Overview
This article provides an overview of MMDC's Practicum or Internship Program, including eligibility requirements, required documents, internship hours, partner Host Training Establishments (HTEs), enrollment requirements, and important guidelines for completing your internship requirement. It also answers common questions about internship options, working students, international students, employer accreditation, and portfolio-based alternatives.
At MMDC, the Practicum or Internship is more than a graduation requirement—it’s a strategic opportunity for real-world learning, career enhancement, and professional growth.
Whether you're a fresh graduate, a working student, or a career shifter, the Practicum Program is designed to help you:
- Apply what you've learned in actual industry environments
- Strengthen your professional competencies
- Expand your network and portfolio
- Align your academic work with your career direction
As defined in CHED Memorandum Order No. 17, s. 2021, the internship program aims to:
“Provide students with an opportunity to complement their formal learning with practical knowledge, skills, and desirable attitudes, and to gain hands-on experience in a recognized Host Training Establishment (HTE).”
🎓 Who is Eligible?
You may enroll in the Practicum course once you have completed and passed:
- All major and specialization courses as indicated in your program’s Curriculum Plan: 🔗 BA & 🔗 IT.
- Your Feasibility Study (for BSBA students) or Capstone Courses (for BSIT students)
âś… What to Prepare Before You Begin
To ensure a smooth practicum experience, complete these steps beginning the term before your intended Practicum term:
1. Signify your intent and prepare your credentials:
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2. Secure psychological and medical clearance:
Note: We will publish a separate article for more information on the process of securing a medical and psychological clearance from MMCL’s CHSW and CGC. Also, take advantage of the ongoing APE Services available this month of July. This can serve as your physical assessment. For more information, see 🔗 Help Article: APE for MMDC Students
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3. Identify preferred HTEs:
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4. Prepare for enrollment:
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5. After enrollment, process your placement with an HTE
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6. Once accepted by an HTE:
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🗂 Explore MMDC’s Employer Partners
MMDC has a network of reputable Host Training Establishments (HTEs) that welcome students from various backgrounds, including working professionals.
- Refer to the list of partner HTEs: đź”— MMDC Practicum Partners SY2526
- Review your options and begin shortlisting based on your interests, preference, location, and goals
💡 Already working? You may propose your current employer as your HTE—provided that the nominated company meets CHED’s standards for reputable training establishments, complies fully with MMCL’s accreditation procedures, and aligns with the core objectives of the internship program as defined in CHED CMO No. 17 and MMDC’s Practicum Guidelines. Any deviation from these may compromise the approval of the partnership.
⏱ Required Hours
| Program | Hours Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BSBA | 600 hours | BSBA students are required to complete a total of 600 hours to fulfill their Practicum. While some Host Training Establishments (HTEs) can accommodate the full 600 hours, others may offer up to 480 hours of actual industry engagement. In such cases, the remaining 120 hours will be completed through asynchronous professional readiness courses via Coursera, facilitated by MMDC. |
| BSIT | 486 hours | BSIT students must complete a total of 486 hours to satisfy their Practicum requirement. These hours may be distributed according to the agreement with the Host Training Establishment and the structure set by MMDC. |
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take other courses while doing Practicum?
Yes. You may take up to 6 additional units, with approval from your Program Head, to ensure your academic load stays manageable.
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What if I don’t finish my internship?
You must notify your Program Coordinator and submit a letter of intent at least 3 working days before your last day.
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Will internships be conducted online or onsite?
Onsite, online, and hybrid internships are available. MMDC has a mix of HTEs offering flexible modalities. For working students, remote and asynchronous setups are available through select partner companies.
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Can I propose my own Host Training Establishment (HTE)?
Yes—as long as it meets CHED’s standards, passes MMDC’s accreditation process, and supports your learning objectives. This includes your current employer if relevant to your field of study.
Please take into account that the HTE accreditation process typically runs for at least a month before a partnership and agreements are established between MMCL/MMDC and the employer partner.
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Can my current job count as my internship?
If your current job is directly aligned with your MMDC program, it may be considered for practicum credit. You must:
- Be actively performing tasks relevant to your field of study. You may refer to the training plan of your specialization which will be published by the Program Heads.
- Submit proof of work scope and responsibilities
- Go through the same endorsement and documentation process as regular HTEs
- The HTE to go through the accreditation process and supportive of the practicum objectives
Final approval will depend on CHED and MMDC guidelines and the fulfillment of the accreditation process.
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I’ve been employed doing relevant work for years—do I still need to do an internship?
If you have already been employed in work that is directly aligned with your MMDC program, you may qualify for the Portfolio Track instead of completing a traditional internship. This track is designed for students who have already demonstrated, through years of experience, the foundational knowledge and skills that the practicum aims to develop. You must:
Be actively performing or have performed tasks relevant to your field of study, as reflected in the training plan per specialization to be published by the Program Heads
Submit proof of your work scope and responsibilities
Provide evidence of work and experience verified by an authority in your workplace, showing that you have already gained the essential practicum competencies
The Portfolio Track recognizes your prior professional experience and allows you to meet the practicum requirement by showing that you have already achieved the outcomes expected from internship training.
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Can I count unrelated work experience as my internship?
No. If your job is not related to your program specialization, it cannot be credited as your practicum. You must still complete a qualifying internship aligned with your academic track.
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Can I do an internship in advance and have it credited later?
MMDC only credits internships done within the approved Practicum term and under an official enrollment. Voluntary or early internships done outside the required term are not credited retroactively unless pre-approved and officially processed through MMDC.
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How will the internship work if I am currently based outside the Philippines?
If you're currently based abroad, you can still complete your Practicum remotely. MMDC works with partner HTEs that offer fully online internships, making it possible for students outside the Philippines to participate without needing to report onsite.
When selecting or proposing an HTE, ensure that:
- The internship can be done completely online
- The company can provide regular supervision and feedback
- You can complete all MMDC documentation, reporting and evaluation requirements
- The HTE aligns with CHED and MMDC standards
Internship is a required academic component and must be completed during your enrolled Practicum term, regardless of your location.
Reference Materials
📣 Heads Up: Practicum Orientation Coming Soon
Stay tuned for the official announcement of the Practicum Orientation schedule. We’ll walk you through the full process, requirements, and expectations—and answer all your questions.
Got something you’re unsure about? Start listing your questions now so we can address them during the session. See you there!
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