John Christian Quillope

4.30 AM

Like any other person of my age, I start my day playing 'that' famous word puzzle (along with its Filipino, maths, and hardcore versions) to calibrate my mind from a general state of grogginess. I do this on the side to wake myself up while preparing my breakfast and coffee. 
 
5.00 AM
 
After taking a shower, my next agendum is to have my breakfast while watching one episode of any random sitcom. I like to start my day with a more cheerful disposition hence I spend at least 20 minutes setting up my mood for the day. 
 
5.40 AM
 
This is where I start preparing for work. Our manufacturing plant is within walking distance from my apartment, so the commute is not much of an issue. Upon wearing my standard gear (earpiece, eyeglasses, and face mask), I then take my walk to the plant, listening to relaxing music like a typical movie protagonist. 

5.55 AM

Upon clocking in, my first agendum is to change my clothes into my work uniform. This takes a while since the locker room is filled with personnel from the day and night shifts, with the latter about to go home to take their rest. As one of the newbies in the plant, I usually engage in small talks to build rapport with our workmates. 
 
6.00 AM

Time to go to the production area! I start my day by reading the updates sent by the supervisors from the previous shift. I will then use those reports as my reference data in updating the department’s daily and weekly targets. Then, I’d take a walk around the area to do my floor rounds. During my rounds, I take time to talk to operators and coordinators to be updated on the events that have transpired during the previous shift. These action items are then discussed during our daily direction setting with the technicians and analysts on the production line. 

 
7.00 AM

I then use the data I gathered during my early morning rounds to update my reports and projects. I also use this time in the morning to set my personal priorities for the day, file online transactions, and to answer emails.  
 
8.45 AM
 
The leadership team of our department then sets our priorities for the day as we discuss problems and establish our corresponding action plans. We then establish our direction for the day by scheduling our floor rounds, coaching with operators, and problem-solving sessions. 

10.00 AM
 
As a management trainee, I spend most of my time immersing and studying the operations of various departments within the plant. I am currently on my Production Immersion, specifically in the Bakery department. There, I spend hours studying the entire large-scale baking process and its corresponding process equipment to hopefully introduce improvements on the line. 
 
One of my priority projects during my immersion is the improvement in the implementation of basic equipment care in the production line. The goal of this initiative is to establish all necessary manufacturing standards, prolong the life of each equipment, and totally reduce equipment downtime. Initiatives like this help me bridge the gap between the theories I learned during college and their actual applications in the industry. 

 
11.00 AM 

As future leaders of the plant, we also practice coaching our operators to update them with new work standards. This is also to ensure that continuous development happens to both our operations and the personnel behind them. 
 
12.00 PM 

It’s lunchtime! Since the literal social barrier brought upon by the pandemic is now being lifted slowly, we get more chances to socialize and have a few good laughs with our fellow workmates. 
 
1.00 PM 

We wouldn’t be called trainees if we do not participate in formal classroom trainings. Though our current situation limits us to only virtual trainings, I – like most of my co-trainees – have learned to optimize our learning experience and at the same time enjoy the activities in our virtual learning sessions. I even won a bottle of surface disinfectant during one of our trainings related to food safety! 
 
On days when we have no scheduled training, I spend my time working on my other projects. One other priority project that I am working on is establishing processes to improve the traceability of the materials we use in the production process. 

 
4.00 PM 

I also spend time quickly addressing the concerns of our operators, as it is expected for management trainees to be able to coordinate with other functions to collaborate to get the best results. 
 
4.30 PM
 
Mentorship is one of the strengths of our plant. In this spirit, I receive regular coaching from our plant leaders to give me a general direction while I build my capabilities as a future plant leader. Our mentorship sessions are immersive, as we get regularly coached by our plant leaders on the floor. 

 
I also take this time to update the line performance for the day, which also serves as a reference for the action plans of the personnel for the next shift. 

 
5.00 PM 

The last hour of my duty is dedicated to my final floor rounds and turning over the events during our shift to the supervisor of the next shift. I also take this time to evaluate the progress of my daily deliverables and projects. 
 
6.00 PM 

Time to go home! After changing out of my work attire, I then clock out and take my walk home. 
 
6.10 PM 

Upon going home, I spend some time cleaning up my room before preparing my dinner. I usually prepare food for myself since it is much healthier that way and because it somehow relaxes me after such a long day. 
 
9.00 PM 

Before going to sleep, I either spend some time reaching out to family and friends through social media or through watching at least two TV episodes. I also use this time to contemplate on where I am today. This helps me recharge my physical, mental, and social energy for the next day. Good night!