December arrives as an inevitable invitation to reflection: unmet goals, abandoned plans, and the feeling that the year went by too quickly. For those about to enter the job market in 2025, the timing is strategic. The first stage does not begin when the student sits in a organization's chair, but now, in the way they organize ideas and prepare for this leap.
Virgilio Marques dos Santos, co-founder of FM2S Educação e Consultoria, a startup based in the Unicamp Scientific and Technological Park, and career manager, emphasizes that planning is the key to turning the first contact with the job market into a memorable experience. "More than organizing tasks, planning opens paths to the future. It's pulling reality by the hair and steering it in the direction you want," he affirms.
Santos – who acts as a mentor and has extensive experience in training corporate teams – emphasizes that preparation for the internship requires an honest assessment of skills, interests, and, most importantly, what still needs to be learned. "Admitting that you don't know much is a powerful starting point. It frees you to seek knowledge and show the market that you are willing to learn," explains the expert.
For him, the phase preceding the first stage should be seen as a pre-season, similar to athletes' preparation before major competitions. During this period, 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 is possible to learn almost everything for free, with quality online content," he/she/they suggests.
Another valuable tip from Virgilio is the strategic use of LinkedIn, which he considers 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 really are in your profile," he emphasizes.
Santos also points out that the planning of an internship should not be limited to the career. Balancing work, study, and leisure is essential to prevent early burnout and ensure that young professionals grow sustainably. "It’s not possible to forget that you are your biggest project. The internship is important, but your health and well-being are too. You need to create a routine that allows for both learning and rest," she says.
For Virgilio, 2025 has the potential to be a year of transformation in the lives of those who carefully plan their next steps. It encourages young people not to accept any job just because of the urgency to start. "The perfect internship doesn't exist, but that doesn't mean you should accept just anything. Choosing something that makes sense for your journey, even if it takes more time, makes all the difference," he reflects.
Finally, what makes a good internship is not only what the company offers, but what the professional brings to it. "Curiosity, desire to learn, and courage to start are the qualities that the market values. Plan, dream, and believe in your potential. The future begins now," concludes the manager.
