A Possibility Realized: Saying Yes to Globe, and to Myself
- Abigail Sales
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Saying yes to new opportunities can change everything. This is the story of an internship at Globe Telecom that became a journey of self-discovery, courage, and growth. From overcoming doubt to leading creative and impactful projects, Abigail’s story shows how mentorship and determination turn possibilities into reality.
Abigail Sales
Former Employer Branding Intern, HR People Experience Group
For much of my life, I was defined by labels that never truly reflected who I was. These labels made me retreat into my shell, and I became known as the shy kid who stayed on the sidelines, watching opportunities pass me by. Fear often took the lead, convincing me that stepping back was safer than taking a step forward. I grew used to saying no before even allowing myself to dream or consider the possibilities of what could happen if I said yes. Now, in my 20s, I am learning to step out of that shell and unlock the potential that was held back by those labels. I am relearning who I am, leaning into my strengths, and embracing challenges I once avoided.
Pursuing a double degree in Communication Arts and Legal Management, with a minor in Digital and Technology Solutions, while actively participating in student governance, reflects this transformation. Every challenge reminds me that growth begins the moment I choose courage over hesitation. Each achievement, in turn, fuels a persistent drive to surpass the last—a cycle of self-competition that, while sometimes overwhelming, strengthened my resilience and discipline. This growth mindset ultimately motivated me to pursue an internship at Globe Telecom, an opportunity I once thought was beyond my reach.
What drew me to Globe went beyond its reputation as the country’s leading telecom provider or its role as a driver of digital innovation. It was the promise of a company that nurtures skill, encourages curiosity, and offers the guidance of seasoned professionals invested in growth. I also wanted an environment where I could pursue both corporate and creative opportunities, and Globe seemed like the perfect place, one that could challenge me while valuing my creativity. Despite fierce competition and slim odds, I applied anyway, determined to go for it—if only to prove to myself that I was capable.
"What drew me to Globe went beyond its reputation as the country’s leading telecom provider or its role as a driver of digital innovation. It was the promise of a company that nurtures skill, encourages curiosity, and offers the guidance of seasoned professionals invested in growth."
After completing the digital assessment, I was naturally met by the familiar grip of imposter syndrome. The very next day, I received the interview schedule with my soon-to-be supervisor, and a flicker of hope broke through my lingering fears. I spent the days leading up to it preparing, letting my anxiety guide me just enough to anticipate challenges without taking control. The interview itself turned out to be warm and reassuring, far from the scenarios I had imagined. Finally, when the email I had been manifesting for arrived, I was overjoyed to learn that I would be joining Globe as an Employer Branding Intern under the HR People Experience Group.
Walking into The Globe Tower for the first time was both exciting and intimidating. The building was massive, and I couldn’t help but feel small—what am I even doing here? Luckily, I met my co-intern Erika in the lobby, and we immediately bonded over our shared confusion. Together, we awkwardly stood in a buttonless elevator, trying to make sense of its peculiar system. Thankfully, a kind employee came to our rescue and kindly explained to us that the buttons are located outside rather than inside. That lighthearted episode became my first real taste of Globe’s culture: supportive, collaborative, and human.
"That lighthearted episode became my first real taste of Globe’s culture: supportive, collaborative, and human."
Meeting my supervisor, Ms. Diane, only reinforced my first impression. I had expected seriousness and formality, but she welcomed us with an infectious energy that immediately put me at ease. She gave us a tour, introduced us to the team, and even treated us to a welcome lunch. At the same time, the other interns were all gathered at a single desk, sticking close together and radiating friendliness, which made the environment feel even more inviting. What struck me most, however, was Ms. Diane’s leadership style: thoughtful, empowering, and open to feedback. Rather than simply delegating tasks, she encouraged us to push beyond what we thought we could do.
My first day included a New Hire Orientation led by my supervisor, Ms. Diane Rodriguez, and an inspiring meet-and-greet with Globe’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Roche Vandenberghe.
From the beginning, I expressed my desire to expand beyond design work, seeking opportunities to write articles, ideate content, and lead projects. Ms. Diane welcomed this openness and aligned my responsibilities with my interests. Through her support, I learned that communication influences every aspect of the workplace—even in HR, where I initially thought I wouldn’t fit. What I assumed was merely administrative became a dynamic environment where branding, marketing, and storytelling intersect. As an Employer Branding intern, I wasn’t just a graphic designer; I worked on multimedia projects, shared employee stories, and contributed ideas that shaped Globe’s cultural communication.
Just a few weeks into my internship, I found myself leading Globe’s International Youth Day campaign with my co-intern. I took on the roles of both director and post-producer, working in close collaboration with Erika on scripting. The most empowering aspect of this project was the full creative control we were granted from conceptualization to final delivery. It felt like stepping into my natural habitat, a space where I could apply the skills I had diligently honed during my Communication Arts program. Seeing the final product published on LinkedIn and Prosple was electrifying and showed that at Globe, interns are trusted to take ownership of their ideas.
