Candidates with professional experience have a better chance of being hired. Often, this aspect carries more weight than academic qualifications. This is because it means less training and better productivity.
A Glassdoor study reveals that Recruiters 65% consider experience as the most important factor in hiring decisions.
Therefore, if you are about to enter the job market, it is important to think about the options available and start preparing the ground.
Finding your first internship is perhaps the best strategy to gain experience and start your professional career.
Why does the first internship influence professional success?
The first internship is also often the first contact with the world of work. It is the easiest and fastest way for young people to gain experience and enrich the curriculum, as these vacancies are specifically created to train professionals.
Carrying out the first internship also allows students or recent graduates to acquire practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge before starting their journey.
This way, they can explore which professional area they most like to work in and choose between the various course options.
Another benefit, not so obvious, is the expansion of the contact network. The first internship helps you get to know other professionals who, later on, can recommend exclusive vacancies and give you a boost in the selection process.
When should you start looking for an internship?
Looking for your first internship can be a challenging task. Even though there are lots of vacancies available, it is necessary to take into account the right timing to anticipate opportunities.
The best time to start looking for your first internship is as a student or right after completing your course. However, the best date also depends on the type of internship.
Summer internship - The ideal is to start your search between November and December of the previous year, as companies generally open applications for these internships at the end of the year.
Curricular stage - You should look for a curricular internship in the second semester of the academic year, to ensure enough time to prepare, research companies and apply.
Erasmus+ Internship – Since vacancies for these internships open in the second semester, planning should begin in the first semester.
Professional internship – It is recommended that you start looking 6 to 12 months before the desired start date of the internship. This is because it tends to be a longer process, complying with IEFP (Institute of Employment and Professional Training) regulations.
5 tips for getting your first internship
A dilemma for many students is knowing how to get your first professional opportunityl. How should you begin this search?
Follow these steps to find your first internship and guarantee a promising professional future!
1. Prepare your resume in advance
First of all, it is necessary prepare the resume to submit applications. But how do you put together a CV without experience? Reflect on activities, academic projects, skills, volunteering and hobbies that help to highlight your profile.
Don't worry about a lack of experience. Companies are used to receiving CVs from those who want to intern. In fact, they even open the doors to these opportunities, because they consider it an investment in retaining young and motivated talent.
Here's another tip: don't forget to write the cover letter It is prepare for a job interview!
2. Research the companies that interest you
Do you have a company in mind for your first internship? What type of internship would you like to undertake: version, curricular, professional or international? Start by researching some of the companies that stand out in your area.
Visit the company's website, read about the company's history, mission, values and culture, and follow its publications and news. Find out if there is a careers page with internship opportunities and find out how applications work.
Remember that the more you know about the company and its internship programs, the better prepared you are to apply and stand out from other candidates.
3. Attend career and networking events
Sometimes it is from those you least expect that an opportunity arises. Work and nurture your network of contacts from an early age. Don't wait until the end of the course to ask for help. Remember that to reap benefits from your relationships, you need to nurture them.
At the same time, don't close yourself in a bubble and try to interact with your colleagues, teachers, family, neighbors and acquaintances.
Job fairs, lectures, conferences, extracurricular courses and other events are also great places to meet new people and find unexpected opportunities. Keep an eye on the calendar of job fairs in your area!
4. Look for the careers office
Have you ever thought about contacting your school's careers office? Most educational institutions offer this service to students to guide them in their job search and professional development.
In addition to providing privileged contacts with companies and internship recommendations, they provide support with applications, by reviewing CVs and cover letters, and simulating internship interviews.
Some career offices even have contacts with foreign companies or know about programs that accept young people looking for international experience.
5. Contact companies directly
Now that you know which company you would like to do your first internship at, it’s time to get in touch. Take advantage of the visit to the company's website to obtain the contact details of human resources and the name of the person responsible for applying for applications.
You can send a spontaneous application, attaching your CV and explaining your interest and qualifications. Alternatively, you can call the human resources department directly to ask if they offer internships and how you can apply.
It is important that you research the company before getting in touch. Connect with your social networks and send private messages to people who worked at the company to get more information. Don’t be afraid and be persistent!
Sites to find internships
Most job sites also advertise internship vacancies. Simply filter your search by the type of opportunity you are looking for and submit your application directly on the website or through the contact details provided.
Here are some of the websites you can consult to find your first internship in Portugal or abroad:
- Bolsa de Empregabilidade
- Estagiar.pt
- NetEmpregos
- Indeed
- Sapo Employment
- IEFP
What is the next step?
Is tourism and hospitality your greatest passion? Are you looking for an opportunity within a prestigious company with excellent conditions and training for professionals with no experience?
Participate in Employment Exchange job fairs and find all the companies where you would like to work in a single space.
This is an opportunity to speak directly to recruiters, who are available to answer all your questions and accept your resume.
