December arrives as an inevitable invitation to reflection: unmet goals, plans left behind, and the feeling that the year passed too quickly. For those about to enter the job market in 2025, this moment is strategic. The first internship doesn’t begin when the student sits in a company chair, but now, in how they organize their thoughts and prepare for this leap.
Virgilio Marques dos Santos, co-founder of FM2S Educação e Consultoria, a startup based in Unicamp’s Scientific and Technological Park, and career manager, emphasizes that planning is the key to turning the first contact with the market into a memorable experience. “More than organizing tasks, planning opens paths for the future. It’s about pulling reality by the hair and steering it in the direction you want,” he says.
Santos – who works as a mentor and has extensive experience in training corporate teams – highlights that preparing for an internship requires an honest look at skills, interests, and, above all, what still needs to be learned. “Admitting you don’t know much is a powerful starting point. It frees you to seek knowledge and show the market you’re willing to learn,” explains the expert.
For him, the phase preceding the first internship should be seen as a preseason, similar to athletes’ preparation before major competitions. During this time, it’s worth investing in courses, books, and even videos available on social media and YouTube that help develop technical and behavioral skills. “Tools like Excel, for example, are the bread and butter of the job market. And today, it’s possible to learn almost everything for free with quality online content,” he suggests.
Another valuable tip from Virgilio is the strategic use of LinkedIn, which he believes is underestimated by many young people. “It’s not just a social network for older professionals. It’s a space where you can connect with companies and people in your field, build a reputation, and even discover internship opportunities. But you need to use it wisely, avoiding clichés and highlighting who you truly are in your profile,” he emphasizes.
Santos also points out that internship planning shouldn’t be limited to career. Balancing work, study, and leisure is essential to avoid early burnout and ensure sustainable growth for young professionals. “You can’t forget that you are your biggest project. The internship is important, but so are your health and well-being. You need to design a routine that allows for both learning and rest,” he says.
For Virgilio, 2025 has the potential to be a transformative year for those who carefully plan their next steps. He encourages young people not to accept any position just out of urgency to start. “The perfect internship doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for anything. Choosing something that makes sense for your journey, even if it takes longer, makes all the difference,” he reflects.
Finally, what makes a good internship isn’t just what the company offers, but what the professional brings to it. “Curiosity, willingness to learn, and courage to start are the qualities the market values. Plan, dream, and believe in your potential. The future starts now,” concludes the manager.
