Pablo Martínez

Hello everyone! I'm Pablo Martinez Sevilla, a 25-year-old industrial engineer with a great passion for technology and innovation. I would like to share with you my journey at Telefónica, which started in March 2023 when I had the opportunity to join the Talentum internship program. I was studying a double master’s degree in industrial engineering and Connected Industry at ICAI at the time, and this experience allowed me to combine my studies with an internship in the IoT Devices Product team at Telefónica Tech. After 10 months in the program, in January 2024 I joined Telefónica Tech as a Sales Engineer in the IoT Solutions Consulting area. The Talentum program is a fantastic initiative by Telefónica that seeks to empower young talent, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. It was a turning point in my life for me, as I felt a bit lost at a time when I was about to graduate and was not sure what direction to take in my career. Thanks to this experience at Talentum, not only was I able to reinforce my passion for technology and innovation, but I also acquired a valuable set of skills that have shaped me as a professional. It was an incredible opportunity to step into the working world, learn from highly experienced professionals and work on challenging and innovative projects. My goal by sharing my story is to inspire other young people who, like me, are taking their first steps in the professional arena and looking for their place in the working world. I know firsthand how overwhelming this process can be, but I am also a firm believer that with passion, dedication, and the right opportunities, we can all find our way and reach our goals. Access to the Talentum internship It all started in my master's degree in Connected Industry. There I saw the latest technologies being developed in different sectors. One of the subjects was focused on IoT and Cloud. I was lucky that one of the professors worked at Telefónica and he was telling us about the projects he was developing. I loved hearing how they used technology to solve real problems and create amazing things. That's when I knew I wanted to be part of something like that. Telefónica District (Madrid) When the time came to look for an internship, it was crystal clear to me. I wanted to explore the more enterprise and strategic side of technology, beyond the purely technical side. So, I talked to my professor, and he told me about the Talentum internships. He helped me find a perfect opportunity in the IoT Devices Product team. I applied with all the excitement and after three interviews I was told that I was in. It was a huge joy. I finished my final exams and on March 13, 2023, full of nerves, I officially joined Talentum as a Talentum intern. My first day was a roller coaster. On the one hand, I was very excited to start in such a powerful company. On the other hand, I had no idea what to expect, and that generated a lot of uncertainty. When I arrived at the Telefónica District offices, I was impressed. The facility was huge and surrounded by spectacular green areas. Upon entering my building, my boss greeted me with a smile and introduced me to the rest of the team. Everyone was very nice from the very first minute and made me feel really comfortable. Learning and development at Telefónica Tech My role as an intern at Telefónica Tech evolved as I gained more knowledge and confidence. At the beginning, my main task consisted of shadowing my colleagues, that is, observing closely how they worked. This allowed me to understand what our work consisted of, how to approach products correctly, manage suppliers and all the tasks that made up our daily work. This experience taught me the importance of learning from others in order to constantly improve, something that has carried me to this day. As I became more familiar with the workflow, I began to take on more complex tasks. I began to think of new use cases for our products, prepare specifications, deal directly with suppliers, and collaborate and coordinate work with other teams in the company. The experience at Telefónica Tech was radically different from anything I had experienced before. Each new responsibility was an exciting challenge to do my best. During my internship at Talentum, I acquired several key skills and knowledge that have been essential in my professional development. I learned to work effectively in a team, to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, and to approach problems with creativity and critical thinking. I also developed greater adaptability and resilience, as each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities. The Telefónica Tech experience was radically different from anything I had experienced before. Transitioning from being a student to being part of a large company meant a change in mentality and pace of work. It was no longer just about passing exams, but about bringing real value to innovative projects that had a tangible impact on the world. It was a leap that made me grow rapidly both professionally and personally. One of the highlights of my time at Telefónica Tech was the incredible support I received from my colleagues and managers. From the first day, they welcomed me with open arms and became my mentors and guides on this new path. They were always willing to answer my questions, share their knowledge and give me constructive feedback so that I could improve. Thanks to their guidance and trust, I was able to take on new challenges and responsibilities that made me grow exponentially. Challenges and expectations towards becoming an employee During my time as an intern at Telefónica Tech, I faced several challenges that tested my skills and determination. One of the biggest challenges was adapting to the pace and complexity of the processes of a large company like Telefónica. At first, I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information and responsibility that each task entailed. I learned to approach these challenges with a positive and proactive mindset, breaking down problems into smaller, more manageable tasks. Another significant challenge was learning to communicate effectively with people from different areas and levels of expertise. As a product intern, I had to work closely with other colleagues from different departments and present ideas and proposals to my managers. At first, I was insecure about expressing my opinions, but with practice and support from my team, I gained confidence in my communication skills. I learned to adapt my language and approach according to the audience and to defend my ideas with solid, well-founded arguments. To stay motivated and overcome difficulties, I developed several strategies. First, I focused on setting clear and achievable short- and long-term goals. This helped me keep perspective and celebrate small accomplishments along the way. I also actively sought feedback from my peers and managers, which allowed me to identify areas for improvement and work on them on an ongoing basis. I also learned to be resilient and to see setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Throughout my experience as an intern, I made mistakes and faced failures, but I learned valuable lessons from each of them. Once, for example, I underestimated the complexity of a task and did not ask for help in time, which resulted in a delay in the delivery of the project. From that point on, I learned to be more realistic in estimating deadlines and to not hesitate to seek support from my peers when I needed it. I also learned to accept constructive criticism and use it as an encouragement to