Student Internship Program

Starting an internship feels overwhelming. The early days are filled with preparations, gathering and submitting requirements, and simultaneously adapting to new systems. While this stage seems chaotic, the process eventually becomes manageable. Having just completed my 120-hour Student Internship Program at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Albay, I want to share practical advice and encouragement to help future interns make the most of their experience. 

Embrace the Onboarding Process

As an intern, be open and attentive during orientation. The initial briefing is not just about rules and regulations, but also about understanding the office’s mission, vision, and core values that are instilled in the office. It also involves setting clear expectations and responsibilities for the internship. Interns should listen carefully and comprehend instructions, especially regarding confidentiality and the importance of accuracy in handling legal documents. 

Furthermore, as an intern, do not hesitate to ask questions if totally unsure about an assigned task or procedure. As Mr. Bonifacio Sayson emphasized, “If you are uncertain of something, do not hesitate to ask.” His guidance fosters trust and helps ensure that interns begin their experience on the right path.  

Build Relationships and Network

It is highly encouraged to socialize while maintaining appropriate boundaries when connecting with colleagues and fellow interns. In the Prosecutor’s Office, teamwork and effective communication are essential to accomplishing tasks efficiently. Also, observing even simple acts of kindness, like greeting everyone and showing respect, fosters camaraderie and contributes to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

In a new environment, it is crucial for interns to observe and learn from professionals. Interns should give attention to their surroundings—how prosecutors, staff, and supervisors interact, manage cases, and fulfill their roles. In this office, professionalism and punctuality is highly emphasized and consistently evident. Everyone plays a crucial role, approaching their work with excellence and a strong sense of urgency, ensuring that no time is wasted. 

Balance Work and Learning

Expect a workload even during the first week of the internship, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Tasks such as sorting files, updating records, compiling reports, and assisting as the front desk—these responsibilities all demand careful attention to detail. Any recklessness can have serious consequences, as each document reflects a real person and a real case. So, to manage these responsibilities effectively, develop strong organizational and multitasking skills. 

Mr. Bonifacio Sayson emphasized the importance of taking initiative—meaning interns should not wait to be told what to do but actively contribute. Be determined, and strive to exceed expectations. Volunteer for extra tasks such as organizing documents, updating criminal case status, or assisting fellow interns to keep things manageable. Such proactive behavior reflects not only commitment but also dedication, which can lead to broader experience and a meaningful impact within the office. 

Value every learning opportunity, whether it involves paperwork, frontline duties, updating case logs, attending court hearings, or participating in legal discussions. These firsthand experiences significantly deepen one’s understanding of the prosecution system and contribute to professional growth. 

Overcome Challenges with Resilience

Fear and uncertainty are inevitable in a fast-paced environment, where the workload can be overwhelming and unsure at times. My personal mantra, “I am scared, but I will do it anyway,” continues to guide me as I navigate this challenging setting. Each day of the 120-hour internship is filled with various tasks. From personal experience, there was a day when paperwork piled up—from sorting documents and updating case statuses to handling frontline duties and attending court hearings—all tasks demand attention with accuracy and effective time management. It was challenging, but my dedication, passion for jurisprudence, ability to adapt, and capacity to remain calm under pressure helped shape my professional mindset and make me overcome challenges. This experience serves as a reminder that growth and courage begins outside of our comfort zones. 

Therefore, an internship is a valuable opportunity to learn firsthand, discover one’s strengths, and identify areas for improvement. Maintaining confidentiality at all times is essential. As Mr. Bonifacio Sayson stated, “Everything is confidential. What you have read or seen in the documents, discussions, case details shall remain within the four corners of the room. If you are uncertain of something, do not hesitate to ask.” This serves as a reminder that being an intern comes with responsibility. Interns should be punctual, reliable, and uphold professionalism and integrity throughout their internship and beyond. Speaking from my own experience, I once felt scared and uncertain, but now I have found confidence and comfort in both my role and the environment. Learning from real-world experiences is not just about fulfilling requirements, it involves developing skills and critical thinking with a deeper sense of purpose. 

This week marks the third week of the student internship program at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, bringing me close to completing the required 120 hours. Here are the top five takeaways from this internship that I will carry forward and apply in my life. 

