Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
My name is Michael Janus Sunga and I graduated from Far Eastern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Internal Auditing. I also studied at FEU Senior High School so my college education aligned seamlessly with my high school background. I have 7 years of experience across internal auditing, risk management, project management, and marketing roles.
What made you choose SGV & Co. for your internship?
SGV is one of the big four accounting firms in the Philippines, so it was an ideal target for an internship as an accounting student. I consulted professors who gave good feedback about SGV's training and applied along with several batchmates. The responsive application process and diverse intern community were also big plus points.
What does SGV do as a company?
SGV offers audit, tax, consulting, strategy, and transaction services across all industries. They mostly employ accountants and internal auditors for these services. Their main office is in Makati but they have branches in Cebu, Davao, and elsewhere. They are one of the top consulting firms in the Philippines.
How did you find out about SGV's internship program?
We collected a roster of companies and their email addresses. I emailed my CV, cover letter, and an expression of interest in an internship role. After a few email exchanges and a short interview, I was accepted into SGV's 5-month internship as an assurance associate.
What was the application as an intern at SGV?
My professors and my friends recommended SGV so I was influenced to apply there to intern together with them. The application involved submitting a CV and cover letter by email. They conducted a brief phone interview and then informed us we were accepted into the internship program. The process overall took around 2 weeks.
What was the hardest part of the application process as an intern at SGV?
Updating my CV was difficult since I had to reflect on my achievements so far. As a senior, I realized I hadn't accomplished as much as I expected by that point. I had to brainstorm all my activities and experiences to highlight relevant skills.
How did you prepare for the SGV interview?
I asked myself sample questions and practiced responding aloud. I looked up common interview questions online to prepare my answers. I also observed my hand gestures since those can help communicate clearly with the interviewer. Practicing helped build my confidence.
What were your key responsibilities as an assurance associate intern?
As an assurance associate, I observed my supervisor's client interactions to learn auditing processes. I also created flowcharts to analyze situations and participated in discussions about internal audit best practices. My daily responsibilities involved lighter workloads focused on consulting and assurance.
What training and mentoring did you receive as an intern?
SGV has a collaborative culture where communication is highly valued. I was guided by HR for general inquiries and my supervisor for work-related questions. Employees also voluntarily mentored interns and answered our many questions. Seniors were very open to discussing challenges and best practices.
How was the work-life balance and stress levels during your internship?
The work-life balance was manageable, though it varies based on your service line. As an assurance associate, I had a lighter workload. However, I was also balancing my thesis paper along with classes at the time. Tax and special transactions interns seemed to have higher workloads. Overall, the environment was friendly and welcoming so stress levels were low.
Did you work on-site or was it hybrid work arrangement?
Interns were given individual laptops with SGV system access, so we could work from home. But we also had on-site access to different headquarters and floors at their offices. It was a flexible hybrid setup.
What benefits did you receive as an SGV intern?
The allowance provided was quite generous. Other benefits included system security access, facilities access, and food allowance. I appreciated the accessibility perks provided to interns at SGV.
What were some highlights or cool experiences from your SGV internship?
Creating flowcharts to analyze situations was a completely new experience that enhanced my analytical skills. The intern batch was also very diverse, which made the experience more enriching. I made friends across universities and appreciated the open and collaborative culture.
Do you have any final advice for students interested in an SGV internship?
Don't be intimidated by SGV's prestigious reputation - the employees are very friendly and welcoming. Make the most of your internship by communicating openly, learning as much as you can, and enjoying the experience. Utilize the opportunity to build your knowledge, skills and professional network.