Henry, now a seasoned digital marketing professional, never imagined he would land in a world ruled by metrics, algorithms, and client briefs. Once drawn to the structure and symmetry of architecture, he instead found himself shaping a career built on stories, strategies, and communication.

A 2010 graduate of BS Development Communication at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Henry recalls the shift clearly. “Back then, I really wanted to pursue architecture. I loved drawing, and I had taken a civil tech pre-course. But things changed. Eventually, DevCom became a first choice.”

It wasn’t an impulsive decision—it was instinctive. And looking back now, he says, “In all fairness, it was and is fulfilling.”

Henry’s 15-year journey post-graduation proves that a DevCom degree can take you places—not always expected, but always meaningful. “DevCom is broad,” he shares. “You can work in advertising, media, or government—because DevCom equips you with a diverse set of skills.”

His first job was in the marketing team of a construction company, where he stayed for four years. It was there that he first realized how powerful communication could be in real-world settings. “DevCom honed my communication skills. In marketing, you deal with professionals—clients from different fields. You need to be clear, persuasive, and personable.”

From there, Henry transitioned to retail, taking on a leadership role as a Department Head at Robinsons. It was another shift in landscape, but not in skillset. “In DevCom, you learn to engage with people. You don’t go through immersions and outreach activities without learning how to connect. I used that when I handled people in the department store.”

That same strength in human connection brought him to banking—an industry many wouldn’t instantly associate with communication graduates. But Henry proves otherwise.

At BPI, he worked on the insurance team, engaging with a wide range of clients. “Communication is everywhere—it’s not owned by one field. It’s a learned skill, and it applies to everything.”

He stayed with BPI for four years before another opportunity came knocking.

Opportunities Don’t Wait

“Life is unexpected,” Henry reflects. 

Before his time at the bank, he had been designing brochures, editing videos, and creating promotional materials—skills rooted in his DevCom years. Eventually, a friend encouraged him to try out work in digital advertising for international clients. The promise was big—and so was the risk.

“But why settle?” he shrugged. He took the leap. Today, Henry works as a social media manager under Amazon’s Online Advertising Team while also handling Google advertisements.

“I focus on Amazon sales now, and I definitely enjoy it. My DevCom background gave me the edge—especially in storytelling, visual strategy, and client engagement.” This year marks his third in this role.

DevCom Then and Now

Comparing today’s DevCom to his time, Henry sees an evolution. “Before, we had majors. Now, it’s more strategic. There’s a broader understanding of its potential. But one thing hasn’t changed: the energy.”

From community engagements to event planning, Henry credits DevCom’s activity-heavy curriculum for shaping well-rounded communicators. “You come out with experience. And you grow with the people around you.”

He believes the course molds students—but doesn’t decide for them. “DevCom will help you, but you shape your path. You choose how far you’ll go.”

That perspective explains the course of his career. Unafraid of change, driven by instinct, and strengthened by skill, Henry crafted a path uniquely his own.

To Henry, being resourceful is the heart of DevCom. In another scope, DevCom students learn to manage everything behind the scenes—and make it all look effortless.

When asked if he would choose the same path again, his answer was immediate: “Yes. Definitely.”

Doing It Scared

Henry’s story isn’t one of perfect plans—it’s one of courageous pivots. From construction to retail, from banking to digital marketing, his story reflects a truth many students face: what you start with isn’t always what you end up doing. And that’s okay.

Now, with a stable career and a sense of fulfillment, Henry reflects on his journey with gratitude—and a quiet certainty that he made the right choices. He prays. He persists. And in doing so, he’s found everything he once hoped for.

Because in the end, as he puts it, “At least, you made the most of your DevCom journey.