improve. Interning at Telefónica Tech impacted my professional and personal growth profoundly. As the end of my fellowship approached, I began to reflect on my future with the company. I had grown both personally and professionally during my time at Telefónica Tech, and I was excited about the prospect of becoming an employee. I knew I still had a lot to learn and improve, but I was also confident that I had found my passion. From intern to Telefónica Tech employee When I received the news that I was offered a contract as a Sales Engineer in the IoT Solutions Consulting area, I was immensely grateful and excited. It was the reward for all the effort and dedication I had put in during my time as an intern. I knew that becoming an employee would mean a significant change in my role and responsibilities within Telefónica Tech. Becoming an employee meant a major change in my role and responsibilities within Telefónica Tech. I went from being an intern in the process of learning to being an equal member of the team with clear goals and expectations. This new role implied greater autonomy in decision making, as well as greater responsibility in managing projects and relationships with customers and suppliers. It was no longer just about absorbing knowledge but applying it strategically to generate value for the company and our customers. I was excited to take on these new challenges and put into practice everything I had learned during my time as an intern. The transition process from intern to employee was gradual and well-structured. During the last weeks of my internship, my new boss and I had several sessions where she explained the way to work, the different product lines, the tools to use and the key people I needed to meet to ensure a smooth transfer of knowledge and responsibilities. These sessions were fundamental to understand the expectations and objectives of my new position and allowed me to start with a solid foundation. Since I officially started as a Sales Engineer, I have felt welcomed and supported by my colleagues and managers. They made sure I had all the tools and resources I needed to perform my new role effectively from day one. The culture of collaboration and mutual support that I had experienced as an intern was continued, which allowed me to feel comfortable and confident in my new role. Knowing that I had a team willing to help and always guide me was key to my adaptation. It has only been a few months since I joined as an employee, and I am still in the process of adapting and learning. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. I feel that I am constantly progressing and gradually mastering the different facets of my job. The guidance and support of my colleagues are essential in this process, as they allow me to learn from their experience and knowledge. I am committed to continue developing professionally and to give my best to contribute to the success of Telefónica Tech. Professional growth My experience has had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. I have acquired a set of skills and knowledge that have transformed me into a professional. I have learned to work effectively in teams, to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, and to approach challenges with creativity and critical thinking. I have also developed a greater capacity for adaptation and resilience, essential qualities in today's dynamic working world. This experience has shaped my vision of what talent means. This experience has shaped my vision of what talent means beyond technical skills. For me, talent is not limited to innate ability or acquired knowledge, but it also includes passion, dedication, and a constant desire to learn and grow. It is the spark that drives us to give the best of ourselves in every project, to seek innovative solutions and, ultimately, to bring value to every problem we face. IoT Lab The Thinx at Telefónica Tech Looking to the future, my professional goals are clear. I aspire to become a leader in the IoT field, driving transformative projects that have a real impact on society. I want to continue to grow within Telefónica Tech, taking on roles of greater responsibility and contributing to the long-term success of the company. At the same time, I hope to continue to nurture meaningful relationships that help me grow as a person and dedicate time to my passions. I want to continue growing within Telefónica Tech as I assume roles of greater responsibility and contribute to its long-term success. To those interns aspiring to become Telefónica Tech employees, I would encourage them to: Take full advantage of this unique opportunity. Be curious, ask questions, seek out mentors and absorb as much knowledge as you can. Don't be afraid to take on new challenges and responsibilities because that's when you grow the most. Cultivate strong relationships with your peers and superiors, as those connections will be valuable throughout your career. And above all, always maintain a positive attitude, an open mind to learning and a passion for what you do. Conclusion My journey from intern to employee has been a transformative journey full of learning, challenges, and opportunities for growth. Each stage of this process has helped shape me as a professional and as a person, giving me the tools and confidence to face any challenge that comes my way. From the first steps, when everything was new and exciting, to my transition to a role of greater responsibility as a Sales Engineer, I have experienced exponential growth. I have acquired hard and soft skills that have allowed me to tackle complex projects, communicate effectively with different audiences and work collaboratively in teams. Beyond professional competencies, this experience has forged in me a mindset of continuous growth, a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The Talentum internship has been a key pillar in my professional development. This initiative not only gave me the opportunity to enter the fascinating world of technology and innovation, but also provided me with an exceptional learning and growth environment. Pablo in Telefónica Tech's offices. Right from start, I had the support and guidance of mentors and peers who pushed me to do my best and push my own limits. Thanks to their trust and guidance, I was able to take on new challenges, learn from my mistakes and become a more competent and confident professional. As a result of my career at Telefónica Tech, I have acquired skills and experience that allow me to tackle any obstacle with creativity and determination. Looking ahead, I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that await me. I know that the road will not always be easy, but I am convinced that the experience and lessons learned during my career at Telefónica Tech have prepared me to face any obstacle with determination and creativity. I will continue to cultivate my passion for technology and innovation, and I will work tirelessly to leave a positive footprint in the world through my work. To all the young talents who are considering applying for a Talentum internship or who dream of being part of Telefónica, I would tell them that they should not hesitate to take the plunge. This experience will not only provide you with valuable knowledge and skills but will also allow you to discover your true potential and forge lasting connections with exceptional professionals. Embrace the challenges, learn from every experience, and always keep the spark of curiosity and passion for what you do alive. Telefónica Tech Meet #LadyHacker Karla Parra, Cybersecurity expert at Telefónica Tech June 20, 2023