Feature

Young Pinay SPLE passer for Engineers lands dream job at CNN

People say that landing a job in the UAE is a combination of factors – skill, perseverance, and a bit of luck. For Sheren Sumera, it took all three and more for her to grab the opportunity to work for a global news agency. She spoke to The Filipino Times as she shares her inspiring journey.

Preparing for SPLE

Prior to landing here in the country, Sumera was working as a System Engineer back in Cebu. But deep inside she knew that for her to practice her profession to the fullest, she had to get her license.

She flew to the UAE not just to get better opportunities – she also started attending review classes and studied thoroughly for her exams. “First of all, I asked God to guide me during my SPLE journey. Because without Him all of this is impossible. I do attend review classes that provided by the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines – UAE (IECEP-UAE). Every night, I make sure that I will study at least 2hrs. If there is a free time during my working hours, I used it to study and I am grateful to my boss and colleagues that they supported me by letting me study,” said Sumera.

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Fast forward several months later, Sumera’s persistence and perseverance paid off as she successfully passed the Special Professional Licensure Exams here in the UAE. “The toughest challenge I had is to be consistent in studying. Ang daming temptations to keep you distracted at pagod pa sa work. But I set a goal beforehand, so un ang naging motivation ko na kailangan mag-aral. Kahit mahirap, pinagsisikapan ko pa din na mag-aral everyday. Kahit at least 2hrs a day,” shares Sumera.

The CNN Journey

Sumera said that her entry to CNN was a fortunate stroke of luck: “I’m messaging my friend in our dialect and I accidentally sent it to IECEP UAE members group. I was so embarrassed that time. It was a joke between me and my friend. Asking him for a job in their company kahit tea girl lang nya, ahahaha. After that, our governor send a personal message saying if I am interested for an internship in CNN.”

The IECEP-UAE governor back in 2018, Engineer Louie Mel Maliksi who also happens to be the recipient of the 2017 TFT Engineer of the Year award, gave Sumera an opportunity to see if she qualifies for the exams.

After passing the initial examinations, Sumera hesitated, thinking that she might fail to live up to the expectations and almost backed out: “After kong ipasa, napaisip ako, kaya ko ba? Muntik pa akong magback out. Sinabe ko kay sir Louie na hindi nalang ako tutuloy. Mabuti nalang nakinig ako sa kanya. He said na kaya ko yan and naniniwala siyang kaya ko.”

Four months of gruelling and challenging internship period came by and Sumera was eventually absorbed by CNN. “Di ko un iniexpect na maaabsorb ako kase sa una palang sinabihan na ako na hindi kasiguraduhan na magiging regular after internship. But I am grateful, in-absorb ako ng company. So un na ang start ng CNN career ko,” shares Sumera.

Maliksi lauded Sumera’s efforts as he saw the fire and passion within her that continues to this day. “Sheren is a hardworking and dedicated employee who shows exceptional excellence in our field. I’m proud of how she continues to show that Filipino women are more than capable of bringing world class skills to the table,” said Maliksi.

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Find your motivation

Sumera said that she wouldn’t have arrived at her position if not for the trust that she placed in herself and the confidence that she got from those who support her. “Don’t give up. Don’t lose hope. Believe in yourself. Study and understand as much as possible. Every day is a learning day. If in doubt, ask IECEP UAE. They will help you in all means. Do the best and be the best,” said Sumera.

She now pays it forward by teaching fellow SPLE examinees for this year and thanks all of those who have been instrumental to drive her career: “I do teach also to other SPLE because I believe you will learn more by teaching and practicing. To our all mighty God, Thank you. You pour me bountiful blessings. To my family, Thank for always being there, for the understanding and love that you gave to me and sorry for my shortcomings. I love you all. To IECEP UAE Family Thank you so much.”

Staff Report

The Filipino Times is the chronicler of stories for, of and by Filipinos all over the world, reaching more than 236 countries in readership. Any interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]

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