1. Organization Is a Must

Inside the office, piles of papers are everywhere, making the sorting, scanning, and organizing of criminal cases files, subpoenas, court decisions, and other relevant documents essential. This process serves as the backbone of the office, as it reduces the risk of losing or misplacing documents. I always keep in mind that these are not just pieces of paper—each file represents a person and a real-life situation. So, accurate organization is crucial, as it enables efficient case management and ensures a smooth workflow throughout the office. 

2. The Power of Punctuality

One of the first things I noticed during my internship was how much everyone in the office respects time. When a schedule is set, things start promptly—no waiting around. The level of discipline is immense and reflects the offices core values of integrity and public service. Being in this environment made me understand that punctuality is not just a good habit, it is a clear sign of dedication and commitment. Showing up on time became essential, helping to maintain a smooth workflow and ensuring that responsibilities are carried out efficiently. This experience has given me a deeper sense of professional growth and is profoundly impactful.  

3. Listen and Comprehend 

As someone who has always wanted to observe on court hearings, this internship made that dream a reality. Witnessing the proceedings firsthand was truly eye-opening and even gave me goosebumps. Listening with comprehension is crucial in the legal field, as information must be accurately understood and properly addressed. It was inspiring to watch the judge make decisions and see prosecutors and lawyers present their arguments with conviction. The atmosphere, energy, and dedication of everyone involved in the pursuit of justice left a lasting impression on me. This experience has profoundly strengthened my appreciation for the legal profession and made me realize the importance of clear communication. It has also ignited my passion for learning more about the justice system. 

4. Taking Initiative 

From my very first day of internship, Mr. Sayson emphasized the importance of taking initiative. Everyone in the office is busy, so actively contribute rather than wait to be told what to do. I am determined to take initiative, show my value, and willingness to make a meaningful impact. Whenever I finish my assigned tasks, I volunteer for additional duties, such as helping organize documents, updating criminal case status, or helping fellow interns to keep things manageable. All throughout, I acknowledge his advice, which has helped me to develop key traits that are highly valued in any professional setting and has led to a meaningful impact within the office. 

5. Flexibility and Multitasking Are Fundamentals 

Days at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor are never the same, and honestly, I enjoy the dynamic nature of the work. The thrill of balancing multiple tasks such as managing documents, observing court proceedings, and handling other assignments—pushes me to work harder and adapt quickly. This experience has taught me how to prioritize tasks efficiently, stay organized under pressure, and maintain a high level of accuracy in everything I do, knowing that any recklessness can have serious consequences in legal work. 

My personal mantra, “I am scared, but I will do it anyway,” continues to guide me as I navigate this environment. While fear and uncertainty remain, my determination, passion for prosecution and commitment to upholding justice and due process truly remind me that growth begins outside of our comfort zones. 

Looking back on my journey, I remember how, on the first day, I felt scared and unsure what to feel or how I would fit in. I even thought I was a coward. Now, after weeks of hands-on experience in a welcoming environment, I have found comfort and confidence in my role. What was once fear has transformed into enthusiasm as I have become more immersed in the office environment, understood the team dynamics, and realized the significance of punctuality and initiative. This internship has provided eye-opening experiences, and every responsibility contributed to my growth—both personally and professionally. 

What is it really like to be an intern? Is it hard? Complicated? Challenging? Well, let’s find out as I share my experience during my internship at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Albay. 

Each day begins at exactly 8:00 a.m. — from meticulously sorting case files to witnessing court hearings, and performing other assigned tasks. The fast-paced routine requires accuracy, attention to detail, and a hands-on approach. It has been an eye-opening experience that has shaped my perspective on the legal profession, made me realize that not a moment should be wasted and taught me the importance of always taking initiative. 

For instance, organizing piles of criminal case files demands thoroughness and strong organizational skills, as any misplaced document can have serious consequences. These are not just pieces of paper—each file represents a real person and a real story. So, I ensure each file is properly sorted and labeled, which is crucial for efficient case management and smooth workflow throughout the office. Also, update case status logs, ensuring every document, such as order, joint order, subpoena, decision, etc. is recorded accurately for easy access and tracking the progression of cases. At the frontline receiving desk, I interact with clients and visitors by greeting them and assisting with simple inquiries. This role has exposed me to people from various walks of life, highlighting the significance of maintaining a positive and respectful client experience. The opportunity to attend and observe court hearings is the highlight of my internship, as I have a passion for public service and curiosity about how the justice system really works. These firsthand experiences have deepened my understanding of the courtroom and ignited my deepest desire to pursue a career in law in the near future. 

