IAS to Offer Virtual Internship Options for Midyear 2021
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IAS to Offer Virtual Internship Options for Midyear 2021
Faculty and prospective practicum students at IAS gather to discuss the options for virtual internship. Photo courtesy of JVA Garcia

While the Institute of Animal Science (IAS) acknowledges the constant threat of COVID-19 and the current pandemic, digitization had been the now-normal feature among most industries, especially the educational sector. To address the concerns and hesitations of incoming practicum students, IAS held a Virtual Orientation for Midyear 2021 Internship last June 4.

Since the in-person internship program is not allowed by the University, the IAS Curriculum Committee, headed by Dr. Christine B. Adiova, deputy director at IAS, discussed the options for virtual internships as an alternative feature for incoming practicum students.

In his welcome remarks, IAS director, Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo, mentioned that the virtual apprenticeship will give the interns a sneak peak of what they will be doing in their future workplaces. He also encouraged the students to contemplate and decide if this is the best time to take their internship. However, he assured that the Institute will provide them with the best possible options given the set of conditions that we have in the current educational set-up.

Virtual Internship Options at IAS

Through the said event, Division Leaders at the IAS presented sample internship activities, similar to employees in the alternative Work-From-Home set-up during pandemic. Virtual internship include research internship, teaching internship, agricultural entrepreneurship, extension/community internship, and farm practice, with specific additional course requirements for each internship option to help the students become more effective and equipped in doing their virtual training.

Dr. Veneranda A. Magpantay, division head of the Animal Production Division at IAS, also clarified that students may propose to choose their own Host Training Establishments (HTE) provided that these companies are able to provide the mandatory activities set by the IAS Curriculum Committee. Otherwise, the student and his adviser may decide from which HTE they can establish partnership with during the virtual internship.

The Committee also acknowledged that the alternative internship will not have the same impact as the traditional in-person internship. However, they assured the students that internship plans and activities were thoroughly thought of and went on a process of review and approval. Further, intended learning outcomes as stated in the program curriculum will be satisfied provided that the student follows the activities right.

“This is the time to get closer with your adviser. Talk to them about your plans, and the best possible internship option for you,” Dr. Adiova reminded the students.

She also assured them with the support of the entire IAS Internship Committee saying that they are one private message away in helping them address their concerns.

“Nakakatuwa kasi sobrang na-appreciate ng mga bata ‘yong event. Matagal na kasing uncertain and anxious ‘yong iba kung paano ang magiging practicum during the pandemic,” she added.

Pre-deployment Seminar

As per requirements of the Commission on Higher Education in deploying interns, Pre-deployment Seminar for Midyear 2021 Internship was held in two batches last June 21 and 29.

IAS Internship Committee served as the organizing body where they discussed in detail the general guidelines, process flow, and pre- and post-internship requirements. For the benefit of the interns, they also tackled other subjects on proper work ethics under virtual environment, and awareness on protection against sexual harassment.

The virtual internship is applicable to all Batch 2018 students under the new BS Agriculture curriculum, and to older batches with ANSC200a (Major Practice) as their chosen major option.

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