MANILA, PHILIPPINES – It has been over a month since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented to help #FlattenTheCurve of the COVID-19 pandemic. With only essential movements allowed, tech-savvy companies and businesses like TeamAsia have been able to successfully shift their day-to-day operations to a virtual office while everyone is at the comfort and safety of their own homes.
While employees may have already adjusted to the work from home (WFH) setting, how about students doing their internship? How are they coping? Here’s how award-winning integrated marketing experience agency TeamAsia is making the most out of the situation with Content Internship Supervisor Elton Gagni and interns Mayren Guico (Lyceum of the Philippines University – Laguna), Karen Mantukay (De La Salle University – Dasmarinas), and Riely Monte (De La Salle University – Dasmarinas).
- How did you react when you had to do your work/OJT at home due to ECQ?
Elton: We welcomed the idea because it’s an opportunity to keep everyone safe. For our interns, we assessed as a team that Public Relations (PR) work can be done outside the office so, if our teams can do it, then why not our interns, right?
Mayren: At first we were shocked and a bit sad. We like working at the TeamAsia office because we love the ambiance and energy there. But as interns, we were just relieved that we would still be able to work and collaborate with everyone despite the pandemic and, at the same time, spend more time with our families.
2. What do you like best about working remotely while on the Extended Quarantine?
Elton: At TeamAsia, we practice having mental health breaks a couple of times a day especially now that there’s more pressure to be more productive. We also have a buddy system to check up on each other.
Riely: The company of our families! But we really miss bonding with our colleagues in the office. On the plus side, not having to deal with the traffic and spending more time with our families are some of the best things about working remotely while on ECQ.
3. What are the adjustments you have to make for WFH?
Elton: In managing our interns, it’s monitoring tasks, communicating to make sure they’re OK, and developing a new level of trust. To still have a comprehensive internship even while WFH, they must continue delivering quality service and output. But, we need to reconsider external factors, so we play it by ear.
Karen: In the office, TeamAsia provides us with the equipment we need. One of our adjustments was preparing our own resources like internet connection and tech equipment. Another is having a more flexible schedule—we don’t need to wake up very early to get ready, especially those of us who live far from the TeamAsia HQ (Alabang).
4. How’s the idea pitching online? What tasks are being assigned?
Elton: We let our interns participate in virtual meetings to share their insights and different engagements like our 15-minute agency-wide session called Morning Pop Ups where we share stories in one big call. This way, they continue building confidence in themselves and in their ideas. We also ask them to write articles that are published under their name on our website so they can share and own them in their socials.
Mayren: We’re lucky to have such a collaborative internship even outside of the office because our supervisor and colleagues make sure that we participate, be it meetings, brainstorms, or even our morning pop-ups. We’re glad because inclusivity is there and our team makes sure to hear us out every time.
5. How do you manage multiple tasks remotely?
Elton: For our interns, we have a central document to plot their attendance, tasks, and deadlines. Requests for assistance are coursed through me so I can assess their load. I also let the team discuss directly with our interns what they need including specific requirements and directions they may have.
Riely: We try to be as collaborative as possible. The Content team always explains everything we need to know about the tasks very clearly. This way, we avoid being overwhelmed by the tasks and accomplish them on time. It’s also great that everyone is approachable when we have questions or clarifications.
6. How do you handle challenges/interruptions when having an online meeting?
Elton: First is having a work station where internet connection is strongest for continuous productivity. Another is keeping everyone at home informed whenever I have meetings or letting the team know when I have connection challenges. Similar with our interns, communication is key be it online chat or SMS so we can all adjust to the situation accordingly.
Mayren and Karen: Finding a functional workplace is important when working remotely. Anywhere is good as long it is convenient, comfortable, and secure, and we can work on our own without interruptions. We also let our families know our work schedule so that we remain free from distractions for the entire duration of our internship.
7. How do you transition from work life to personal time during the ECQ?
Elton: Since the quarantine began, I’ve developed a habit of watching a movie, the latest anime, or a favorite series every night just to cleanse my mind from all the work done throughout the day. It’s important to have these “me” times to keep ourselves in check and ensure that we are mentally healthy as well.
Riely: Having the chance to unplug immediately after work gives us the opportunity to sleep in earlier. We also have more time to read books, do bullet journaling, re-watch favorite movies, and catch up on missed episodes of a series. We try to maximize our time to be productive, but also prepare for when it’s time to face the world outside with vigor again.
8. What are your expectations as a supervisor and intern with the extended ECQ?
Elton: I’ve always been talking to them to get updates from their schools on their internship and status of operations. With the extended ECQ, we would still carry on with the current arrangement and look forward to more collaborations and great work from this active, relentless and persevering bunch.
Karen: We look forward to collaborating more with everyone. Having a fun and friendly work environment motivates us to do our tasks diligently. There’s never a dull moment with our supervisor who helps and reminds us that our efforts are recognized. We also expect to grow closer as we believe that we’ll be more connected even after COVID-19.
9. What’s your take on having remote internships in the future post-COVID-19?
Elton: While COVID-19 sparked discussions on the future of work, the future of internships must also be part of the conversation. Having comprehensive and immersive remote internships have the potential to address accessibility and inclusivity. Students with disabilities and those who are unable to work in an office can learn best practices, be immersed in industry standards, and become effective members of the workforce. While we have yet to study its feasibility, TeamAsia has always been committed to providing next-level experiences, so why not next-level remote internships as well, right?
Mayren, Karen, Riely: We believe companies would be open to offering remote internships because of the precedent set by the pandemic. It can cater to students who are highly capable but have certain challenges. As long as they have stable internet connection and tech equipment, they can fulfill the tasks assigned to them. The possibilities are endless with technology! Unless there is an imminent threat, we no longer have a reason to cage ourselves in and refuse to adapt to this progressive era.
As we navigate through this “new normal,” we need to remember that everyone, including interns, are affected by this pandemic. Seeing how TeamAsia continues to work closely with their interns, this proves that learning never really stops and internships can certainly be done even while working from home.