One of the most engaging parts and memorable moments of my internship was a recitation activity facilitated by Mr. Bonifacio M. Sayson, Jr.,  focusing on legal concepts such as Labor Code, Omnibus Rules, GSIS Law, and other relevant topics. This interactive exercise challenged me to think critically, as it required not just giving answers based on what “I think,” but providing a well-founded basis to justify a claim. The activity was filled with insightful discussions that strengthened my understanding of legal topics. 

So, to answer the question, what is it really like to be an intern? Is it hard, complicated, or challenging? My experience has shown me that it is all of these and much more, yet it remains the field where I envision my future. This internship has not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my passion for the law, proving that with dedication and curiosity, every challenge becomes an opportunity to think critically, adapt quickly, prioritize effectively, and maintain accuracy.

The truth is, I was scared—but I told myself, “I’m doing this anyway.” That mantra kept echoing in my head as I walked into the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor for my very first day as an intern last Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to feel, was it excitement? Nervousness? Cowardice? There was a constant battle in my mind. 

The day formally started with an orientation and interview in the conference room with Mr. Bonifacio Sayson. He asked me a simple but important question: “Why did you choose this office?” I knew my purpose. I shared my passion for public service and my curiosity about how the justice system really works. At the same time, I told him about my deepest desire to pursue a career in law in the near future. Consequently, Mr. Sayson comprehensively introduced how the Prosecutor’s Office operates, explaining terms like preliminary investigation and inquest proceedings. This orientation made me understand the core processes: preliminary investigations are conducted to determine if there is enough evidence to file charges, while inquest proceedings are for cases where the suspect is already detained. Beyond the legal aspects, I was quickly assigned to the practical tasks like organizing files like case documents, court orders, subpoenas, and more. These tasks are essential for the overall smooth function of the office.

At exactly 8:30 in the morning on last 18th of June, Mr. Sayson gave us an opportunity to attend a court hearing. Sitting on the wooden bench inside the courtroom and witnessing the proceedings firsthand was eye-opening. It even gave me goosebumps. The atmosphere was so heavy and way different from the dramatized scenes we normally see in movies. All information was confidential, and phones were strictly required to be in silent mode or turned off. The experience felt surreal, almost like a dream. It made me realize that no one should be falsely accused of a crime they did not commit. The prosecution of criminal cases must remain grounded, balancing the rights of individuals while being carried out by highly professional, committed, and morally upright public servants. 

During the first week of my internship, I was already immersed in tasks like updating records, organizing files, and compiling reports. These responsibilities are vital to the office’s operations because any recklessness can have serious consequences, as each document reflects a real person and a real story. One of the first things that struck me was the professionalism, camaraderie, and punctuality among the staff and prosecutors. Everyone plays a crucial role and approaches their work with excellence, and feels like no time should be wasted. Despite their busy schedules, they still show genuine guidance and kindness. There’s an unspoken tradition of checking in on interns, whether it’s sharing snacks, reminding us to eat lunch, or making sure we don’t forget our things. These simple gestures reflect their genuine concern, helping us feel comfortable and included.

Integrity and service to the public are two core values deeply embedded in the office culture. These principles have made my transition smooth and manageable. I am eager to learn and contribute, knowing I belong to a group of people who value hard work and defend the integrity of the legal system. As my internship progresses, I look forward to discovering what more I’ll experience that will enrich my understanding of the world of prosecution.

Overall, this week provides a new perspective on learning and discovery, something I’ve always wanted to experience firsthand. This experience made me realize that I am not a coward. My mantra, “I am scared, but I will do it anyway,” remains my guiding light as I navigate this new environment. Though fear and uncertainty are present, my determination, keen for jurisprudence, and upholding the principles of justice and due process, reminds me that growth often begins at the edge of our comfort zones.

I always keep in mind what Mr. Bonifacio Sayson told us on the first day: “Everything is confidential. What you have read or seen in the documents, discussions, case details shall remain within the four corners of the room. If you are uncertain of something, do not hesitate to ask.” These words remind me that my role is anchored in trust that comes with responsibility. It is a constant call to uphold integrity, mindfulness, and respect throughout my internship and even beyond.

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