From Classroom to Career: Zia’s Internship Journey at Ingram Micro Philippines

Internships are more than a school requirement—they're a bridge between theory and practice, shaping how young professionals see themselves and the careers they’re ready to build. At Ingram Micro Philippines, the internship program is designed to deliver exactly that: a seamless, meaningful, and well-supported journey from onboarding to completion.

Meet Ziarezer Mariano, a Communication Arts major from Far Eastern University who is now a Marketing & Communication Specialist for one of the country’s largest real estate and development companies.

Before stepping into her current role, Zia spent three transformative months as an intern under Ingram Micro’s HR Employee Engagement and Communications (EE&C) team—an experience she describes as a defining chapter in her early career.

A Warm Welcome and a Team That Cares

From day one, Zia felt the warmth of a team that valued inclusion, mentorship, and genuine support. The EE&C team didn’t just assign tasks—they guided, encouraged, and created a space where she could learn freely and confidently.

Beyond the fundamentals of corporate communication, the team made her feel part of the family. Whether through collaborative projects, mentorship moments, or small but meaningful gestures like food treats and thoughtful gifts, Zia found herself growing in an environment where she felt valued.

This support became her compass as she navigated a brand-new corporate world, helping her transition with clarity and confidence.

Hands-On Learning and Real-World Growth

Zia’s internship experience sharpened her professional skills in ways that school projects couldn't fully replicate.

Event Management, Elevated

While she had organized university events in the past, corporate events introduced a new level of precision and structure. She learned about:

• Budgeting and cost management

• Supplier coordination

• Branding and alignment

• Guest and program curation

• Visual and design considerations

Even Excel, which she previously underestimated, became a crucial tool in managing timelines, lists, and deliverables.

Stronger, More Purposeful Writing

Corporate writing also challenged her in new ways. Crafting online content meant understanding themes, tone, and messaging. Through guidance and coaching, she learned the value of thematic writing—how to build content that’s not just informative but compelling.

Zia shares a key insight:

“Their collaboration despite differences inspired a deeper appreciation for teamwork in professional settings.”

This hands-on learning shaped not just her skill set but her work ethic—teaching her to be organized, proactive, and thoughtful in her approach. These are the same qualities she now brings to her role as a full-time Marketing & Communications Specialist.

A Lasting Impact Beyond the Internship

One of the most meaningful parts of Zia’s journey was the support she received even after her internship ended. The EE&C team continued to guide her, serving as mentors and even providing references that helped her secure her first job.

The impact of her internship didn’t fade once she left the office. It built confidence, strengthened her professional foundation, and deepened her understanding of corporate communications—from publications to events and everything in between.

As Zia looks back on her experience with gratitude, she sums it up with a sentiment that truly captures her connection with the team:

“Out of sight, but never out of mind.”