The beginning (My first day in SMART Public Affairs)

April 17, 2008

Since me and Elline had to settle some papers in the HR Department, we started working in Public Affairs Office by around 3 p.m. Before we started our work, Ms. Jo An did some briefing regarding the kind of work that we will be doing as interns. My excitement got higher when I was informed that I’ll be going to General Nakar Quezon and assist in the Gawad Kalinga Housebuild. I like fieldworks!

My first task was to update the SWEEP Directory by calling the 40 schools and verify some of their profile like their current university/ college president, the VPs for academic affairs, student affairs, finance, and administration, the dean of the college of engineering, foundation day/s and their estimated population. In addition to that, I had to confirm too their contact information such as their existing telephone/ fax numbers and email addresses. Most of the people I have talked to were student assistants and secretaries. I am glad that majority of them are accommodating although there were some who (I think) have little patience, or maybe they are just tired or stressed at work… or maybe they found me too questioning... and I hope they understand that the updates are not purely for SMART but also for them since they are in partnership with SMART.

When it comes to the work environment, I observed that the Public Affairs Office is a very comfortable and dynamic place to work in. I noticed that everyone is welcoming and they can still smile and laugh even though they are too busy in their work and that makes me more comfy. I met Sir Aj ,who will handle the GK Housebuild in Gen. Nakar and the one whom I will help in facilitating the activities. Sir Aj seemed snobby at first (…forgive me for being judgmental…) but when we started to talk, he isn’ and he seems friendly and approachable.
Ms . Mar (it’s very good to know that she’s a scholastican too) gave me my tasks for tomorrow. I will assist Sir Aj in the registration of the cadet engineers (the volunteers for the housebuild) and I will also interview some of them.

I’m really excited.
Good Luck to me!