".By viewing it in cultural lens,one has to see it according to the culture of that organization.We even have to immerse ourselves in it to appreciate and understand where different people come from.Based from experience,I really think that going,participating and joining in an org's events is one of the crucial factors for understanding cultures whether an org or something else.For this week,I participated in the activities and events of my orgs particularly my home org,Actm.Actm(Associations for Communications Technology Management) is the home organization of Comtech students.Its core competency is Integrated Marketing Communications.As a member of this org,I oblige myself to learn more about my org and its competency,become more exposed in its activities and active in all its events as much as possible to make up for not being active during my freshman year.So,what were these amazing events I have attended this week?I attended 3 for now and these events were Tambay Week,Alumni Exchange and the Panorama IMC seminar.Without further ado,let's keep the dice rolling and get this started with! :)

       The first event,Tambay Week,is a week devoted to the members of Actm so they can have a chance to bond with other Actm-ers.This event would help in fostering camaraderie through a series of games and activities.One game I joined is Jenga where you will form a pile of blocks and the participants would roll a dice.After rolling the dice,the person gets a chance of taking one pile based on the dice's color,without making the rest fall.If the pile falls while taking one block,then it's a game over!I also played monopoly and in order to win,one has to form 3 sets of properties and there has to be 3 in each set.I had a hard time when I first played and I felt really touched when the other participants even volunteered in helping me understand the game.At least,even though I was having a hard time,I managed to build a set and almost win the game.One even noted that I was "sneaky" since I was silently building my set and almost on the brink of winning the game with the others barely noticing it!:)If I wouldn't be playing these games,I would be conversing happily with my other orgmates and blockmates or be alone silently resting and reading a book.I learned significant pieces of advice  from senior orgmates just by talking to them.I curiously watched other people play Xbox video games both in Actm in Meco(home org of Management Economics majors) since the latter had a Tambay Week too.These activities were the bridge that helped me in making good rapport to establish a meaningful connection.I also felt comfortable bonding with them in the process.

       The second event I participated in was the Alumni Exchange where a group of  Comtech students would  meet a corresponding alumnus.This gives the students a chance to see what the careers and jobs of a Comtech graduate are and be under the apprenticeship and tutelage of their alumni.The alumnus would also assign a task after giving the students a guided tour.It also prepares them for a life beyond Communications,IT and Marketing.The participants were to be led by a volunteer/chaperone.The volunteers have a greater responsibility because they have to contact and coordinate with their alumnus and participants.I was assigned as a volunteer but I missed this chance of being one because I was busy with my studies so I just became a participant and I actually discovered that I'm not yet prepared for that responsibility so I felt I was on the right track! :D Anyway,our alumnae was Ms. Esme Fong.She works at Chevron in Makati City.We got meet her workmates,listen to her and her colleagues' talk,eat and converse along the way.We got to meet other people in her workplace.After which,our task was to join them in their "stretch break".We stretched for a couple of minutes then we answered an evaluation form to give our feedback.We finally thanked Ms Esme for giving us her time since we learned about so many things about Chevron and its jobs which are centered on IT.

        Finally,I joined the Panorama IMC Seminar which allowed me to be familiarized about advertising,effective IMC and digital marketing.It was to be led by 3 speakers namely Mr Nate Dy-Liaco of Publicis Manila,Mr Efi De Castro of Century Pacific and Mr Carlo Ople of  TV5.They all gave wonderful talks and this helped me gain more knowledge about IMC.Because of that,I'm beginning to like my course and I hope to gain more wisdom,understanding and insights about IMC aside from knowledge.Good thing,I took down notes and listened attentively despite the distractions.We had a break for a short while to eat and mingle with other people.The pieces of advice they shared will guide along the way as I discover more and more about it.And this was also open to other universities like La Salle,UST and UP.So,one of the things I learned from the speakers altogether was knowing your consumer and their interests,learning something new each day,reinventing yourself,being curious,developing your skills and competencies(but give more priority to your competency).I also received happily my certificate of attendance for successfully being a part of it.We had a picture taking after the talks and I believed everyone went home with a smile in their faces since it was really great and I learned a lot.

       So,joining an event in your org is really a great chance in discovering its culture through cultural lens.Orgs help you develop a balanced and well-rounded life outside the classroom.Orgs balances theories and concepts learned in class with experience and practice in their activities.It's a great opportunity for developing your skills and talents,meeting new friends,knowing how your career or job will be and developing the skill of seeing things through your cultural lens.Cultural lens (for me) is looking at another's culture with fresh eyes and allowing yourself to be discreetly assimilated by it without losing your identity but discovering more of yourself in the process.Why? Because,you get to know their traits,behaviors,beliefs,values and so many things.As I immerse myself in more events in Actm and my other orgs,I will learn a lot about their culture and this will help me understand cultural diversities and differences more importantly,their organizational life/lifestyle!Of course,I have to expose myself in more of its activities and events as well as being more active in it so I can make the most of my experiences in Actm and the rest of my orgs along with my blockmates and orgmates! :D

                                                                         ADMG! :D