Sofia C.
Business Development InternshipAbsolute Internship|Madrid
Now Consultant at NTT Data Europe & Latam
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Business Development
Peru
Consultant NTT Data Europe & Latam
At Tadatic, I discovered how much tech clients valued employee training, not as an extra, but as a key to real digital transformation. That sparked my path into change management. I left with HR Tech knowledge and the certainty that people matter as much as technology.
Sofia is a former student and verified Absolute Internship ambassador
Why Sofia chose this path
“I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and see how HR and people management worked in a different cultural and professional context. Interning abroad felt like the best way to grow both personally and professionally, while gaining an international perspective I couldn't get at home.”
How I got in
I chose Madrid because it was a city I had always wanted to get to know, and I also had friends and family there, so it felt like the perfect opportunity. That said, I was open to other cities too, Madrid just ended up being the best fit at the time.
Top tips for getting accepted
Be proactive, ask questions, get involved beyond your assigned tasks, and take advantage of every learning opportunity. Also give yourself time to adapt culturally, it makes the professional experience richer.
Common mistakes to avoid
I would have reached out to more local professionals and colleagues outside of work to build a stronger network.
What Sofia wishes they knew
Things I wish I knew before starting
I wish I'd known that choosing the full program service versus just the internship placement makes a huge difference. I only opted for the placement service, which meant I had to manage housing, food, and activities completely on my own.
The hardest part
Adapting to the communication style, even though everyone spoke Spanish, it is just not the same as how a Latin American communicates with a European. On top of that, adjusting to the pace and way people related to each other, both at work and outside of it, was challenging.
The best decision I made
Taking the leap and doing the internship despite my fears. It genuinely changed my life for the better, not just professionally but personally too.
What it's actually like
A typical day
I'd wake up very early, before sunrise since I did the program in winter, head to the metro station, and take about a 30 minute commute. My day would start with alignment sessions with my manager, then I'd work on tech recruitment (interviews, calls, screening, job posting) as well ad building curriculum frameworks for tech profiles. Id finish around 5pm and often go grab a bite and a drink with a friend at some terrace, then head to train with a local football team before going home to cook dinner and sleep.
Topics Sofia can help with
Questions students ask Sofia
What´s something about the internship that looks better on paper than it felt in real life (or vice versa)?
How did you know this intership was the right fit for you?
What´s one thing you´d tell your past self before starting this internship?
Ready to ask Sofia a question?
