AHEAD OF the Student Internship Program (SIP), SBCA gathered student interns for an orientation on career development, workplace protection, and internship procedures, equipping participants with information on employment opportunities and institutional requirements before their deployment.

The orientation featured discussions on career opportunities, legal protections against workplace harassment, and institutional internship procedures, providing participants with the knowledge necessary before their stationing to partner institutions. SIP Coordinator Prof. Maria Adrianna H. Quioyo opened the program by introducing guest speaker Atty. Eldic Jules Salcedo, a Bedan alumnus and educator with a decade of experience in higher education.

Career pathways

Addressing the student interns, Atty. Salcedo underscored the importance of understanding one's personal goals before deciding on a career path. He emphasized the value of career planning, urging students to define their professional goals before entering the workforce.

He encouraged students to evaluate their values, interests, skills, and long-term aspirations, emphasizing that identifying these factors would help them make informed career decisions beyond the internship program.

In discussing private sector employment, Atty. Salcedo presented the competitive salaries, healthcare benefits, and opportunities for promotion among the advantages offered by private organizations. He noted that the sector also provides avenues for career advancement through continuous professional development.

Atty. Salcedo also discussed careers in the academe, highlighting teaching, mentoring students, conducting academic research, and assuming leadership positions within educational institutions. He added that pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies could further expand opportunities for those planning to enter the academic profession.

Workplace protection

The second part of the orientation focused on laws protecting interns and employees from harassment in the workplace and educational institutions.

He discussed Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, which prohibits acts of sexual harassment committed in workplaces, training centers, and educational institutions.

Atty. Salcedo also explained the provisions of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, commonly known as the Bawal Bastos Law, which extends protection against gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, workplaces, training venues, educational institutions, and online platforms.

Through the discussion, students were introduced to the legal safeguards available to them during their internship and future employment, as well as the responsibilities of institutions in maintaining safe learning and working environments.

Internship reminders

As the orientation concluded, Prof. Quioyo discussed the final reminders for students before they begin their internship assignments.

She outlined the SIP process, explaining that the program consists of three stages: pre-internship, internship, and post-internship. Furthermore, she also reviewed the requirements that students must complete before deployment.

Among these requirements, Prof. Quioyo reminded interns to undergo both physical and psychological examinations through Department of Health (DOH)-accredited medical facilities to comply with the program's health clearance requirements.

She likewise encouraged students to complete all documentary requirements within the prescribed deadlines to prevent delays in their internship deployment.

The orientation concluded with the administration of the Leadership Ability Evaluation, facilitated by the Testing Center, marking the final part of the students' preparation before they begin their respective internship programs.