Nicole Romero's journey from technology passion to Telefónica Tech

I'm Nicole Valentina Romero Polo and my story begins with a girl who is passionate about technology. During my tenth-grade year at school, I also immersed myself in the world of programming through a software technician from SENA. When I finished school, I knew that my options for entering university were limited, so I designed a plan A, B and C. My 'plan C' was to continue with a technologist in Analysis and Development of Information Systems (ADSI) at SENA, which required completing a practical stage in a company for six months.

While my resume was posted on SENA's official employment platform, I was in the teaching stage of the program. One day, out of the blue, I received a call from Telefónica Tech. They told me they were interested in working with me. I agreed to take part in their selection process, and by December 2021, I had already signed an apprenticeship contract with them.

I remember my first day as an intern: I was nervous and excited, full of expectations and ready to learn.

How and why I get an internship

SENA requires students to complete a teaching stage and an internship through an apprenticeship contract. While I was still in the teaching stage, Telefónica Tech contacted me and invited me to participate in a selection process. After several interviews, I was selected to join the company as an intern.

My expectations were very high. I started remotely on December 20, 2021, just as the year was coming to an end. My first big challenge was to manage a vehicle telemetry project. This project, previously handled by another supplier, had to be reorganized and simplified to work effectively at Telefónica Tech. I worked hard for three months to structure and optimize all the necessary information, and the project was successfully up and running.

Learning and development at Telefónica Tech

My initial role was completely focused on a single project, and this experience was a great learning experience for me. I learned to use Excel at an advanced level, I understood how vehicle telemetry worked, and I developed skills that I didn't know I had. One of the most valuable was writing corporate emails, where my boss's corrections helped me improve a lot.

My professional and personal experiences at Telefónica Tech have been transformative.

I also strengthened my leadership skills. Although I had already worked in a team as a student, I understood that the work dynamic is different and requires more organization and effective communication. My colleagues and superiors were fundamental in my learning curve, providing me with constant support and motivating me to grow.

Challenges and expectations towards your hiring as an employee

During my time as an intern, I faced several challenges. One of them was organizing projects with little initial information. To overcome them, I focused on research, constant communication with my colleagues and a proactive attitude. I learned that every mistake was an opportunity to improve and that maintaining a positive mindset helped me stay motivated.

When the time came to receive the offer to continue at Telefónica Tech as an employee, I was filled with pride. I knew it was an important step that involved greater responsibilities and new challenges.

From trainee to Telefónica Tech employee

The transition from intern to employee was exciting. My responsibilities grew quickly, going from managing a single project to managing several in a new area. Despite the increase in workload, the transition was easy thanks to the foundations I acquired during my internship and the continuous support of my superiors and colleagues.

During this transition, I also decided to resume my university studies and began a degree in Systems Engineering. Thanks to my previous experience with SENA, they recognized my studies up to the sixth semester, which was a great boost to advance quickly in my academic training. However, this new challenge meant balancing my work at Telefónica Tech with attending classes, always maintaining the discipline and dedication that characterize me.

Having to work and study at the same time made me more organized and resilient.

At the end of my degree, I chose to do my university internship at Telefónica Tech as part of the validation of professional experience, as it was one of the options available at my university. Finally, I successfully completed my studies and graduated as a Systems Engineer on September, 2024.

Professional growth

My experience at Telefónica Tech has been transformative, both personally and professionally. During my time here, I developed technical skills, such as data analysis and project management, and soft skills, such as leadership and effective communication. These tools have allowed me to perform with confidence in my role and face ever greater challenges.

The decision to return to university to study Systems Engineering while working was also a crucial step in my development. The recognition of subjects I had studied at SENA allowed me to progress to the sixth semester of the degree. However, balancing my work and academic responsibilities was a great challenge. This process strengthened my organizational skills and discipline, values that I consider essential for my professional growth.

For me, talent is the ability to adapt, learn and contribute with passion and commitment to collective growth.

Doing my university internship at Telefónica Tech as validation of professional experience was the perfect finishing touch to my training. Completing my degree and obtaining my Systems Engineering degree is, so far, one of my greatest achievements.

Looking ahead, my goals include continuing to grow in the field of technology and leading innovative projects that have a significant impact. My advice to those aspiring to become Telefónica Tech employees is simple: seize every opportunity, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and keep an open mind to constant learning.

Conclusion

From my days as a trainee to my current position, my career at Telefónica Tech has been a journey of continuous growth. I started out managing a telemetry project as a trainee, then became an Operations Analyst, and today I am proud to be a Project Manager. Each stage has been full of learning, challenges and achievements that have shaped my professional profile.

My experience is proof that, with discipline, dedication and support, it is possible to achieve ambitious goals. I hope that my story inspires other interns and professionals in training to pursue their dreams and make the most of every opportunity.

To the next generation of Telefónica Tech apprentices, I recommend that you make the most of this experience. Be curious, maintain a constant learning attitude and don't be afraid of challenges, because these are the moments when you will grow the most.