Carlos from Spain shares his internship experience in Slovakia

For many students, an internship abroad is a transformative experience that shapes their professional and personal growth. This was certainly the case for Carlos Magrasó, a student from Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, who recently completed a six-month internship as an EMEA Parts Planning & Fulfillment Trainee. It provided him with a unique opportunity to enhance his technical skills, immerse himself in a new cultural environment, and prepare for future professional endeavors.

On the role 

Carlos' main responsibilities during his internship revolved around developing advanced Visual Basic code to automate calculations previously performed manually. His efforts led to significant time savings for his team, showcasing the real-world impact of his work. In addition to coding, he engaged in routine tasks such as fulfilling requests on SAP and generating logistic reports based on various inputs and queries. The opportunity to work on impactful projects while simultaneously handling routine responsibilities gave him a well-rounded experience of the corporate environment.

I is for improvement 

During his internship, Carlos honed several skills critical for his career.  "I have improved my VB coding skills, learned how to work in a big corporation environment, and figured out how to manage my own projects. Also, I have learned how to use SAP, which is a significant addition to my professional skills," - he shares.

One of the most rewarding aspects of his internship was the improvement in his English fluency. Engaging with international colleagues daily helped him acquire professional vocabulary and enhanced his confidence in presenting complex ideas in English. "At the beginning, I struggled to find the appropriate words, but over time, my English fluency improved significantly."

Supportive work environment

Carlos praised the support he received from his mentor and colleagues at the host company: "My mentor was only needed once, and she fulfilled my request on the same day. My colleagues have always been supportive and empathetic when I struggled with something."

This support system allowed him to overcome challenges, particularly in articulating complex technical ideas during team meetings.

Work-life balance and cultural insights

Beyond professional growth, Carlos enjoyed the balance between work and personal life. He appreciated the structured 9-to-5 schedule, which allowed him to engage in sports and social activities after work. Additionally, the strong sense of community among the interns within the company enhanced his overall experience.

Living in Slovakia also offered unique cultural insights. He found the country's central location ideal for budget-friendly travel across Europe. "For me, the most interesting thing about Slovakia was its central location in Europe, which makes it easy to travel to a great deal of countries within budget."

The Erasmus+ experience in Slovakia

One of the highlights of Carlos’ Erasmus+ experience was the opportunity to connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. He participated in events organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), including international dinners, hiking trips, and weekend excursions. He also engaged with Slovak culture by attending HC Slovan Bratislava ice hockey matches and political demonstrations.

However, he found it challenging to find activities to fill his free time in Bratislava, especially towards the end of his internship. "Although I was not alone, I expected Bratislava to be a bigger and more dynamic place to live. I got bored often, especially at the end of the internship."

Advice for future Interns

Carlos advises incoming interns to set realistic expectations about life in Bratislava. While the city offers a comfortable lifestyle, it may not provide the dynamic social scene that some might expect from a capital. "Bratislava is not what you might expect from a capital city. Its strength is not nightlife or fun, but its convenience for daily life and its quiet atmosphere."

Future plans

After completing his internship, Carlos plans to embark on a new adventure with the European Solidarity Corps. In March, he will travel to Bulgaria for a seven-month placement with an NGO, where he will engage in various tasks, including rural and youth work.