An internship is an important stage in a university student's life, as it's where they first get to know their chosen field and develop skills that they can use in their future career. Depending on the trainee's performance and the career opportunities that arise in the company, they can still be hired and remain with the company after graduating. But how can you get an opportunity without having done an internship before? Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to stand out in selection processes.

How do I get an internship?

There are many internship programs on the market today and more and more skills and abilities are required to meet the needs of companies. Vacancies are usually available on LinkedIn, company websites and employability websites. To apply, you need to be in technical education or higher education and find opportunities that are compatible with the area you are studying.

Extracurricular and language courses are often good differentials in a selection process, but this is not a rule. For Carolina Chagas, Neoenergia's Talent Acquisition specialist, the essential thing is for the student to be up-to-date, constantly seeking self-development and thus becoming the protagonist of their own career.

Here are five tips listed by the professional, which can help those looking for their first opportunity:

1. Be the protagonist of your training: Try to get involved in academic activities that help you find the area in which you want to specialize and work, such as junior companies, scientific initiation, tutoring, etc.
    
2. Seek qualifications: Every study can make a difference. With the advance of technology, you can find free courses and workshops available on the internet that can help you develop your hard and soft skills (technical and behavioral skills, respectively). What you can't do is stand still!
    
3. Prepare a good CV: Even if you don't have any previous work experience, it's not a problem. The purpose of an internship is to learn! However, having a CV with your main academic initiatives, volunteer work and professional goals is an excellent gateway to companies.
    
4. Have a digital presence: The use of social networks such as LinkedIn has become a strategy and a reality for entering the job market. So invest in expanding your network of contacts and networking.
    
5. Don't be afraid to take part in selection processes: Get to know the companies you're applying to better to see if they are aligned with your purpose and career interests. Also, try to prepare for group dynamics and/or interviews so that you can show off your strengths. Self-knowledge is key!

Opportunities at Neoenergia

Neoenergia has more than 150 internship vacancies open for different areas and regions of Brazil. Those interested can apply until 15/10/24 by clicking here.

The company offers a development path with topics that are relevant to the business and the possibility of leveraging skills to carry out its activities.

It is not necessary to have previous experience to work as an intern at the company, but Neoenergia is looking for students who are protagonists of their careers. Being adaptable to new things, being curious, knowing how to work as part of a team and having the initiative to make things happen are fundamental characteristics for joining the team.