To be frank, I initially had no specific reason or goal for applying as a management consultant in my previous internship. As it was my first required internship, I mainly considered the office’s proximity to my residences and the allowance with the rationale that if I decide to pursue a different industry, I would have other chances to do so. It just so happened that the company I applied for and was fortunate to receive an offer from was located somewhat close to my house and offered a competitive allowance. 

Starting out, I didn’t really know what to expect, nor did I truly know what I wanted to achieve in my career. Although I had a decent idea of the role, I was unsure of the exact type of work that I would be doing. I guess my main assumption at the time was that I would only be working on small or repetitive tasks; however, over the span of those 4 months with the company, I was able to work on and support large scale projects, such as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and an E-Commerce deal, that pushed me beyond what I perceived to be my limits. The work I handled ranged from writing sections of the PPP’s proposal to creating “mini” financial models or analytical decks that would be presented to executives. Being able to generate such work that contributed to significant projects in a fast-paced environment allowed me to uncover and develop not only technical skills, but also the necessary soft skills in the corporate world through my daily interactions with executives. However, the experience was not always smooth sailing. I definitely encountered various challenges along the way such as demanding timelines, varying types of work, and the implicit pressure of working on such projects, and admittedly, it took a while to ease into the role. Nevertheless, I was able to come through and create impactful work that made me find out more about my own strengths, interests, and corresponding points of improvement, all while contributing to a larger cause. 

In general, the internship was truly enlightening and shifted the way I saw my future. Months past the experience, I still look back grateful for the experience and everything I have learned from it.  With a better understanding of myself and what I want to achieve in life, I now feel much more excited and confident as I navigate through my career with the competence and experiences that the internship has equipped me with. 

In choosing my internship, I focused on aligning it with my goal to build a career in sales. This led me to secure an Account Management Internship in the entertainment/e-commerce industry, a role that centered on business development and enhancing sales performance.

My primary role involved managing seller accounts and conducting data analysis to drive sales growth. As a newcomer to this field, I was both excited by the opportunity and aware of the challenges ahead, given my limited experience. 

This motivated me to embrace a proactive learning mindset, focusing on expanding my knowledge and honing the skills vital for excelling in my role. Thus, I consistently sought guidance from my manager and colleagues, while also dedicating significant time to independent research. This allowed me to effectively fulfill my responsibilities and drive growth in the accounts assigned to me.

For those considering an account management internship, I'd like to share a valuable lesson my manager taught me I still apply today even outside work: always do a "deep dive." This approach taught me to rely on data as my most valuable asset as it will always give me the unbiased answers I am looking for!

Beyond the technical skills, I'd offer this advice to future interns: don't be afraid to go the extra mile. After completing my tasks, I always informed my manager and asked for additional responsibilities. This proactive approach expanded my role beyond account management, leading to exciting opportunities like driving brand awareness through social media campaigns and sourcing creators for projects. I've found that managers appreciate this initiative and are often willing to offer new challenges if you simply ask! 

Most importantly, I learned that as an intern, my contributions hold real value. I used to hesitate in sharing my ideas as I felt that my voice didn't really carry much weight as an intern. However, I soon learned otherwise. Each contribution, no matter how small it may seem, has real impact.  For instance, witnessing the tangible growth of the sellers I supported was a testament to the impact of even the smallest actions. This journey taught me that true empowerment lies in recognizing the value of our own contributions, no matter the context or title.

I decided to pursue this internship in order to explore my interest in the luxury and beauty industry. Although this role was not my preferred position, I've always had a bit of interest in supply chain and procurement, so I saw it as an exciting opportunity to explore a new area. I approached it with an open mind, eager to learn about how supply chain functions contribute to larger business operations.

This opportunity allowed me to gain valuable experience in procurement and supply chain management, engaging directly with vendors and suppliers. I quickly adapted by focusing on the skills I could transfer from other areas, such as attention to detail, communication, and relationship management, which were vital in vendor negotiations. This experience also significantly improved my communication skills and taught me how to build professional relationships with various stakeholders.

One of the main challenges I faced was managing complex negotiations with multiple vendors, each with different expectations and needs. This required quick adaptability and strategic thinking to ensure that deals aligned with both the company's goals and the vendors' interests. My primary responsibilities included negotiating favorable terms and pricing with suppliers to improve budget management and streamline procurement processes. I also conducted cost analyses and comparisons across various vendor bidding proposals in categories such as IT, office supplies, facility maintenance, store builds, and merchandising.

This internship ultimately gave me exposure to a key aspect of business operations that I hadn't fully considered before, and I now see the value it brings in terms of efficiency and cost management. It helped me improve my attention to detail and reinforced the importance of thorough research before making decisions. Moreover, it gave me a strong understanding of the balance between efficiency and quality in a premium industry. My mindset shifted towards thinking more strategically about how every decision, no matter how small, fits into the broader goals of the company. Professionally, my negotiation and communication skills have also improved significantly, which I can apply to future opportunities. On a personal level, the experience enhanced my problem-solving abilities and my capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively under pressure.

