MY OJT EXPERIENCE
By Ramesh A. Dataya, Copyright 1998

On April 13, 1998, I started to undergo a rigorous 325-hour on-the-job training at the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) beginning that day to June 3 as part of my requirement in our Computer Science course. The primary purpose of the said training is to provide students with the much-needed working experience, basic knowledge of work fundamentals and the actual application of things learned in school. The OJT stands as the most crucial challenge in the life of a student required to take it, including me. Thus, when I approached my first day in office, I was really scared and intimidated, especially because I had exactly no idea what to expect. Besides, I couldn’t even imagine myself in the transition period from being in school to being in office, and then back to school again. For that matter, I wasn’t so enthusiastic days before my OJT started. For me, the OJT was going to be bad one omen.

But now, almost four months later, I realized I was wrong. Thank God, I was damn wrong. And the following accounts will tell why.

Prelude

I was assigned at the DLPC’s Quality and Human Resources Department (QHRD), whose quarters are located at the second floor of the main office. The company owns computer servers and LAN, thus their office work centers through networking. For that matter, they have several units, too. They also have numerous telephones, and they exchange documents using CC mail for Windows, thus making their work easier and more comfortable.

Mrs. Cielita Aniga heads the QHRD. Her staff includes the affable Hector Vidal, Jay Ocubillo, Juni Jane Lee, Anna Quilos and Joann Lucero. Ocubillo, my instructor, is the one who ranks closest to me. He was the one who sacrificed patience and effort to get out the best of me. I really look up to him. My teacher, motivator and friend, sir Jay is simply one of the most influential persons in my whole life.

Just like any OJT trainee, I was made to do errands many times everyday. Most trainees are made to do errands, especially at the very beginning of their training. In my case, I was made to do errands all along, but that doesn’t mean I was never given a serious task. I was, and always, especially during my final month. I encode the leaves posted by employees regularly, check and modify office records and help out in every way I possibly can. I admit that my OJT has been overshadowed by the lack of computer-related tasks. I remember the time sir Hec told me that I was a waste there, because my computer-related talents and abilities can never be utilized. But he told me to face the challenge and make good things happen. Of course, I heeded that advice. And, in fact, those words still tingle in my mind until now.

The Motivation

What a fateful summer it has been. At first, I felt bad enough that my OJT had to take place at a time when I was having emotional problems. In fact, there were times when I’d sit at one corner and stare at the floor point blank. Obviously, my problems would occasionally strike me, hitting me like a thunderbolt. My superiors can’t help but notice it. They would approach me and ask, "What’s wrong?" I’d tell them, "Nothing. I’m just relaxing." Of course, I was lying. But they understood me, really. They knew perhaps what was exactly happening, right from their standpoint. They never meddled with me, but they never forgot to give me support and motivation., with-out even trying. It’s one thing I like --- they treated me as a person.

My OJT in general

The OJT showed to me just how hard and difficult office work is meant to be. Sir Jay showed to me just how office work looks like. He was teaching me nearly everything, even the most basic things. But that’s because he wants me to accomplish perfection, which is a must. I had to focus and concentrate on what I’m doing. Whatever problems I have, I have to throw them away. I shouldn’t let them hamper me, and what I’m doing. Sir Jay really taught me that. Right from there, I realized that in order for one to be successful, he has to shed blood and tears. That by itself is the biggest threat I’ve ever stumbled upon. Now I know that life isn’t as easy as I think.

Simply put it this way: my OJT experience ranks as the most defining moment of my life. It gave me opportunities to showcase not only my full talent and potential, but also my own being and my whole self. The OJT exposed me to the real world--- the place where pain hurts, where diligence is important and where enjoyment doesn’t last too long. It’s a much different scenario in school. There, we act like kids, we do anything we want, we do something only when were forced to, and just memorize, understand and then forget what is taught to you. Office is not like that. Of course, it’s a lot different when you get along with people much older than you. But I learned it’s more than just that. Office requires sacrificing, staying focused and applying all the things you’ve learned firsthand. Really, it’s as difficult as it is challenging. But I took up all that and placed them into my head. I worked hard, doubly hard. And it paid off. The result is perhaps the best OJT I can ever imagine one may have. After all, mine’s unique and inspiring. And my last day in office was definitely a pleasant way to cap off such an experience. . I’d really want to thank God for this opportunity, for this very moment. The OJT will have a positive effect on me…starting now.

Though my disability hampered me throughout, it is surprising to note that I was effective, and brought an impact to HRD, too. I know that I’m not the best trainee ever to be there all-time, but I feel I am going to be remembered. I was honored with the respect and appreciation they had bestowed me. They will make me better. They will motivate me. I’ll really never forget them. Did the OJT and Davao Light have a positive effect on me? Yes, and rightly so.

We in the QHRD have a very tight bond, so tight that I consider them my second family. Sir Jay is my idol and role model, sir Hec is my best friend and the rest have been tight to me, too. Beginning my third or fourth week in the office, I finally felt at home, at ease and comfortable. Since then, the days became bright and wonderful; so bright that it’s often to see me with a smile on my face. I was beginning to be cheerful, like ma’am Jane. I was beginning to be more open, like ma’am Joanne. I was starting to be more humorous, like sir Hec. And of course, by virtue of the no-non-sense training I’ve had under sir Jay, I was beginning to become smarter and more confident, much like sir Jay himself. All of them had an impact on me, on my mentality and my life in general. Of course, I’ll never forget them, and that’s simply because I owe them a lot. If something nice ever happens to me, I guarantee them that they are among the first persons I’d go to and thank.

Generalization

As far as I’m concerned, I am going to approach the school year with a reason to be happy and proud. My experience from the OJT brought me not only a pool of knowledge, but also self-confidence as well. Having worked at Davao Light, I learned how to use my talents to their full potential. It’s really an unbelievable thing, but it’s true--- I underwent a massive personality uplift at DLPC.

Generally, my OJT was such a wonderful experience that should change the way I envision life. I learned a lot of things there. Like how to this, how to do that. Those things are technical. But the most important things I’ve learned there isn’t technical, rather, it’s personal. I was thought to become confident and vigorous in my approach for perfection. That’s a much better lesson than read and write, ain’t it? The unique thing is that I learned them all through my own experiences. Wow, school can never provide that, not even once in a million years.

My recommendation for future OJT trainees is simple—work hard, love your job and respect the people you’re working for. That way, your office life will soon evolve from busy to rosy. Just look at what happened to me.

During the last day of my OJT, ma’am Aniga gave me a farewell party. It was something I truly appreciate, especially because they made me feel important to the HRD family, and to Davao Light as a whole. I spoke to them at one point, delivering an impromptu speech. I thanked all of them for the opportunities and wonderful memories they’ve shared with me. That was a moment when I felt it was tough to leave, but I realized I have to move on. Better things are ahead of me, and I’m quite sure of that. But whatever happens, I’ll never forget Davao Light, its’ people and the impact it had on me… they will always be part of my heart and memories forever.

To be honest with you, my achievements and eventual contributions to Davao Light surpassed even my wildest thoughts and expectations. I feel, I’m living out a dream.

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