From intern to employee: growing with enthusiasm at Telefónica Tech

My name is Zoe Gálvez. I studied a double degree in Law and Labour Relations & Human Resources at the Complutense University of Madrid. A few months ago, I joined Telefónica Tech as an intern in the People area, and I’ve recently become a full-time member of the team.

This was made possible thanks to the Talentum internship programme, which gives you the chance to gain professional experience related to your studies, in my case through UNIR.

How and why did you apply for a Talentum internship?

The first time I came across the programme, I felt it was exactly what I was looking for. At the time, I was working elsewhere in recruitment, but I wanted something more aligned with what I had studied, so I applied for the position.

I didn’t get it the first time, but a few months later the opportunity came up again and I thought, why not? So I applied again. This time it worked out and I’ve been here ever since.

When you really want something, don’t give up because you never know how or when it might happen.

Learning and development at Telefónica Tech

When I started as an intern, my manager created a training plan that involved my teammates so I could gain a well-rounded view of personnel administration and labour relations. Later on, I began to get involved in new processes and little by little I was given more responsibilities.

I’ve always felt supported, and I still do, both by my manager and my colleagues.

Often when you finish university, you’re afraid because you've studied a ton of things you end up forgetting or topics that seem one way in theory but are completely different in practice. Having that support really helps you keep learning and growing. Here at Telefónica Tech, I can honestly say that support has never been missing.

Here at Telefónica Tech, I can honestly say that support has never been missing.

Challenges and expectations around your move to employee

In my case, I had never worked with some of the tools that turned out to be essential for day-to-day tasks. But thanks to my teammates, who I’m incredibly grateful to, and through a lot of hands-on practice, I got the hang of it fairly quickly.

Another challenge was adjusting to such a large company with so many different processes. At first, it was overwhelming trying to absorb all the information. So I started creating cheat sheets for each process until everything started to click. And of course, I always asked questions.

It’s so important not to be afraid to ask anything, even if it feels like a silly question.

From intern to employee at Telefónica Tech

When they offered me the chance to officially join the team, I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t even finished my internship yet, so I was genuinely surprised they offered me a position.

I hadn’t even finished my internship yet, so I was genuinely surprised they offered me a position.

For me, being part of the People team at Telefónica Tech is an incredible opportunity. The work environment is fantastic and I learn something new every single day. That is especially important and motivating when you’re just starting out and trying to grow professionally.

I love soaking it all up. I’m genuinely excited about this new phase.

I’ve only been an employee for a few weeks, and the biggest change I’ve noticed is that my workload has increased. Naturally, because now I’m taking on responsibility for tasks I used to only support. I’m also being included in more things every day. I love soaking it all up. I’m genuinely excited about this new phase.

Professional growth

This opportunity has allowed me to start developing in the field of personnel administration and labour relations. That’s still my goal. I want to keep learning every day and eventually become an expert in this field.

Talent is about attitude. It needs to be nurtured. Having it isn’t enough.

When it comes to what talent means to me, I believe it’s an attitude. I do think some people are born with or find it easier to develop certain skills. But I firmly believe that life is all about attitude. Talent needs to be nurtured. Having it isn’t enough.

That’s exactly the advice I’d give. Keep a good attitude, be curious, go beyond what’s asked of you and do everything with enthusiasm. Because sooner or later, all that effort pays off, whether it’s at this company or another.

Keep a good attitude, be curious, go beyond what’s asked of you and do everything with enthusiasm.