Finding clarity in career goals
At just 18, William Openshaw, a geography student at the University of Edinburgh, was unsure of what path to pursue. But after experiencing the “fun and discipline” of professional life at the Ayala Group, he said the fog cleared.
“Before this internship, I didn’t really have a clear idea of what I wanted to be with my future. This experience taught me what direction I want to go, what I like, and what I don’t — it gave me a lot of clarity, which I’m really happy about,” Openshaw said.
For Glyzel Estillore of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, the program reshaped her view of business:
“I’ve come to know that business is not just about money. It’s about the mark you leave, the impact you give to people — and giving the best impact you could,” she said.
A program beyond technical training
The interns weren’t just exposed to operations in Ayala’s different business units. They also:
Participated in a greening activity to promote sustainability.
Competed in a generative AI hackathon that tested creativity and problem-solving.
Attended masterclasses on purpose and values with Ayala leaders.
The combination of technical immersion and values-based learning is what sets AGSIP apart, organizers said.
Lessons from the top
At the program’s closing ceremony, Cezar P. Consing, Ayala Corp. president and CEO, shared lessons from his four-decade career.
On leadership: “Servant leadership, integrity, and valuing people over technical skills are essential — especially in an era of fast-evolving technology.”
On productivity: “Do the little things well but focus on what moves the needle. Busyness is not productivity.”
On failure: “Fail, but fail gloriously. What a big failure signifies is that you dared to try something bold and different. There can be nobility in big failure.”
On humanity in the age of AI: “In a world of AI, our humanity will be the big differentiator. Value people most.”
Building confidence and connections
For Wano Henson of De La Salle University, the biggest takeaway was not just technical learning but human connection.
“Growing up, I was shy. In AGSIP, I learned the importance of teamwork, building networks, and cooperating effectively, no matter who people are,” he said.
The big picture
Now on its annual run, AGSIP aims to prepare the country’s next-generation talent not only by honing their technical skills but also by helping them define their personal values and sense of purpose.
For students like Openshaw, Estillore, and Henson, the experience was more than an internship — it was a turning point. And for Ayala, it was proof that preparing future leaders means combining skills training with lessons in resilience, humanity, and impact. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
