MAPping the Future

(First of two parts)

In today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving global landscape, industries, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), green energy, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and fintech, are redefining the future of work. These sectors, characterized by swift technological advancements and innovative practices, are key to regional economic resilience and global competitiveness. For the Philippines to thrive in this future economy, it is crucial to prepare our youth adequately through comprehensive, structured internships that align educational outcomes with industry demands.

 

What makes internship “structured”?

 

A structured internship differs significantly from conventional informal internships in providing clearly defined objectives, targeted skill development, formal mentorship, and systematic evaluation processes. This deliberate approach ensures that students gain practical industry experience and graduate prepared to meet the specific skills requirements of high-growth, future-oriented industries. Consequently, these internships become pivotal in enhancing the country’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment in cutting-edge sectors.

 

The current landscape of structured Internships In the Philippines demonstrates considerable potential. Major corporations, including Shopee Philippines, Ayala Corporation, Henkel, Nasdaq Philippines, Texas Instruments, and Nestlé, have initiated structured internship programs, contributing substantially to workforce readiness.

 

For instance, Shopee’s Year-Round Internship Program immerses undergraduate students in essential roles within e-commerce operations, digital marketing, finance, and logistics, significantly enhancing their readiness for technology-driven careers. Similarly, Nasdaq Philippines offers an intensive 10-week paid internship, giving students deep exposure to fintech innovations and global financial markets.

 

Bridging the gap between classrooms and careers

 

Such programs illustrate how structured internships can effectively bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing students with tangible skills and fostering essential professional networks. The involvement of leading companies in mentoring interns ensures alignment with global business standards and technological advancements, thereby significantly elevating their employment prospects.

 

Henkel Philippines’ program for manufacturing and consumer goods provides structured guidance to interns in marketing, supply chain, and operations, reinforcing global best practices. On the other hand, Aboitiz Group supports automation-focused internships for software engineering students, offering valuable real-world coding and programming experience.

 

Moreover, internships in emerging fields, like cybersecurity and IT risk management, offered by companies, such as Trend Micro, Deloitte, and Emerson, underscore the industry’s commitment to nurturing specialized skills crucial for securing the digital future. Trend Micro’s cybersecurity internship places students at the heart of real-world cyber threat research and network security operations. Interns gain first-hand experience analyzing threats, developing security systems, and applying state-of-the-art cybersecurity practices. Emerson’s remote cybersecurity internships uniquely integrate flexibility with rigorous technical training, demonstrating how structured internships can adapt to modern workforce needs, such as hybrid and remote work arrangements. Meanwhile, Deloitte’s Risk & Financial Advisory Internships provide immersive exposure to enterprise security and digital privacy.

 

PwC Philippines further contributes with its data analysis and problem-solving internships, where interns work on system evaluations and data analytics projects using tools, like Python. These experiences hone technical capabilities and cultivate analytical thinking and project management skills, preparing students for consulting and technology risk roles.

To be continued…

(The author is former President of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and now Independent Director of BDO Unibank. He has served as Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), President of University of the Philippines (UP), Director of Private Sector Operations at Asian Development Bank (ADB), CEO of Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), and Finance Professor at Asian Institute of Management (AIM). Feedback at <map@map.org.ph> and <aepascual@gmail.com>).