My Experience About The RCBC Internship Program Launch
Brief Introduction
Hello everyone! My name is Dominic Antigua, a graduating 4th-year Computer Science student from Adamson University. This is my second internship, voluntary, as a Data Engineer Intern in the summer of 2023.
Internship Program Orientation
I started my journey on an internship orientation at RCBC Plaza in Ayala, Makati. As someone with social anxiety, I felt nervous before the orientation because I joined this program to work on self-improvement. Fortunately, a colleague of mine from Adamson University also joined RCBC’s internship program, and we were assigned to the same division and group: the Data Engineer division, specifically the Data Science/Analytics Group.
The flow of the program started on one ice breaker where each intern needs to find their respected partners by asking some questions with a board written on their backs. While were playing the game, we exchanged conversations with my fellow interns. Most of them are from Ateneo de Manila. I did not expect that my game partner was also from Adamson University.
The RCBC’s president and CEO, Eugene S. Acevedo (or Esa), spoke on stage even though he was busy. He tells his amazing rise to RCBC president which was very inspirational as an intern. He advised interns to develop three crucial skills for success. He also mentioned that we were the first batch of the internship program. After hearing from the bank’s president, I realized why the program launch was so impressive and well-executed.
They also gave us a thankful internship program kit that contains a tumbler, and a notebook.
We met RCBC Chief Data Scientist/Group Head-Data Science and Analytics, Ms. Pamela Cabudoy during lunch. Data engineers and campaign analytics interns ate lunch together. I met my fellow interns: Therese, Clyde, Fonso, Adrian, Jamaica, and Nicole. Through that, Ms. Pam discussed what we will do during our probation at RCBC. We discussed hobbies, where we lived, and more. Knowing each other reduces my social anxiety at that event.
Before the first orientation ended, I liked how Sir Davy advised us interns that nothing is impossible and he said a statement that I forgot but the meaning was the same as the famous quote of what Buddha said:
Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts
The meaning of the quote is that our actions, decisions, and internal difficulties can offer serious obstacles or risks to our well-being. His statement made me realize that my shyness has caused me to let go of many opportunities or lose them.
The second orientation focuses on important elements of the banking industry, including banking operations, customer service, bank secrecy, data privacy laws, and anti-money laundering. These factors are crucial and have a significant impact on the industry. The orientation emphasizes that banking involves various complex activities and highlights the importance of finding a balance between meeting customer needs, safeguarding data privacy and security, and following regulatory guidelines. It must gain a comprehensive understanding of these areas to thrive in the industry and promote trust, security, and ethical behavior.
First day as Data Engineer Intern
The RCBC Data Engineer interns work at A.T Yuchengco Centre in BGC, Taguig.
I have had the opportunity to meet all the employees of the Data Science and Analytics Group, which is led by Ms. Pamela. Mr. Dominic (Not me!), a friendly and approachable man, leads the Data Engineer Division. Sir Dom and his team — Red, Paul, Rick, Mico, and Jan — Oriented us about our project.
I am excited to start working on this project with the help of my fellow interns and under the guidance of the data engineering division.
I want to say a big thank you to the RCBC team for giving me this great opportunity to learn and improve with RCBC. As the RCBC President of the bank said, “The young are taken care of” here at RCBC.
