Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
My name is Kimberly Joy Peruna, known as Kim. I'm a 21-year-old 4th year financial management student at National University Manila. I'm currently in my last semester, completing an accounting internship at SM Prime Holdings before I graduate. I didn't have any prior professional work experience before this internship opportunity.
What made you consider taking the internship at SM Prime Holdings?
I knew I wanted to gain some practical experience before graduating. SM Prime has a strong reputation and structured internship program, which appealed to me. I researched the company and was interested in getting exposure to accounting and finance roles. The schedule with check-ins and mentoring opportunities was a big draw.
How did you find out about the internship openings at SM Prime Holdings?
I learned about the openings through job postings at my university. I also talked to some seniors who had completed internships there previously to get their insights. Doing that research helped me better understand the company and internship program.
What was the application and interview process like as an intern at SM Prime Holdings?
The application required submitting my resume and cover letter online. I highlighted my relevant coursework and any leadership roles. The one-on-one interview had standard questions about my interests and skills. The hardest question was whether SM Prime was my first choice for an internship. I emphasized my strong interest in the company and eagerness to learn.
How would you describe your onboarding experience in the first few weeks as an intern at SM Prime Holdings?
The first week focused on HR orientation, covering policies and procedures. I received training on using Excel more effectively for accounting work. There was a detailed overview of the different departments and our intern cohort got to meet managers. It was well organized but a lot of information to absorb at once.
What kind of training and development opportunities are available during the internship?
SM Prime provides scheduled check-ins every few weeks to give feedback and advice. My mentor made time to answer my questions and walk through new projects. I could take initiative on assignments, like improving expense reporting templates. The hands-on experience with real accounting tasks was invaluable.
What were your expectations heading into the internship versus the reality you experienced?
I expected I'd be doing a lot of scanning tasks and basic office work. But I ended up getting meaningful projects that I had full ownership and accountability for. I learned so much about using Excel and other practical skills. I also wasn't afraid to make suggestions to improve processes, which my supervisors appreciated.
How is the work-life balance as an intern at SM Prime Holdings?
The workload was reasonable, around 40 hours per week. I was challenged but not overwhelmed. Commuting could be tiring but having a set schedule helped. I tried to be disciplined about health and making personal time. My supervisors emphasized not overworking yourself.
Are you working fully on-site or is there remote flexibility?
My internship was fully in-person rather than hybrid or remote. Being on-site full-time definitely felt more immersive as my first professional experience. I gained confidence in navigating the workplace every day.
What are some of the key benefits interns receive?
Interns receive a generous monthly allowance, about 75% of minimum wage. SM Prime also provides food and transportation allowances. Having that income and real-world budgeting experience is useful preparation. The biggest benefit is the potential to get absorbed into a full-time role after graduating.
What have been some of the coolest aspects of interning at SM Prime?
Getting to improve processes by creating Excel templates was very satisfying. I felt proud overcoming challenging accounting assignments outside my comfort zone. Building camaraderie with other interns during group activities was fun too. This experience has given me more career confidence overall.
What advice would you give students considering an SM Prime internship?
Make the most of any previous leadership or collaborative experiences to stand out. Be open-minded about learning new skills outside your major. Always ask questions when you don't understand, take initiative and don't be intimidated. Leverage the experience to discover your true strengths and interests. Stay connected with fellow interns as you transition back to school or work.