"At Globe, interns are trusted to take ownership of their ideas."
Of course, the journey was not without hurdles. My most challenging project was Globe Way Wednesdays, where multiple design revisions left me paralyzed with fear. Each draft felt like evidence that I wasn’t cut out for the role and that my acceptance at Globe had been due to sheer luck. However, instead of criticism, Ms. Diane offered patient guidance, walking me through the principles of visual hierarchy and audience engagement until I ultimately got it right. Her mentorship approach transformed my anxiety into a learning opportunity.
The weekly kamustahans were equally meaningful, as they went beyond progress reports and deliverables to become safe spaces for reflection, feedback, and genuine conversation. Ms. Diane always actively listened, encouraging us to share our thoughts openly, whether about the challenges we faced or ways to continually improve the internship program. Even beyond work, when a post-LASIK migraine forced me to take a day off, she encouraged me to prioritize my health, showing the value of malasakit that made all the difference. I consider myself truly fortunate to have had her as my supervisor, and I credit much of the richness of my internship to her mentorship.
Distributing GPTW Tote Bags and free doughnuts at GDay
Having GDay fall within my internship made the experience even more memorable. I was simply happy to be there, even if my role, alongside Erika, was just handing out tote bags. What seemed effortless quickly proved otherwise; as an introvert surrounded by a thousand personalities, I found the crowd overwhelming. To streamline the process, I designed a step-by-step visual guide that helped employees claim their tote bags and partake in the slo-mo booth. It was a small task, but it reminded me that leadership often means making quiet, behind-the-scenes contributions. During my internship, Globe also celebrated milestones such as the PSE 50th Anniversary and first Great Place to Work® Certification, which made me proud to be part of something bigger.
Presenting my capstone project, the New Hire Zine: 'Hello, Possibilities!’
Early on in my internship, I began to observe some distinct gaps in the existing onboarding process. These weren't necessarily flaws, but rather areas where the experience could be significantly enhanced for new hires. I wanted to address these observations in a meaningful and creative way, which ultimately shaped the foundation of my capstone project: a new hire zine. This zine was envisioned not just as a supplement to existing materials but as a dynamic and engaging tool designed to reimagine and elevate the entire onboarding experience, making it more exciting, informative, and inspiring for every new Globe employee.
Presenting my capstone project, Hello, Possibilities!—a nod to my personal journey and Globe’s employer brand statement—was nerve-wracking. I hadn’t slept much from overthinking, and my palms were sweaty as I spoke before the HR team. But as they listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and expressed genuine interest in rolling out the project, I felt an incredible sense of validation. That moment filled me with pride and proved that even as an intern, I could leave something lasting. It became a defining experience, showing me that Globe doesn’t just speak of possibilities; it provides its employees, even its interns, with the space, resources, and encouragement to create those possibilities.
"Globe doesn’t just speak of possibilities; it provides its employees—even its interns—with the space, resources, and encouragement to create those possibilities."
I'm incredibly grateful for my internship at Globe, a foundational step in my professional journey that I'm proud to have taken. Being a Globe intern isn’t your stereotypical intern role of simply serving coffee, printing documents, and handling minor tasks while observing without significant input. At Globe, I truly felt like a valued member of the team, encouraged to ask questions and explore new ideas, which fostered active and hands-on learning rather than passive observation. Seeing my contributions recognized and even compensated was particularly rewarding, affirming Globe's commitment to treating interns as meaningful members of the organization, not just trainees.
"At Globe, I truly felt like a valued member of the team, encouraged to ask questions and explore new ideas, which fostered active and hands-on learning rather than passive observation."
During my three months at Globe, I gained more than just technical skills; I learned that true leadership starts with self-leadership. It’s about choosing courage over fear, effort over excuses, and persistence over perfection. I began my journey feeling anxious, but I finished with newfound confidence. This confidence isn’t about pretending doubt doesn’t exist; it’s about acknowledging fears, learning from them, and moving forward anyway. I realized that nothing is beyond reach if you’re willing to act upon it, and that creating possibilities starts with believing in yourself.
"During my three months at Globe, I gained more than just technical skills; I learned that true leadership starts with self-leadership."
Looking back and wrapping up my internship, I can confidently say that "Create Everyday Possibilities" is not just an empty brand statement; it's a lived experience in every corner of the organization. That same statement became the rhythm of my experience, guiding me to take initiative, embrace challenges, and create everyday possibilities one step at a time. My younger self would be proud to see how far I've come, but I know this is only the beginning. With the lessons Globe has instilled in me, I'm ready to keep stepping out of my shell and moving confidently toward new possibilities.
"'Create Everyday Possibilities' is not just an empty brand statement; it's a lived experience in every corner of the organization.
Discover exciting internship opportunities at Globe here and start your journey of growth today. Follow Globe Telecom on LinkedIn to explore programs designed to help you unlock your full potential.