Overall, I developed a greater sense of confidence in handling responsibilities independently, as I was often entrusted with key tasks that had a direct impact on the department's success. This internship not only provided me with practical skills in procurement and supply chain management but also gave me valuable insights into the industry, preparing me for future challenges in my career.

Entering my first internship, I was eager to find a company that would expose me to a diverse range of industries. This desire led me to the Business Network Industry, where I had the opportunity to meet numerous professionals, learn about various businesses, and gain insights into different sectors. This experience proved instrumental in shaping my understanding of the career path I wanted to pursue in future internships and ultimately in my post-graduation work life. 

As a member relations intern, my primary responsibilities revolved around acquiring and retaining our partner companies. This role involved regular check-ins with existing partners, co-hosting events with them, and participating in meetings with potential new partners to explore collaborative ventures. Engaging with a variety of stakeholders not only honed my interpersonal skills but also deepened my understanding of relationship management within a corporate context. 

Securing this position allowed me to gain valuable experience in areas I had not fully developed, explores within DLSU. The internship provided me with a practical application of the theories I had studied, enhancing my overall competency in a real-world business environment. This internship offered me a firsthand glimpse into corporate culture and life after college. It underscored the importance of delivering high-quality work, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and maintaining punctuality and reliability. I learned to be consistent and accountable in all my actions—traits that are essential for success in any professional setting. 

The experience taught me that professionalism extends beyond just completing tasks; it involves building trust and credibility with colleagues and partners. Moreover, this experience fostered a growth mindset within me. Being immersed in an unfamiliar environment challenged me to embrace learning opportunities from my mistakes. Each lapse became a chance to bounce back stronger, reinforcing the idea that resilience is key to personal and professional development. I discovered that feedback is invaluable; seeking it out and using it constructively helped me refine my approach to various challenges.

Ever since I started university, I have always wanted to try working for a global consulting firm. The idea of solving complex problems, collaborating with diverse individuals, and working on a variety of projects excited me - which is why I chose to pursue an internship in this industry. This opportunity aligned perfectly with my career goals, as it allowed me to gain firsthand experience in a fast-paced, problem-solving environment. During my internship as a business operations intern in the central team, my main responsibilities revolved around supporting various departments within the company. This included processing payments, assisting with project management, contributing to learning and development initiatives, and helping my supermentor with ad hoc tasks for top management. My role was crucial in ensuring smooth operations across the organization, and it taught me how interconnected each department is in achieving the company’s overall goals. 

This experience profoundly impacted my work ethic, mindset, and perspective on professional life. I quickly learned the importance of discipline and time management, especially in a fast-paced corporate environment where deadlines are strict and expectations are high. Additionally, I realized the significance of asking questions. As this was my first corporate internship, there were many processes and documents I didn’t fully understand in the beginning. However, I soon discovered that it’s far better to ask questions and clarify doubts than to make avoidable mistakes. This mindset not only helped me perform better but also fostered a sense of confidence in navigating unfamiliar situations. 

Overall, this internship was a great professional experience. It provided me with clarity about what I want for my future career and solidified my desire to work in a dynamic, problem-solving environment. Beyond professional growth, I noticed significant improvement in my ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and manage my time efficiently. All in all, I am grateful for the lessons and skills I gained, and I am excited to carry them forward into my future endeavors.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to engage in three key functions that were essential to the success of the partnerships department: (1) marketing and community engagement, (2) communications, and (3) risk and compliance. Each of these areas played a vital role in achieving the overall goals of the organization.

One of my primary responsibilities was to contribute to significant marketing initiatives, particularly the Double-Double campaign. This involved organizing welfare meals for agency partners, which not only strengthened our relationships but also enhanced community engagement. By fostering a sense of support, we were able to create a more collaborative environment that benefited all stakeholders involved. Additionally, I also assisted in creating publication materials for the rebranding of the Facebook page, which was crucial in increasing online presence and enhancing visibility within the industry.

In the communications vertical, I created email cascades about wage adjustments, flash incentives, and campaign incentives. To enhance monitoring and tracking, I organized these cascades in a database, which improved communication efficiency and kept all stakeholders informed about important updates.

For risk and compliance, I focused on securing the necessary business documents essential for partnership success. This task involved meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all compliance measures were met. By addressing potential risks proactively, I helped safeguard the organization’s interests while fostering trust with partners. My contributions across these various areas were instrumental in executing campaigns effectively and fostering successful partnerships. 

Overall, my internship experience provided me with the opportunity to develop skills across multiple functions while making direct contributions to the strategic objectives of the department. Through marketing initiatives, effective communication practices, and diligent risk management, I supported the company's mission and helped cultivate a culture of collaboration and engagement.