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| Me and other Leo Burnett Interns |
This blog talks about internships or what other people call it, OJT. I have only another week of OJT before I officially say goodbye to the company that I worked for more than a month. It seems like only yesterday that I entered Leo Burnett Manila. So here is Ruth Cancio writing down her thoughts of her internship. Because the worst feeling ever, would be forgetting about it--which I don't think will ever happen. So, here it goes :)
By the way,I just want to make a claim that I am NO expert when it comes to the topic of internships. I may be just as clueless as you are. However, I would just like to share some tips or some helpful internship advice here in my blog. This tips were the tips that I learned along the way of applying and working in the company that I applied in. Plus, videos (Youtube) and articles online on "How to be the Best Intern" really helped a lot too.
Finding internships is like a battle. And in a battle, you cannot go out unprepared. You can die. It is the same with looking for an internship and working as an intern. If you don't come prepared, YOU CAN JUST LOSE THE BATTLE.
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| Nescafe did the trick for the Office-girls who were feeling sleepy |
So here are the following tips that I will share with you guys.How do you survive internships?
1. RESEARCH
Knowledge is power.You should always feel hungry for information. It helps a lot if you study the companies you are thinking of applying. Study their Mission, Vision, History, and all of the things that is there to know.
I remember the time when I was looking for the top agencies in advertising. When I got my top 3 agencies, I really tried to remember/memorize there clients. So that, I can impress the HR of the agencies and increase my chances of getting in. But of course, I still forgot most of them--FAIL. Blame lack of sleep and nervousness :) But luckily, I was still accepted at one of the most reputed advertising agency which is Leo Burnett Manila
I remember the time when I was looking for the top agencies in advertising. When I got my top 3 agencies, I really tried to remember/memorize there clients. So that, I can impress the HR of the agencies and increase my chances of getting in. But of course, I still forgot most of them--FAIL. Blame lack of sleep and nervousness :) But luckily, I was still accepted at one of the most reputed advertising agency which is Leo Burnett Manila
2. BE ONE STEP AHEAD IF NOT TWO/ALWAYS COME PREPARED
Competition is one hurdle that you must face in applying for your dream internship. There are a lot of other students like you who are also looking for that same internship position. It is always good to humble yourself and start applying early. Don't assume that a big company will accept you anytime due to impressive resume. Of course, this companies wants to see that you really wanted this internship position more than anything else--more than those other applicants. This makes you special in someway and projects a good first impression.
I actually have my "Checklist" of what my internship should be or should have.It was just short and simple, although some maybe a little bit ambitious--maybe.
Internship Checklist...
3 out of 4 i guess...Not bad ;)
Competition is one hurdle that you must face in applying for your dream internship. There are a lot of other students like you who are also looking for that same internship position. It is always good to humble yourself and start applying early. Don't assume that a big company will accept you anytime due to impressive resume. Of course, this companies wants to see that you really wanted this internship position more than anything else--more than those other applicants. This makes you special in someway and projects a good first impression.
I actually have my "Checklist" of what my internship should be or should have.It was just short and simple, although some maybe a little bit ambitious--maybe.
Internship Checklist...
- Good office/building-GOT IT!
- Does not make interns make coffee--SCORE!
- Nice boss--CHECK!
- I should be given allowance--Hmmm.....
3 out of 4 i guess...Not bad ;)
3. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
You are not THE BOSS of the company. Don't expect yourself to know EVERYTHING. It is better to ask and be sure that your work is right than to assume that what you know is right and end up screwing up. And besides, the people in the company that you applied in understands that you are there to learn from them. It is just key to listen.
You are not THE BOSS of the company. Don't expect yourself to know EVERYTHING. It is better to ask and be sure that your work is right than to assume that what you know is right and end up screwing up. And besides, the people in the company that you applied in understands that you are there to learn from them. It is just key to listen.
4. ASSERTIVE AND PATIENT
No one said it would be easy.
Often times when you just started your OJT, you will experience a lot of bum days or if not you will be doing a lot of JUST clerical work in the office. Well, it may not be same for all internships.However in my experience, that was the happening. I found myself on my first day sitting in the corner of the room doing nothing--waiting for somebody to notice me and give me something productive to do. Not that I am complaining (ok, maybe just a little. haha). But here is the thing, I understand that it is normal for me to experience this. Because of course, I am just an intern and it was my task to work hard to earn their trust. From that, I have learned the value of Patience.
Other than Patience there is also being Assertive. This means, personally going to your boss and asking her or him if he or she needs any of your help. I know, sounds scary right? All the "What If's" are flooding your brain right now. However, this is the only way that your boss will see your willingness to learn. It makes you look less "Mayabang"(Show-off). Remember, you need her than she needs you.
No one said it would be easy.
Often times when you just started your OJT, you will experience a lot of bum days or if not you will be doing a lot of JUST clerical work in the office. Well, it may not be same for all internships.However in my experience, that was the happening. I found myself on my first day sitting in the corner of the room doing nothing--waiting for somebody to notice me and give me something productive to do. Not that I am complaining (ok, maybe just a little. haha). But here is the thing, I understand that it is normal for me to experience this. Because of course, I am just an intern and it was my task to work hard to earn their trust. From that, I have learned the value of Patience.
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| First brainstorming session with my co-intern/blockmate Chot :) |
5. GO AN EXTRA MILE
As a third year student, we are required to render 200 hours of internship. Last week, I already have accumulated 200 hours. But I was not yet satisfied of my internship experience. I felt like, I want to learn more. I wanted to know more about real world of Advertising. And most importantly, I wanted to know if this was really the work that I want after college. I remember my first OT (Over Time). I left the office pass 10 pm because I decided to help my boss for their mid-year presentation. I tell you, It was all worth it!
So far, that's all I got--FOR NOW. I am looking forward to next week. So much to look forward too--like the TVC shoot we have on monday.One thing is for sure, I will miss OJT. I never expected to feel that. I thought OJT was scary and boring.
As a third year student, we are required to render 200 hours of internship. Last week, I already have accumulated 200 hours. But I was not yet satisfied of my internship experience. I felt like, I want to learn more. I wanted to know more about real world of Advertising. And most importantly, I wanted to know if this was really the work that I want after college. I remember my first OT (Over Time). I left the office pass 10 pm because I decided to help my boss for their mid-year presentation. I tell you, It was all worth it!
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| First OT |
So far, that's all I got--FOR NOW. I am looking forward to next week. So much to look forward too--like the TVC shoot we have on monday.One thing is for sure, I will miss OJT. I never expected to feel that. I thought OJT was scary and boring.
Another thing that I realize from OJT is....if you think you are not going to eat AS MUCH FOOD whereas when you are at home, THINK AGAIN. So... Learn to budget or you'll just end up heartbroken. Like me.
