Interns are invaluable assets to any team, bringing fresh perspectives, eager enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and adapt. At Leadzai, we believe internships are about gaining work experience and becoming an integral part of our vibrant, dynamic team. 

This month, we highlight the personal journeys and growth opportunities experienced by five employees who started as interns.

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Join us as we explore the paths our interns have taken and the lasting impact their time at Leadzai has had on their professional careers and personal lives.

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Why did you decide to pursue an internship at Leadzai? 

Megan Helfrich, Campaign Specialist

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Fresh out of university, I was extremely eager to get to work. I knew I did not want a typical 9-5 pm, where you simply exist. I wanted something with movement, excitement and challenges. 

Job application after job application, I finally stumbled upon the internship opportunity for the Performance Team that Leadzai was offering. It was a no-brainer decision. 

Right after the first interview, in which I got a grasp of the team's vibrant energy, I knew that this was a team I wanted to be part of. Besides the obvious perks that Leadzai offers, the company culture and the people make this place. The team is amazing, and that was what ultimately made me pursue an internship here! 

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From the start, I felt a strong sense of inclusion and an atmosphere of mutual support. it was an opportunity to learn new skills and work with extraordinarily competent and humane people. - Catarina Oliveira

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Describe the company culture at Leadzai and its impact on your internship experience. 

Pedro Faria, Campaign Specialist

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Leadzai's culture and how it welcomes people are two things that made me and still make me love being here. Considering I was a trainee for my first nine months at Leadzai, I was never demeaned or treated as if I wasn't part of the team. Everyone always regarded me as someone they could count on and helped me evolve within a continuity mind frame. For someone in my position at the time, it provided incredible stability and security.

In addition to all the other perks that I think are great, such as flexible working hours and a solid mutual support culture, I believe that the idea of a trainee being someone who deserves training and attention with continuity in mind and being seen as a valuable asset to the team is what defines how good, safe and satisfying it is to be a trainee here. There is no fear of being just another person who finishes their traineeship and leaves with no prospect of working again.

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Were you expecting your internship to offer such extensive learning opportunities? 

Carolina Dias, Sprint Manager

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As a sprint manager, I was exposed to key decision-making moments that directly affected our product from day one. This immediate immersion pushed me to adapt quickly, think critically, ask questions, and feel comfortable sharing my thoughts. Having had such a central role in the product development cycle was both challenging and rewarding and enabled me to collaborate closely with the tech and product teams, from whom I have learned so much! 

Since I do not have a tech background, the intricacies and complexities of product development were a bit hard to navigate at first. There were many complicated words and concepts, but you can never hesitate to ask questions. At Leadzai, everyone is always willing to help, provide guidance, and share their expertise, creating a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable seeking advice and learning from others. The supportive environment was cornerstone to my positive experience during my internship.

During the nine months of my internship, I experienced significant professional and personal growth, developed greater confidence in my abilities and improved my problem-solving skills. Overall, the combination of high responsibility and accountability, as well as a supportive environment, made my internship an incredibly enriching experience.

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I have some advice which helped me transition to a full-time role at Leadzai: Learn, make mistakes, and evolve, Be curious and eager to learn, Accept new tasks and Build relationships inside the company. - Célia Alves

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How do you feel your internship experience at Leadzai contributed to your personal and professional growth? 

Catarina Oliveira, Communications Designer

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My internship at Leadzai had a massive impact on me. Professionally, it allowed me to apply and enhance the knowledge I acquired during my academic career. But more than that, as the challenges arose, it was an opportunity to learn new skills and work with extraordinarily competent and humane people. This experience undoubtedly made me reflect on my work and deepened my passion for what I do.

On a personal level, the internship taught me how to organise my time better and prioritise tasks. From the start, I felt a strong sense of inclusion and an atmosphere of mutual support. This made me proud to know that my work contributed to improving the company's communication and cohesion as a brand.

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As someone who transitioned from an intern to a full-time role at Leadzai, what advice would you give new interns hoping to follow a similar path within the company?

Célia Alves, Customer Success Manager

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Starting an internship can be exciting and unsettling: you want to learn as much as possible and embrace new opportunities. But at the same time, you may feel the need to prove your worth and strive to work harder. I have some advice which helped me transition to a full-time role at Leadzai:

Learn, make mistakes, and evolve: we are all human and make mistakes! Own them, correct them and improve. That’s the best way to learn.

Be curious and eager to learn: this may be simple and basic advice, but that’s because of how important it is. This is where you can make a difference: ask questions, attend learning sessions, take notes, and share knowledge.

Accept new tasks: don’t hesitate to accept new tasks and offer your help, even when you have never done anything similar. Being active in the team can help you integrate better and make a lasting impression.

Build relationships inside the company: a company’s environment is, for me, the most critical part of a job. It will define how comfortable, efficient and communicative you are with your team. Ensure you have time to meet and get to know your colleagues. You’ll feel heard, supported and more confident in your tasks.

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Are you intrigued by Leadzai's interns’s captivating journey? Explore our career opportunities here if you're ready to make a lasting impact.

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