“Youth, divine treasure,” “who could be young again…” — the early years of adulthood are indeed filled with vigor, passion, and new beginnings. Yet, these beginnings come with their own set of challenges. Many young professionals, especially interns, face these challenges head-on as they start their careers.
As we celebrate International Youth Day, we reflect on young professionals’ invaluable contributions and their workforce experiences. At Neotalent Conclusion, we are proud to provide opportunities for growth and learning to emerging talents from around the globe. Two of our most recent interns, Tim de Ruijter and Annika van Mulken, share their journeys, challenges, and aspirations, offering insight into the experiences that have shaped their professional and personal lives.
Tim de Ruijter is an International Business Management student from the Netherlands, currently interning with the Marketing team at Neotalent Conclusion in Lisbon. He’s seeking this internship to gain international experience and immerse himself in Iberian culture. “I love the way of living in Portugal and Spain, as well as the great cultures you can experience,” Tim says, reflecting his enthusiasm. His goal was to work within the IT sector, a field he finds fascinating due to its dynamic nature and broad impact.
Annika van Mulken, 21, recently graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Business from the University of Applied Sciences in Utrecht. Her internship at Neotalent Conclusion focused on integrating the company’s ESG policy. Annika continued with the Conclusion ecosystem because of her positive experience during her first internship. “I felt strongly about staying within the ecosystem for my second internship,” she explains.
For both Tim and Annika, their internships were transformative experiences. Annika describes her internship as extraordinary, emphasizing the supportive environment at Neotalent Conclusion. “It has now been a bit over a month since I left, and I still think about it every day,” she reflects. Her work on the ESG policy significantly contributed to Neotalent Conclusion’s goals and shaped her personal and professional development.
Tim’s role involved challenging yet rewarding tasks, particularly his work on market research for Neotalent Conclusion’s Nearshore service. “Working on an assignment is one thing, but doing it the right way so it really adds value to the company’s needs is another,” he notes. Despite initial nerves, Tim felt welcomed by his colleagues, which made his transition smoother.
International internships involve adapting to new cultural and professional environments. Tim faced the challenge of aligning his mindset with Neotalent Conclusion’s objectives, but with the support of his supervisor and team, he grew more confident in his role. “Being at a company is not only about doing work. It is also about creating connections and having conversations beyond work activities,” he says.
Annika’s adaptation was smooth, thanks to her colleagues’ warmth. Though initially surprised by cultural differences such as greeting customs and working hours, she quickly embraced them. “Working in a different country with a unique culture is a valuable experience,” she notes, believing it will benefit her future career abroad.
The future is a concern for many young professionals. Both Tim and Annika view their experiences at Neotalent Conclusion as pivotal in shaping their careers. Annika’s internship solidified her desire to work and live abroad. “This experience helped me grow in numerous ways, guiding my future career,” she says. For Tim, the internship provided a clearer understanding of the IT sector and its opportunities. “Gaining experiences within companies/sectors that interest you is educational and helps you understand the type of work you are interested in,” he advises.
Navigating the job market as a young professional can be daunting, but internships offer valuable perspectives on these challenges. Tim acknowledges the difficulty of finding a suitable job but believes internships help in understanding career options. “It is also difficult to find out what you want to do after finishing your studies,” he adds Annika, while not yet fully in the job market, emphasizes seizing opportunities and embracing new experiences. “Every opportunity is a blessing and an area for growth,” she says.
As we celebrate the potential and achievements of young people worldwide, we are reminded of the importance of providing opportunities for growth, learning, and exploration. At Neotalent Conclusion, we are committed to supporting the next generation of talents, helping them build rewarding careers: Join us and share your talent — together, we can shape the future.
