Making Every Minute and Hour Count: My Internship Journey in The Company Cebu

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a vibrant co-working space? My first two weeks as an HR intern at The Company Cebu have been a delightful whirlwind of learning, growth, a journey of discovery fueled by passion and purpose, and (unsurprisingly) a lot of coffee. The Company Cebu isn’t just a place to plug in your laptop; it’s a bustling ecosystem of entrepreneurs, creatives, and the occasional lost soul searching for the right seat. And I, armed with my enthusiasm and a long-held interest in this field, am thrilled to be a part of it, even if just for a fleeting 200 hours. Which let’s be honest, in internship time, is basically a blink of an eye. This then immediately brings me to Sir Lanz’s wisdom, The Company Cebu’s Business Development Executive, uttered at our company dinner (the best thing that happened this month): “Make every minute and hour count.” He might have been talking about maximizing productivity, but for me, with my rapidly dwindling 200-hour hourglass, it became my inner monologue on repeat. How exactly have I been spending my time at The Company Cebu, you may ask? Well, here it goes.

My role here at The Company Cebu is a fascinating tapestry woven from a surprisingly diverse range of tasks. Recruitment and selection, for instance, is a constant adventure. It’s not just about filling vacancies; it’s about finding the perfect puzzle pieces to fit into the wonderfully eccentric mosaic of our community. This involves crafting job ads that sparkle with personality, something that truly captures the spirit of our team, meticulously sifting through resumes (a skill that’s rapidly turning me into a human search engine with a caffeine dependency), and venturing into the wilds of professional networks to headhunt those exceptional individuals. It resembles a high-stakes version of “Where’s Waldo?” but less with the striped shirts and more of a greater variety of nuanced skills. The complex job of organizing interviews follows, which is a logistical challenge that requires meticulous planning. It has helped me become a master of the digital calendar, juggling time schedules and applicant availability. And then here comes the ever-present threat of setting up the wrong interview schedule or sending the wrong calendar invite to the wrong candidate…which honestly, is enough to make a grown woman like me sweat with my fingers hovering nervously over the “send” button.

Additionally, during onboarding, I found that it’s not just about the logistics (though seamless execution remains vital) but primarily about creating a first impression that genuinely resonates and allows the other person to feel comfortably at ease. It’s about helping individuals feel as though they’ve discovered their community, a space where their thoughts and ideas are not merely accepted, but celebrated. I have discovered that a sincere smile and a timely “Welcome to The Company Cebu!” can make a significant impact, particularly when combined with a feeling of inclusion and encouragement. It’s about creating an atmosphere for a favorable experience, cultivating a feeling of inclusion from the very start.

In addition to these primary duties, I have also played an essential role in ensuring that The Company Cebu operates efficiently. I have managed the front desk, handling inquiries that vary from the ordinary “Can you please print these for me?”, to the somewhat more profound “How do I reserve the meeting room?”. This front-line role has refined my communication skills to a high degree. I’ve discovered that patience isn’t merely a virtue; it’s an essential skill for succeeding in HR. Certainly, I have been exposed to the intricate world of Human Resources, a domain brimming with files and paperwork that I am slowly becoming familiar with navigating. It’s somewhat similar to acquiring a new language, one laden with abbreviations and the occasional existential crisis that comes with it. But nonetheless, it’s a ground that I am willing to dig deeper into.

Beyond the nitty-gritty of the job, I have also been absorbing the intangible – the vibe, the energy, the sheer hum of The Company Cebu. I’m learning about the delicate balance between fostering a collaborative spirit and respecting individual space (a crucial skill in a co-working environment). I’m also witnessing firsthand the importance of soft skills in HR. Interacting with people from all walks of life has been a crash course in diplomacy, empathy, and the art of defusing a printer jam with a smile. And let’s be real, in the world of every company, that last one is practically an Olympic sport. Nonetheless, I’m starting to feel like I’m actually contributing, not just observing. I managed to get the hang of maintaining the organization of employee records which, while it might not seem like much, felt like a small victory in the grand scheme of HR operations. I’m also getting more comfortable handling member inquiries. I’ve gone from nervously clutching the company phone to slowly but surely picking them up with ease (although I wouldn’t say I’m the best at it yet). All these have already changed me into a more adaptable and resilient individual.

The challenges, of course, are there. The intern realm, as I mentioned, is a beast of its own. But I’m learning to tame it, one day, one hour, and one minute at a time. It’s true that balancing multiple tasks can also feel like a lot, but I’m learning to prioritize and manage my time like a true professional (or at least, like a slightly less clumsy professional). Everyone constantly asking us interns how we’re doing and reminding us to take things slow really helps. By being able to make the most out of my breaks, sip my cup of coffee (or should I say cups of coffee??), and most importantly, by being able to romanticize and make the most out of my days at here The Company Cebu along with the ever so warm and welcoming staff, and the working jazz playlist that echoes all around the co-working space (which honestly never fails to motivate me and put me at ease), this 200-hour internship just doesn’t feel like its enough.

This brings me back again to Sir Lanz’s “make every minute and hour count” mantra, constantly playing in my head as I write all of this down. It serves as a reminder that this whole internship journey is not just merely a bullet point or a line on my resume; it’s a chance to learn, grow, develop, and make a contribution. I’m committed to absorbing every bit of knowledge, tackling every challenge, and fully enjoying this amazing experience alongside all the remarkable and inspiring individuals in the office. Although 200 hours might appear to be a lot, in the overall scheme of life, it’s merely a transient strand. And I’m determined to weave a vibrant and memorable one.

My initial two weeks at The Company Cebu have been a blend of learning, laughter, (and the occasional existential crisis over the printer). I am already eternally grateful for the opportunity to work and collaborate with such an amazing team, and I’m looking forward to discovering what the future brings. So keep an eye out for additional stories from the HR trenches!