Can you give a brief overview of your background?
I'm Lauren Solomon, studying business management at De La Salle University. I'm in my senior year, second to the last term. In senior high school, I took the ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management) strand. For internships, I had one during senior high school called Immersion, which was also in HR (though I forgot the company name). My recent internship is with Cebu Pacific.
For those who haven't heard of Cebu Pacific, what does the company do? And what was your role during your internship at Cebu Pacific?
Cebu Pacific is under the aviation industry. It's an airline company, one of the leading ones in domestic aviation. It transports people and cargoes. My role was in human resources (HR), specifically under the talent management team. I handled tasks ranging from screening to conducting interviews for non-flying applicants. I eventually did interviews as well, mostly for entry-level positions. I also did some work in other HR teams like rewards.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about your field (HR) and Cebu Pacific?
The misconception is that the hiring processes would be significantly different for a transport company like Cebu Pacific. In reality, it's not that different, as there are non-flying applicants for various job positions. Another misconception about HR is that people look down on it, thinking it's just about hiring people. But from a different perspective, you're actually giving people jobs and making their dreams come true.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role as an HR intern at Cebu Pacific?
My day started at 8 am, though Cebu Pacific has a culture of mutual trust, so timing wasn't strict as long as you got the work done. I would start by screening applicants from platforms like DarwinBox, putting them in folders, and forwarding them to my supervisors for review. After getting their confirmation, I would schedule interviews with the applicants and communicate with them. Eventually, they allowed me to conduct interviews for entry-level positions. I also worked on critical hiring documents, though as drafts for review and approval.
What was the coolest thing you worked on during your internship at Cebu Pacific?
The coolest thing was definitely the interviews. I didn't expect they would trust me with conducting interviews, and at one point, they allowed me to do interviews without supervision. It was a sense of fulfillment to see the names of those I had interviewed and worked on their hiring documents get hired.
How did you first find out about the internship opening at Cebu Pacific?
I was generally searching on various career platforms. Cebu Pacific's internship opening caught my interest because it was in a different industry than the usual ones I had considered. They needed interns to start in June, but my academic internship was supposed to start the following term. So, I decided to start earlier with Cebu Pacific and ended up staying for five months instead of the typical three.
Did Cebu Pacific offer any benefits or allowance for interns?
No, Cebu Pacific didn't offer any allowance. It was really just the experience. But that was okay for me because the location was convenient, and I learned to be financially wise. The experience, learning, and the people I bonded with were more valuable than an allowance.
Can you walk us through the application process you went through for the Cebu Pacific internship?
I submitted my CV first, then had two interviews – one with HR and the final interview with two members from the team I was applying for. Interestingly, I was late for the final interview, which was online. They had to call me, so the entire interview was unscripted and showcased my authentic self, which might have made me stand out. I applied through an online platform, and the entire process took a maximum of two weeks.
Did you have any preparations or tips before the interviews?
I did some research on common interview questions, but the night before, I just focused on being calm and mindset preparation through breathing exercises. On the day of the interview, I avoided scanning any notes or preparation material to prevent mental blocks. The key was to be authentic and let the conversation flow naturally without being too tense.
What did the initial days and onboarding process look like when you joined?
On the first day (June 13), there was an onboarding session where they walked us through the company. Since I didn't have a laptop yet, I started by learning how to print IDs. The next day, I got a laptop and was taught the process of screening CVs on platforms like DarwinBox.
Was there anything surprising about your internship experience?
One surprising experience was being assigned to interact with applicants during a cabin crew recruitment expo, even though I wasn't part of the cabin crew team. I ended up speaking with applicants for customer journey manager roles, which were more tenured positions. I thought I would be intimidated, but it was a friendly experience, and I enjoyed communicating with people.
What learning and development opportunities did you have access to?
I didn't have any specific training modules or workshops. It was mainly learning by doing and experiential learning, which suited me well. There was no formal mentorship program, but since I stayed longer, I ended up mentoring new interns towards the end of my internship.
How was the work-life balance during your internship?
The workload was manageable, as the company understood I was still a student working on my thesis. Time management was crucial, though, as I would often work the whole day, then have to take care of my cat and work on my thesis at night. However, it wasn't difficult to get approval for leaves or work from home if needed, as long as I informed them and got the work done.
What did your social life look like during the internship? Did you make friends?
I was close with my fellow interns initially, as we were in the same batch and would have lunch together. Eventually, I bonded with the HR employees as well, especially after my fellow interns left. There was a "vibe check" process, but once I clicked with them, they would invite me for lunch, and it became natural to socialize.
What was the coolest perk you experienced while working at Cebu Pacific?
The coolest perk was having an office with a view of planes and helicopters flying by. Additionally, there was a separate office on the floor above, which my fellow interns and I would occasionally visit, that offered a view of the runway, allowing us to see planes and helicopters take off and land. It was a beautiful sight.
Can you describe the typical career path for your role at Cebu Pacific?
If I had continued the HR internship, the path would likely involve starting at an entry-level HR position, then progressing to a team lead role, followed by becoming a manager, and eventually reaching the highest levels within the HR department.
Would you consider pursuing that career path long-term?
I'm still exploring my options, as my course is business management, which covers various business fields. I don't want to limit myself, so I might take the HR path first and then explore other opportunities that come my way.
Based on your observations, how long do employees typically stay at Cebu Pacific?
Some employees I met had been there for one or two decades, while others had been there for less than five years. The HR employees I worked with were mostly young, with some having joined after the pandemic.
Would you recommend students to pursue unpaid internships like yours at Cebu Pacific?
Yes, if you can handle your finances well, even without an allowance. In my case, the experience, learnings, and bonds I formed were more valuable than an allowance. It's important to prioritize gaining worthwhile experiences over short-term financial incentives.
Any advice for students before applying for internships or graduate jobs?
Double-check if the company and position truly align with your interests and goals. It's hard to be productive if you don't enjoy what you're doing. Find your purpose and how you can contribute to the company before deciding. Don't limit yourself to one opportunity, as there are many out there.
Final advice for new graduates starting at Cebu Pacific or any internship role?
Don't be afraid to show your true, authentic self. If a company rejects you for being genuine, it simply means you're not a good fit for each other, and that's okay. There are plenty of opportunities out there. Break barriers and societal standards if needed, as being authentic is crucial for finding the right career path.