It feels like we just started the new year, but already graduating students cannot wait for March. For some of them, however, there is one final step to make to begin the march to graduation day internship. On-the-job training or OJT is a work immersion program aimed principally to give them their first real taste of work, jumping from theories to practice, from the classroom to out there in the world. 

It’s a hands-on experience with real professionals in their chosen fields as well as an opportunity to  build connections with the practitioners and experts who can give leads toward their dream careers. 

This latest batch of summa cum laudes from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, fresh from their own personal internships, weigh in on how to improve the practicum process for the sake of both the interns and the industries they will soon join. Here are some of their recommendations.

Janelle Erica Y. Gan

Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS-Arch)

As the on-the-job training serves as an intern’s first impressions of their chosen industry, a foundational set of goals and objectives are instrumental to guide them in maximizing their experience. Providing supplementary learning programs, such as workshops and conferences, would further equip interns with substantial knowledge regarding their work. Lastly, having access to networking and mentorship opportunities where interns receive sincere feedback and advice, especially from esteemed professionals who they look up to in their respective fields, would definitely be motivational and influential for the intern’s professional growth.

Gabrielle Elijah G. Villareal

Bachelor of Arts in Governance and Public Affairs (AB-GPA)

I’d like to believe that OJT is the heartbeat of learning. It’s where knowledge meets action because of how it fuels the fire of our professional growth. It illuminates our path to success. 

I served as a legal intern at the Malayan Insurance’s legal department. As a pre-law student, I gained invaluable exposure to real-world intricacies, fostering a nuanced understanding crucial for my future career. 

To ensure every intern has an enhanced experience, I would suggest that OJT organizers and coordinators must provide daily feedback and mentorship, integration and inclusivity, and diverse exposure in work tasks.

Monique Jericha Sy

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA)

Upon reflecting on my internship experiences, I recommend OJT organizers first to present a clear introduction of the company objectives and assigned responsibilities to create attainable expectations while nurturing a work environment centered on structured guidance and mentorship.

Second, they should provide diverse tasks catered to the interns’ skills and capabilities to foster self-confidence, exploration, and holistic learning. I also recommend institutions to establish a constructive feedback culture in their workplace to encourage interns to raise concerns, seek guidance, and improve their skills effectively, providing an overall rewarding experience.

John David S. Miranda

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA)

Integrating a longer period for orientation alongside the students’ courses a term or two before their actual OJT program can increase their chances of getting into their most prioritized roles. Utilizing their major courses in the earlier terms to shape their perspectives of their prospective goals may also aid them to search for companies. This is how OJT organizers can keep track of what roles students aim for and leverage this with the demand for jobs in the industry, to develop more curated immersions fit for the students.

Kathryn Eleasha T. Martinez

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA)

I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn new technical skills and experience firsthand the UI/UX  Design industry from seasoned international practitioners. Since we were treated as full-time employees, it would have been great to have a designated mentor for the interns to maximize their learning potential by providing direct dynamic feedback, fostering a holistic work environment. Another recommendation is to have the interns engaged through regular check-ins, having an opportunity to build meaningful connections and gather prolific insights.

Lastly, conduct the final evaluation together with co-interns to encourage self-growth and improve their skills resulting in a rewarding internship experience.

John Kelvin M. Lugtu

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA)

A student’s internship is not just another academic requirement. It is a transformational journey that kickstarts one’s career life. I have three suggestions for OJT organizers: (1) provide interns reasonable tasks with outputs that will truly be utilized by the company, (2) consider their voices during brainstorming sessions to encourage dynamic collaboration, and (3) make certain to give substantial feedback on their tasks for the company. All of these will greatly help in making an intern ready for their chosen industry with the right amount of confidence and competence.

Julienne Renee M. Diona

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts (AB-MMA)

Going through my OJT experience, there was this level of uncertainty and doubt as to how prepared I was for my internship hunting.

I would suggest OJT coordinators present aligned partner companies for students’ respective courses and fields, review interns’ resumes, and provide lectures on how to approach and nail interviews.

These tips are not to spoon-feed future interns, but to create an open space for opportunities. This also awards them a professional voice of reason to guide them to better align themselves in the work industry.

Sophia Isabel S. Carpio

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Computer Applications (BSBA-CA)

My first recommendation is to provide students a list of companies that are open for OJTs, so they can secure a slot. It will save a lot of time. This also avoids starting late, which leads to overtime to reach the required number of hours within the time frame. My second recommendation is to advise students to search for companies a term before their OJT starts. Lastly, coordinators should advise students to take their OJT and thesis/capstone on separate terms. This will help them fully focus on their priorities and get enough sleep to stay healthy.