PeoplePods: Social Impact Internship
After working for five years in the corporate world, I came to INSEAD to explore my options. I wanted to do something different during my summer break. I saw my summer as a window to explore something new.
A new country! A new culture! A new work environment!
Social Impact was the perfect match.
It would allow me to work on interesting life-changing projects, as well as live a both culturally and professionally enriching experience.
I learned about PeoplePods through INSEAD Career Development Center.PeoplePods is a Philippine based startup founded by Daniel Layug , a 17D seeking to improve the lives of workers by providing dignified and affordable co-living space in our dormitory communities.
Access to housing is a basic human right, but rising rents force bottom-of-the-pyramid workers to live in sub-standard accommodations. Built using prefabrication methods, PeoplePods dormitories will provide tenants with higher quality than traditional dormitories at lower prices. With PeoplePods, employees will get more take-home pay, peace of mind concerning safety, greater security, and a better quality of life due to lower tenant-density and better amenities.
It was great to work with a 100% INSEAD team.
The whole experience was like an extension to my INSEAD journey but in a more vibrant culture and setting.
Throughout this experience, I developed start-up skills in building and overseeing a pilot project. The project was in its early stages so I was in the heat of action. My duties were both strategic and operational. I helped design the go-to-market strategy for PeoplePods expansion. On the other hand, I was involved in site visits, construction activities, sales meetings, and hiring PeoplePods core team. It was a great opportunity to stretch my limits and develop new skills.
This experience imposed and strengthened the altruistic values I live by.
It granted me the opportunity not only to have an impact on the society in which I live but also shape the future of that community.
“Thanks” to INSEAD for allowing students to devote their time to such great initiatives through the social stipend program!
