As an aspiring media practitioner, I never imagined that my journey would take me to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), where I would embark on an internship experience that would shape my future career and personal growth. Upon thorough reflection, I gathered insights and anecdotes from my fellow interns at PIA Region 5, who, like me, found their true calling in media and communication through this internship program.

Shaping Media Practitioners’ Future 

From day one, the internship was a whirlwind of self-discovery, laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments. Our supervisors, Sir Marlon Atun and Ma’am Danica Caballero, gave us hands-on learning that allowed us to explore writing articles, live broadcasting, and video production. These experiences gave us necessary skills to excel in our chosen fields and opened our eyes to the myriad of opportunities available.

What truly set our PIA internship experience apart was the supportive and nurturing environment provided by our co-interns, supervisors, and colleagues. The camaraderie at PIA made it a healthy work environment where we could find small joys even in hectic situations, fostering collaboration that enabled us to learn from one another and grow together in the field.

Moreover, I encountered unforgettable moments that will forever be etched in my memory. One such moment was when my fellow intern, Edlyn Buara, served as the main anchor and she couldn't help but laugh during a news segment about the Civil Service Exam. For Don Paulo Pableo, it was doing video coverage and getting to know people through interviews. While, Maria Alexis Ballester recalled the challenges of media coverage. I cherished the friendships formed and the opportunities that arose.

During our time, we learned lessons that enriched our lives. Edlyn emphasized understanding and empathy, while Don Paulo stressed the need for flexibility and self-belief. Maria Alexis, on the other hand, highlighted responsible information dissemination and digital media, while I would like to reiterate the importance of camaraderie in a work environment.

Consequently, the internship not only provided practical experience in various media fields but also nurtured soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and critical thinking. These have proven invaluable as we transition into our media careers.

As my internship progressed, I realized that the media is a powerful tool for change since it can influence the public, raise awareness of pressing issues, and provide a platform for marginalized voices. This realization reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in media, as I now understand the implications of its impact on society.

Additionally, the internship emphasized responsible journalism, which was ingrained from the beginning. Thus, we quickly recognized the responsibility of providing reliable and unbiased information to the public.

It also offered a chance to explore communication platforms like social media and online publications, where we gained a deeper understanding of reaching the community. This exposure has equipped us to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving media landscape.

During our internship, we were also encouraged to step out of our comfort zones with an open-minded approach, where we were constantly inspired to think creatively. As a result, we developed the resilience necessary to succeed in the cutthroat media industry.

Furthermore, the internship emphasized building connections within the industry through attending events, participating in media coverages, and collaborating with professionals from media sectors to gain insights into the inner workings of the industry.

Throughout the internship, I was continually impressed by the organization's commitment to diversity. PIA's inclusive environment enabled us to learn from one another's perspectives and foster belongingness within our group.

The internship has also inspired many of us, including myself, to consider a future in media – a field we may not have considered before our internship experience even though we were taking up a broadcasting program in college.

Looking back, I am grateful for the experience, the life lessons, and the personal growth I have gained. (Maria Christina Angela Pielago, Bicol University Intern)