When people hear that I'm doing two OJTs at the same time, their first reaction is usually surprise. "Isn't one OJT already enough work?" And honestly, they're right—it is a lot. But for me, this wasn't about taking the easy path. It was about making the most of my time and building a foundation that truly prepares me for the real world.

Let me share why I chose this unconventional approach and what I've learned along the way.

🎯 The Problem I Faced

I wanted an OJT that would give me real workplace experience while also letting me grow my technical web development skills. But I couldn't find a single company that offered both. Most tech companies focused only on coding, while government offices focused on administrative work.

My Solution: Instead of settling for one or the other, I decided to do both. I designed my own learning path by combining two different OJT experiences.

My Two Learning Environments

Right now, I'm balancing two very different but equally valuable experiences. Each one teaches me skills that the other cannot provide.

Bataan Provincial Government (Onsite)

  • Professional office environment
  • Communication and documentation
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Real workplace operations
  • Daily exposure to formal processes

Certicode (Online, Voluntary)

  • UI/UX design practice
  • Front-end development
  • Quality assurance testing
  • Social media management
  • Figma prototypes and graphics

What I Learn at the Provincial Government

Every day at the Bataan Provincial Government teaches me things that no online course can replicate. I learn how to communicate properly in a professional setting. I see how documents flow from one office to another. I understand the importance of following procedures and meeting deadlines.

More importantly, I learn how to work with different types of people. Not everyone in an office thinks the same way or works at the same pace. Learning to adapt, listen, and collaborate has been one of the most valuable lessons of this experience.

These soft skills might seem simple, but they make a huge difference. Companies don't just hire people who can code—they hire people who can work well with others.

Skills I'm Developing Onsite

  • Professional Communication: Writing formal emails, speaking in meetings, and presenting ideas clearly.
  • Documentation: Creating reports, organizing files, and maintaining proper records.
  • Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and meeting daily deadlines.
  • Workplace Adaptability: Learning to adjust to different work styles and expectations.

What I Learn at Certicode

While my government OJT builds my professional foundation, Certicode keeps my technical skills sharp. As an online volunteer, I work on real projects that challenge my abilities in design and development.

I create graphics for social media, design user interfaces in Figma, and help with quality assurance by testing features and reporting bugs. I also contribute to publication materials and marketing content. Every task adds something new to my portfolio.

The best part? I get to apply what I learn immediately. There's no waiting for a future job to practice—I'm building real skills right now.

Skills I'm Developing Online

  • UI/UX Design: Creating intuitive interfaces and user-centered designs in Figma.
  • Front-end Development: Building responsive layouts and interactive components.
  • Quality Assurance: Testing features, finding bugs, and ensuring smooth user experiences.
  • Social Media Management: Creating engaging content and visual materials.
"I didn't wait for the perfect opportunity—I created one by combining two imperfect ones into something greater."

Why I Chose This Path

Some people might think this is unnecessary stress. But I see it differently. By doing two OJTs, I'm not just completing a requirement—I'm actively shaping my future.

Here's my thinking: The job market is competitive. Having only one type of experience limits my options. But with diverse skills from both a government office and a tech company, I become more versatile. I can work in corporate environments, startups, or even freelance. I'm not limited to just one path.

Yes, it takes more effort. Yes, I have to manage my time carefully. But the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Every long night of balancing both responsibilities is an investment in my future career.

💡 My Strategy for Balance

Balancing two OJTs requires discipline. I dedicate my daytime hours to my government work, where I'm fully present and focused. In the evenings and weekends, I work on Certicode tasks at my own pace.

The key is clear boundaries. When I'm at the office, I give 100% to that environment. When I'm working online, I switch my mindset completely. This separation helps me stay productive without burning out.

What This Experience Has Taught Me

Looking back at the past few months, I've grown in ways I didn't expect. Beyond the specific skills, I've learned important life lessons that will stay with me forever.

  • Take Initiative: Don't wait for opportunities—create them yourself.
  • Embrace Challenges: The harder path often leads to better growth.
  • Value All Experiences: Every skill, whether technical or soft, has its place.
  • Stay Adaptable: The ability to switch between different work modes is a superpower.
  • Build a Strong Foundation: Diverse experiences create a more resilient career.

Conclusion

Doing two OJTs at once was never part of my original plan. But when I realized that no single opportunity could give me everything I wanted, I decided to build my own path. The Bataan Provincial Government teaches me how to be a professional. Certicode helps me become a better designer and developer.

Together, these experiences are shaping me into someone who can thrive in any environment. And that's exactly the kind of person I want to be when I enter the workforce.

If you're facing a similar situation—where no single option seems perfect—remember this: You have the power to design your own journey. It might be harder, but the results will be worth it.