Reflections

What were your expectations before starting?

Before starting my OJT, I had some assumptions about what I would encounter. I planned to gain exposure to a wide range of IT-related duties, including both hardware and software components of the profession. I planned to spend more time on hardware activities, such as fixing and maintaining equipment, because I believe this is an essential skill in IT. In addition, I expected to be able to work on website development projects, which is something I'm especially interested in and is quite important in today's digital business. Finally, I hoped to get experience working in a real-world office environment, learning how IT systems are maintained in a professional context and how the IT department supports day-to-day business operations.

What did you learn from the experience?

During my OJT, I got essential hands-on experience in the IT area, bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation. I learnt how to troubleshoot and repair various gear, such as computers and printers, which significantly improved my technical abilities. One notable incident was when I rebuilt a PC without a power button using a jump-start method, which taught me resourcefulness.

I also had the opportunity to work on repairing failing printers and troubleshooting issues such as ink and paper jams. This increased my understanding of printer components and hardware fixes, giving me more confidence to handle similar chores in the future. In addition, I learnt how to think creatively when confronted with a challenge, such as manually transferring ink due to a malfunctioning bottle.

Beyond technical skills, I learned the value of effective communication and teamwork in the business. When we ran into delays, such as a fire near the e-trike station, I learnt how to communicate the situation effectively and keep my team updated. This event showed me the importance of keeping calm and open in stressful times.

I also realized that IT involves more than simply programming; it's about problem solving, system maintenance, and support to keep things running smoothly. The experience taught me about the vast spectrum of IT work and its importance in supporting corporate operations.

Overall, my OJT helped me have a better grasp of IT, not just in terms of technical skills but also in how to perform efficiently in a professional setting. I now feel better equipped to face problems and contribute to future IT careers.

How did the training impact your career goals?

The program helped me achieve my career goals by giving me meaningful hands-on experience in the IT area. While I appreciate the opportunity to work as an IT in an office setting, it has also made me realize that this aspect of the profession may not be the greatest fit for me. Although I learned a lot about hardware troubleshooting and software management, I didn't find working in an office IT environment as interesting as I had hoped. However, the experience has increased my confidence in my technical talents, and I now see how I may apply these skills in other areas of IT, such as computer engineering or more dynamic careers in the tech business.

What improvements would you suggest for future OJT programs?

One significant improvement for future OJT programs would be to include a greater range of jobs and projects that cover many areas of IT. During my OJT, I was mostly focused on hardware fixes, which, while useful, limited my exposure to other vital parts of IT. It would have been advantageous to also work on software troubleshooting, where I could learn how to diagnose and resolve software-related issues such as operating system failures or program malfunctions.

Furthermore, obtaining hands-on expertise with network management would be incredibly beneficial. Understanding how networks are configured, maintained, and troubleshooted provides insight into how information is exchanged and safeguarded between systems, which is critical for any IT function. By exposing students to a broader range of IT tasks—hardware, software, networking, and programming—the OJT experience will be more well-rounded and provide a clearer picture of the many facets of the IT field, assisting students in discovering their true interests and preparing them for a variety of career opportunities.

Conclusion & Recommendations

Overall, my OJT experience was highly valuable, offering hands-on exposure to various aspects of IT, particularly hardware repairs. I learned a great deal about troubleshooting and maintaining computers and printers, and gained a better understanding of real-world IT operations. However, I also realized that the office IT environment may not be the best fit for my long-term interests. Despite this, the experience allowed me to develop technical skills and provided insight into the importance of problem-solving, communication, and teamwork in an IT role.

For future trainees, I recommend taking full advantage of every opportunity to learn and ask questions. Don’t hesitate to explore different IT areas, as broad exposure will help you find what excites you most. While hands-on tasks like hardware repairs are essential, try to seek out experience in software troubleshooting, network management, and even basic programming if possible. Lastly, always maintain a positive attitude, stay open to feedback, and be adaptable to new challenges, as these qualities will help you succeed in your training and beyond.

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