Last week, May 24, 2013 Friday 6:40PM - my internship in Primer - KIDC ended. It was my last day to go to their office as an intern. I would have loved to extend but there are commitments (particularly ABSC and Ignite Conference 2013) that I cannot miss. I wish I started a little earlier but I know I started at the best time. I entitled this as an "Epic Conclusion" because of what we did on my last day but before that, let me share a couple of things that I learned and the principles that I have seen its application.
1.) Team work is VERY (very, very, very) important - I like groupworks, group studies, etc but I would always prefer working alone (not working lonely). Primarily because when I weigh my decisions, it would not take so much time on consulting everyone and waiting for their comments/suggestions but don't get me wrong, I like being in a team. One of my bosses, Ms. Tiff, is a great team player. She would always strive to get your insight regarding a particular plan or idea. I noticed this when I was in a meeting with her, she would always, ALWAYS ask for almost everyone's opinion and allow everyone to speak up. But this does not only apply on a meeting. Whenever one member of the team would do store rounds or would go on a meeting and forgets something to do before he/she leaves (normally emailing a file or a store person), people who are left at the back office would have the initiative to do that person a favour. You may say "It's just an email" but in the world of marketing wherein almost everything is done through email - "an email and its content" are very important and this importance is also conveyed through their team work.
2.) A good sense of work ethics will attract a good set of friends - People in the team that I belong to have a great sense of work ethics (yes there were delays but they always know where they stand and when they have given their best) and what I find amazing is that they are also good friends. More than the style of humor - I think their good set of work ethics is also a factor that strengthens their relationship with one another.
3.) There will always be an issue of Integrity - The context of the word "issue" does not connote negativity in this statement. What I mean is that in any workplace, there will always be an issue about Integrity - reimbursements, trips, meetings, etc. regardless if its commendable or not.
4.) Character is more important than skill - I have heard this in church a dozen times. With all due respect, sometimes it's easier to apply this in church than in workplace because there will be more people to understand you in church but despite the difficulty - it's still possible and I saw it first hand. There was a time wherein we had a meeting with a client and we felt like this person is too demanding and is full of himself. At the end of the meeting, my boss asked for my opinion and I said: "He is too demanding." I felt like he doesn't see this as a privilege to work with our company. He is a talented person but his character was not in the same level as his skill. A person who has a great talent might find it difficult to develop a great attitude but a person of great character can bring his talent to a higher level.
Before I left the office, Mr. Arian Zaragoza and Ms. Soleil Sanchez, had a meeting with me. They asked for the things that I learned. They told me that they don't want me to leave their office without me learning about the job that I applied for and I saw it on the first day of my internship up to the last. Yes, they made me photocopy some papers but the difference is, they made me realize how important that particular paper is. Yes, they asked me to go and deliver products for sponsorships but they also told me what it is for and why I should do it. Yes, there was coffee - but unlike other companies - it was my bosses who offered me. Yes, I carried big and heavy boxes but if I was not there - my bosses would do it. They were deliberate to teach me the things that I need to know and I was deliberate in observing it. The last thing that they wanted me to do is to have a mock interview. Yes. They interviewed me as if I was really applying for a REAL job. They wanted to make sure that they get to see how I communicate with the interviewer.
To Kuya Arian, Ate Soleil, Ms. Tiff, Ms. Joanna, Ms. Malyn and Ms. Eleoni,
Thank you so much. I have learned so many things.Thank you for teaching me how to work with people than merely working with data. It is a great privilege to learn from you. Thank you for making me feel that you were grateful to have me because you know the feeling of working every day without getting paid. I really appreciate that. I would try my best to bring the values I learned to wherever I may be. Glad to had worked with you. I hope to see you guys again even if I will not be led to work in your company. God bless!
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