On this episode, we have Asi, Jayz Carrillo, Oscar Oganiza, and Ragde Falcis joining us to discuss "Paid vs. Unpaid Internships: What’s the Real Value?" and Is free work ever worth it—and is pay really enough?

Internships can kickstart a career—but should they always be paid? In this episode, we examine the true value of internships, especially in tech, where the debate over compensation continues. We hear from students, mentors, and companies about what makes an internship worthwhile, how access and equity come into play, and why the learning experience often matters just as much as the paycheck—or sometimes even more.

What did you learn from your internship that school didn’t teach you? (Generalization)

Internships often teach crucial real-world problem-solving, team collaboration in a professional setting, industry-specific tools and workflows, and the nuances of corporate culture—things that are hard to replicate in a purely academic environment.

Do you think unpaid internships still have a place in tech today? (Generalization)

The place of unpaid internships in tech is highly debated. While some argue they offer valuable experience for those unable to secure paid roles, many believe they create equity barriers and should largely be phased out in favor of paid opportunities that ensure fair compensation for work.

How can companies ensure interns get value—regardless of pay? (Generalization)

Companies can ensure value by providing a structured learning environment, assigning meaningful projects with real impact, offering dedicated mentorship, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing clear feedback and career guidance. The focus should be on skill development and experiential learning.

What’s the difference between a great internship and a waste of time? (Generalization)

A great internship offers tangible learning outcomes, exposure to industry practices, opportunities to contribute to real projects, and strong mentorship. A waste of time often involves menial tasks, lack of guidance, no clear learning objectives, and feeling like a burden rather than a contributing team member.

On this episode, we have Alfie Ordoña, Jayz Carrillo, Oscar Oganiza, and Ragde Falcis joining us to discuss "IT, IS, CS Grads: Do Schools and Grades Still Matter?" and What recruiters really look for (and what they ignore).

With bootcamps, certifications, and self-taught developers entering the field, the value of a traditional tech degree is being reexamined. In this episode, we explore how much your school background, course title, or grades still matter when applying for tech roles. Our guests include recruiters and hiring managers who’ll share what they really pay attention to—and what they often skip over.

In your hiring experience, how much weight do you place on degrees or GPA? (Generalization)

While a degree can show a foundational understanding, experience and practical skills often outweigh GPA. Many recruiters prioritize a candidate's ability to solve problems and contribute to a team over academic distinctions.

How do IT, IS, and CS graduates typically differ in skills or readiness? (Generalization)

CS graduates often have a stronger theoretical computer science background, while IT and IS graduates might be more oriented towards systems management or business applications. However, individual portfolio projects and internships often bridge these gaps, making readiness more about practical exposure.

What stands out more to you: a strong resume or a strong portfolio? (Generalization)

A strong portfolio almost always stands out more than just a resume. It provides concrete evidence of a candidate's skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, demonstrating what they can actually build and achieve.

Should schools update how they prepare students for today’s tech industry? (Generalization)

Absolutely. Many believe that academic curricula should incorporate more hands-on projects, industry-relevant tools, and soft skills like collaboration and communication to better prepare students for the dynamic tech landscape.

What's one thing recruiters often skip over on a resume or application? (Generalization)

Recruiters often gloss over generic objective statements or long lists of courses taken without corresponding project work. They're looking for impact, achievements, and specific skill sets relevant to the role, rather than general academic history.

On this episode, we have Julianne Cera, Jasmyn Japag, and Atcha Abe joining us to discuss "Beauty & Brains: IT na Influencer?" and can you code, create content, and command a following? Let’s talk image and impact.

This episode dives into the emerging world of the "tech influencer"—individuals who combine technical expertise with compelling content creation and a strong online presence. Our guests will discuss the skills required to excel in this space, the strategies for building an engaged audience, and the impact of personal branding in the tech industry. We'll explore how these individuals are shaping perceptions and driving conversations within the tech community.

What are the key skills and qualities that define a successful tech influencer? (Generalization)

Successful tech influencers possess a blend of technical proficiency and strong communication skills. Key qualities include a deep understanding of their niche within IT, the ability to simplify complex technical concepts, and a knack for engaging storytelling. They also need authenticity, credibility, consistency in content delivery, and an understanding of various social media platforms and their respective audiences. Adaptability to new technologies and trends is also crucial.

How can IT professionals effectively balance their technical work with the demands of content creation and audience engagement? (Generalization)

IT professionals can balance their technical work with content creation by employing effective time management and prioritization. This often involves setting dedicated times for content creation, batching similar tasks, and leveraging tools for scheduling and automation. Focusing on creating high-quality, impactful content over sheer volume can also help. Additionally, integrating content creation into their learning process by documenting their technical explorations can make the process more efficient and synergistic with their core IT work.

What are some of the unique opportunities and challenges faced by tech influencers in the industry? (Generalization)

Tech influencers have unique opportunities such as personal brand building, networking with industry leaders, and monetizing their expertise through sponsorships, courses, or consulting. They can also significantly influence tech adoption and education. However, challenges include the pressure to stay current with rapidly evolving technology, maintaining authenticity amidst commercial interests, dealing with online criticism, and managing potential conflicts of interest with their primary IT careers.

How is the rise of tech influencers changing the way technical information is disseminated and perceived? (Generalization)

The rise of tech influencers is significantly changing how technical information is disseminated and perceived by making it more accessible, engaging, and personalized. They often break down complex topics into digestible formats (e.g., videos, short posts), reaching broader audiences beyond traditional academic or industry channels. This shift fosters a more dynamic and interactive learning environment, though it also places a greater emphasis on critical evaluation of sources due to varying levels of expertise and potential biases.