Humana mi, kamu nasad…
Internship—it’s that final stretch before graduation, the last hurdle before the finish line. It’s where all the late nights, sleepless deadlines, and group project drama finally lead to something real: the workplace. For many of us in Cebu, this is our first taste of the real world, and it’s both exciting and terrifying.
When you’re an intern, you’re no longer just a student. You’re a learner, a teammate, sometimes even a coffee runner, and somehow, all of that teaches you more than any classroom ever could.
The Internship Journey
No one really tells you how different it feels to step out of school and into a company. One day you’re stressing over finals, and the next, you’re wearing office-appropriate attire and sitting in meetings with people who’ve been doing this for years.
Here in Cebu, internships are a chance not just to prove what you know, but to figure out what you don’t. You’ll make mistakes (plenty, actually) but you’ll also gain skills you didn’t realize you needed. And somewhere in between the confusion and coffee breaks, you grow.
Be Curious, Always
Before Day 1, it’s normal to feel nervous. “What will I be doing?” “Will I be good enough?” “Will I fit in?” All valid questions. But don’t let fear hold back your curiosity. Ask questions. Learn the why behind what you’re doing. You’re not expected to know everything yet, and that’s the point.
Learn the Culture, Not Just the Tasks
Every office has its own vibe. Some are chill, others more formal. Learn how people communicate, how they solve problems, how they celebrate wins. But don’t lose yourself trying to fit in. The goal is to grow, not disappear.
Being your authentic self while adapting to a professional environment, that’s how you stand out.
Failing Is Part of the Job
Let’s be real: you will mess up. And it’s okay.
You might send an email with the wrong name, forget to update a report, or be totally blank during a meeting. It’s not the end of the world. Every mistake is a lesson, and every lesson makes you stronger. The more you fail, the more you learn; just don’t let it stop you from trying again.
Take Charge of Your Own Growth
Don’t wait around to be told what to do. If you see something that could be improved, speak up. Offer help. Ask to try new things. When you show initiative, people remember. You’re not just there to complete hours; you’re there to evolve.
The People Make It Worthwhile
One of the best parts of the internship? The people. The co-interns who make lunch breaks feel like barkada hangouts. The mentors who see potential in you even when you’re unsure. The kuyas and ates who share tips they wish someone told them when they were starting out.
These people? They become part of your journey. And when the time comes to say goodbye, it’ll hit harder than you expect.
What do I wish I knew before I started?
I wish I had known how much I’d grow in just a few months. I wish I had known how hard it would be to leave the people who shaped me. And I wish I had known that sometimes, the best lessons come from the most uncomfortable moments.
But if I knew all of that from the start… where’s the fun in that?
