Expectation vs. Reality: This is How you Bridge Data Science and People
If there’s one thing I can tell a college student looking for their internship, it’s that they shouldn’t hesitate to apply. Clicking that apply button is simple. I wasn’t sure if I was qualified enough or if I would actually be selected, but I still went through with the whole application process anyway. If you think that you’re not experienced or qualified enough, go for it! The whole process might just be the opportunity you needed to find out what you’re capable of.
So when I told myself “Just go for it,” I immediately thought of applying for the Ayala Group Summer Internship Program (AGSIP). Sometimes, you just have to take the chance even when you are unsure of the outcome. Where that one decision can lead you will surprise you.
I hope to become a professional who can bridge the gap between data and business, someone who can turn analysis into meaningful insights and decisions.
Beyond Numbers
I have always been drawn to numbers and problem-solving. Even when I was younger, I enjoyed mathematics and actively participated in competitions, winning several math competitions both locally and internationally during elementary and junior high school. Because of this, pursuing a career that aligned with my skills and interests came naturally to me.
What interests me most about working with data is the ability to take complex information, identify patterns, and turn those findings into meaningful insights that can help solve real-world problems and support better decisions.
I recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ateneo de Manila University with a BS in Applied Mathematics, specializing in Data Science, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Data Science at the same university while completing my internship in Globe. As I continue my studies and gain professional experience, I hope to build a career where I can combine my strengths in mathematics, analytical thinking, and data science to solve meaningful problems.
“I began to see how data is not just about analyzing numbers—it is also about understanding the business context, identifying opportunities, and using insights to support strategic decisions.”
Being a Commercial Strategy Intern has given me the opportunity to explore the business side of Globe, but it has also made me curious about the other career paths I could pursue within the company, particularly in data science. I hope to continue exploring these opportunities and eventually build a career where I can apply both my technical background and my understanding of business. For now, I’m thankful for being part of AGSIP.
An Exciting Opportunity
I have been eyeing this summer internship program since my second year because I saw it as an opportunity that could significantly contribute to my career progression. The Ayala Group particularly caught my attention because of its reputation as one of the Philippines’ leading business groups, its diverse portfolio of companies and industries, and the opportunity to learn from and work alongside professionals across different fields. I sent in my application to AGSIP, hoping to gain meaningful corporate experience, understand how different businesses operate, and discover how I could apply my background in mathematics and data science in a professional setting.
Around the same time, I had also been researching different career opportunities and programs within Globe. I would often come across Globe's programs and initiatives on LinkedIn, and I had also heard from some of my upperclassmen about their positive experiences and the opportunities for career growth within the company. This made Globe particularly interesting to me as a potential place to begin my professional career.
I found it valuable to see how customer needs, business opportunities, and data could be brought together to develop recommendations for a real organization.
I am extremely lucky to have been among the 115 AGSIP interns to be selected among thousands of applicants and then be given the opportunity to represent Globe. It was especially exciting because it allowed me to experience the program I had been eyeing for years while also exploring a company that I had already been interested in even before applying.
Not Just About Numbers, But Context
As an Applied Mathematics major specializing in Data Science, I had spent much of my academic life learning mathematical and analytical concepts, but I had not always had the opportunity to see how they translate into actual business decisions. My experience as an Integrated Commercial Strategy Intern at Globe gave me that perspective. I began to see how data is not just about analyzing numbers—it is also about understanding the business context, identifying opportunities, and using insights to support strategic decisions.
“Seeing how my team approached problems and presented their ideas taught me that having a good analysis is only one part of the process; being able to communicate that analysis effectively is equally important.”
As an Integrated Commercial Strategy Intern at Globe, I was exposed to how our team approached the problems they encountered. While I cannot disclose the specific projects or business information I was exposed to during my internship, one experience that really stood out to me was seeing my team develop and propose a multi-product ownership strategy to Ayala. I found it valuable to see how customer needs, business opportunities, and data could be brought together to develop recommendations for a real organization.
I also learned a lot beyond strategic planning itself. I became more conscious of how important it is to structure a presentation, communicate an idea clearly, and convey recommendations in a convincing way. Seeing how my team approached problems and presented their ideas taught me that having a good analysis is only one part of the process; being able to communicate that analysis effectively is equally important.
This experience has made me appreciate how my background in mathematics and data science can complement strategy and, more importantly, how I can continue developing both my analytical and communication skills in a real business setting.
