We asked last year's batch of fresh graduates what they think or learned from their first year on the job. Hear what they have to say.

MANILA, Philippines - “It is incredibly necessary to know yourself and find the intersection between what you can do excellently and what you love to do relentlessly. Everything outside the intersection is just trivial, irrelevant and unnecessary for success. And so I learned never to deny myself of the privilege to be confused and make mistakes. My first job’s job is to challenge me to ask if I’m living my life right. And let’s just see how it all goes from here.” —Aimee Bacallan 21, management trainee, Unilever Philippines

“I consider myself lucky for a number of reasons — my first job is my dream job. I get to work with folks who are just as passionate about their craft as I am with mine. Things have been so amazing.” —Kasey Albano 21, design director, Create.ph Studio

“For those heading into their first jobs (assuming that it’s corporate), it helps to know the values a company stands for and its culture. Every waking moment will depend on those two and will vary on how fast, how slow, how deep or how tense. Nothing about corporate is a one-man show. You will realize that your initial fit will only get you so far. If you fall in love in what you do it will show. The same is true otherwise. At the end of the day, you are sure to learn something that will make you a better person who will learn to appreciate life more in all aspects.” —Alin De Venecia 23, management trainee for sales and marketing, Nestlé

“People who get paid for doing what they really love are very lucky. If I were to choose, I’d say always choose happiness/fulfillment over a high-paying job. I spend more than nine hours in the office and I don’t get to see my friends often. What really helps? I love my job and I get along with my officemates, so I don’t have to drag myself to work and feel miserable every day.” —Emma Manalac 21, account manager (Advertising), Publicis Manila Inc.

“The things I learned in college we’re nothing compared to applying them firsthand in my workplace. Kids teach you to appreciate the little(est) things. Do your best. Love what you do. At the end of the day, ask yourself if you’re happy with what you’re doing. If you are, you’re at the right job. If not, go look for it. Never settle. If you’re stressed with work, just think that a lot of people want to be in your position. Work while others are wishing to have one.” —Cheska del Rosario 23, preschool eacher

“The brands I handle include El Hombre Tequila, Toska Vodka and Paradise Mango Rum Liqueur. Being part of a family business, I had to learn to treat the company’s money as my own and budget wisely when spending for placements and activations. I also learned that I have to be more of an example to everyone in the company and as much as possible, I try to do that by going above and beyond what is on my job description.” —Aaron James Limpe-Aw 24, marketing assistant, Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc