Ateneo de Manila University

School of Social Sciences

Department of Communication
Practicum Guidelines
AB Communications
The practicum program for Communication majors, which is a synthesis between theory
and practical work experience, is an integral requirement for obtaining the AB Communications
degree. Taken after the completion of Communication 100, 101, and 102, plus six electives, the
student will be required to work for at least 120 hours in a communication-related field.
Objectives
This practicum program for Communication majors aims to achieve the following
objectives:
1. Provide students with various forms of practical job experiences relating to the field of
communication as part of their formal education program.
2. Help students make a smooth transition from school to employment in a supervised and
controlled setting.
3. Provide students with current information and best practices related to the
communication field.
4. Provide practical learning experience that will allow students to increase their productive
capacity.
5. Develop students proficiency in judgment, decision-making, and professional behavior.
6. Assist students in developing interpersonal skills, understandings, and attitudes involving
relationships with co-workers and supervisors.

Responsibilities of the Student

The student going through the practicum program must perform the following
responsibilities:
1. Look for a company or organization within the nature of his/her track to work for. Send
out a well-written resume with cover letter and attach the Endorsment Letter that will be
issued by the Department of Communication.
2. Go through the application process required by the company/organization. Upon
acceptance, submit the Job Acceptance Form to the Practicum Director.
3. Complete the minimum requirement of 120 hours distributed over the summer
term/semester in a manner mutually agreed upon by the company/site supervisor and the
student, as well as approved by the Department of Communication.
4. Adhere to the companys policies, procedures, and rules governing work requirements
and professional behavior.
5. Assume personal and professional responsibilities for his/her actions and activities.
6. Relate and apply knowledge acquired in the academic setting to the company/agency
setting.
7. Be consistent and punctual in the submission of all work assignments and other directives
of the supervisor.
8. Provide periodic progress reports to the supervisor as agreed upon.
9. Maintain professional relationships with employees, supervisors, and other associates.
10. Attend on-campus meetings scheduled and submit practicum portfolio and other work as
may be required by the Department of Communication.
11. Consult with the faculty advisor in the event of personal or other problems that may
affect job performance.
Responsibilities of the Company
In order for the practicum to be successful, the company must play an integral role by
being responsible for the following:
1. Submit a job description of the students responsibilities with the company at the start of
the practicum program (form will be provided by the student).

2. Orient the student to the companys structure, organization, policies, procedures, and
regulations regarding appropriate dress, office hours, and applicable leave policies.
3. Assure student employment in activities which will allow students to use the knowledge
gained in the classroom to enhance their competencies.
4. Provide adequate resources necessary to accomplish job objectives.
5. Assign and supervise the completion of tasks and responsibilities that are consistent with
the students role in the company.
6. Consult with the student and/or faculty advisor in the even of personal, communication,
or other problems that may affect the students job performance.
7. Complete the evaluation form provided by the Department of Communication on the
students performance.
Requirement: Practicum Portfolio
By the end of the practicum program, the student is required to submit a practicum
portfolio. This is a collection of work-related output organized in a systematic manner for the
purpose of demonstrating what the student has learned and achieved through the practicum
experience. This portfolio includes the following components:
1. Cover Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Resume and Cover Letter
Submit a copy of resume and cover letter used in applying for the
practicum position. If this step was bypassed, a high-quality resume and a
thorough cover letter must still be prepared and included in this portfolio as these
may be used for future job applications.
4. Company Profile
Include a brief overview of the company company structure, company
VMO, practicum job description.

5. Weekly Journal
This journal should serve as a record of the students learning experiences
and a record of practicum hours on-site. The student must describe his/her
experiences and responsibilities, and explore any challenges encountered in terms
of skills, interpersonal dynamics, or ethics.
The following questions must be answered:

What were you trying to accomplish during this week? Be as specific

as possible.

How did you see yourself attempting to accomplish the above?

How did you spend your time during the week? With whom? What
did each of you do?

How did it turn out? What happened with regard to your objectives?

What, if anything, would you like to change with regard to your

objectives, goals, strategies, or techniques?

What progress notes would you make regarding your experience

during the week?

Give other comments or observations you think appropriate.

6. Final Paper
This final report requires the student to reflect on what he/she has learned
within the practicum workplace and link it to what has been learned from the
communication courses already taken.
In a coherent essay, answer the following guide questions
comprehensively:

Did your supervisor provide you with learning opportunities or

make an effort to train you? Explain.

Do you feel satisfied with the variety and nature of experiences of

your practicum? Explain.

Would you recommend that this company be retained for future

practicum? Explain.

What advice would give future interns not necessarily about the
place you are working but about the practicum experience itself?

Summarize your thoughts and observations regarding your

internship. How do you feel about the experience? Do you
believe you are prepared to enter the professional world? Why or
why not?

7. Sample Work
The student must include copies of projects accomplished for the
practicum. A brief background of the project and the specific task is needed, and
copies of the output (e.g. brochure, script, press release, reports, etc.) must be
attached.
8. Standard Forms
a. Evaluation by the Supervisor
The company supervisor must accomplish the standard evaluation form
that will be provided by the Department of Communication. This must be
submitted in a sealed envelope with the evaluators signature across the flap.
b. Time Log
A copy of the students practicum time log must be submitted. This
should indicate the completion of the required 120 hours (minimum), and must be
authenticated/signed by the supervisor.