Applying My Knowledge On The Job
My background in Applied Mathematics and Data Science came into play mainly through the way I approached problems. While my role as an Integrated Commercial Strategy Intern was not purely technical or focused on data science, the analytical and quantitative mindset I developed in school helped me break down complex business problems and think more systematically about possible solutions.
Photobooth Pictures with my Globe Pathfinder Program Batchmates
One thing I appreciated during my internship was seeing how the concepts I learned in school could be applied in a much broader context.
“In university, I was often focused on solving a problem by working with equations, models, or datasets. At Globe, I learned that solving a business problem requires more than just getting the numbers right.”
You also need to understand the business context, ask the right questions, determine what the data actually means, and translate those insights into a recommendation that people can act on.
More importantly, the experience made me realize how my technical background could complement different areas of the business. Being exposed to the commercial and strategic side of Globe has made me curious about the other career paths I could pursue within the company, particularly in data science. I hope to continue exploring these opportunities and eventually build a career at Globe where I can combine my strengths in mathematics, analytical thinking, and data science with the business understanding I have gained through this internship to solve meaningful problems.
How Globe Shaped Me
My AGSIP experience was six weeks full of lessons, challenges, and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. One of the experiences that stood out to me was the Craft Challenge, where we were given a real-life business problem and had the opportunity to work with interns from different Ayala Group companies.
“Being surrounded by people with different academic backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences challenged me to look at problems from different angles and taught me the value of collaboration.”
I was also grateful for the opportunity to connect with mentors, HR representatives, and professionals throughout the program. Their advice and willingness to share their experiences gave me a better understanding of what it means to build a career in a large organization. More than just learning about work, these conversations helped me become more confident in communicating with professionals, asking questions, and thinking about the kind of career I want to pursue.
My Globe internship complemented this experience by allowing me to work closely with my team and experience the day-to-day realities of a professional environment. I learned a lot from my mentors and teammates, not only from the work itself but also from how they approached problems, communicated ideas, and supported one another.
AGSIP meeting with our mentor from GCash
Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of both experiences was the relationships I built. I made lifelong friends through AGSIP and Globe, and having people who were going through the same challenges, learning experiences, and milestones made the internship feel like much more than just work.
“Looking back, what I will remember most is not only what I accomplished, but also the people I met, the lessons they shared with me, and how they helped shape the person and professional I am becoming.”
When things go wrong before they go right
One thing that really stood out to me about my time with the EDS group is how welcoming everyone had been. Despite being an intern, I never felt like I was treated differently or like I was simply there temporarily. They made me feel like I genuinely belonged to the team, and I think our lunches were a big part of that.
We loved The Globe Tower office! Admired every part of it, especially the garden.
Also bonded so much with my Globe co-interns.
One small detail that I found funny was how, almost every day, we made sure to go down to the cafeteria at exactly 11:00 AM so we could reserve seats for everyone. One day, we decided that we wanted to have lunch outside instead. However, our supervisor told us this lunch out would be a lunch meeting. Since we did not want to spend our lunch eating while working, our team insisted that we have the meeting first and then go out for lunch.
We eventually finished around 12:30 PM and headed down to the restaurants we had planned to visit, only to find that they were all packed with long lines. To make things worse, it suddenly started raining so hard, and none of us had umbrellas. What was supposed to be a fun lunch out with the team quickly turned into a lunch at Jollibee.
Although we did not end up eating at any of the restaurants we originally planned to go to, I think that made the experience even more memorable. We were all laughing about how everything went wrong, and the conversations and shared struggle somehow made a simple Jollibee lunch more enjoyable.
“It was a small moment, but it captured what I appreciated most about the team—the people and the sense of camaraderie made even the most ordinary moments feel special.”
AGSIP and the Globe Experience
Looking back, AGSIP and my experience at Globe strengthened my desire to build a career where I can combine data science, strategy, and business. They showed me that being a successful professional requires more than strong technical skills—it also involves understanding the bigger picture, communicating ideas clearly, and collaborating effectively with others.
These experiences also made me more open to exploring different career paths within Globe. While I have enjoyed working in strategy, I am also interested in opportunities in data science where I can apply my technical background. Ultimately, I hope to become a professional who can bridge the gap between data and business, someone who can turn analysis into meaningful insights and decisions.
Thank you, Globe and GCash! Thank you, AGSIP and GPP! To all aspiring young talents like me, just go for it!
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