Summer OpPORTOnities

At Consulteer Portugal, we remain strongly committed to promoting young talent and fostering innovation. This year, we were once again privileged to take part in the Summer OpPORTOnities Internship Programme, organised by the Porto City Hall, which offers young people aged 18 to 21 the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

This summer, we welcomed two outstanding interns, Isabela Cartaxo and Vasco Costa, who joined us from July 1st to August 30th. Isabela worked on AI projects, mentored by José Magalhães and Luís Silva, while Vasco focused on Quality Assurance, guided by Eduardo Miranda and Đorđe Obradović.

From the interns' words, our mentors shared not only their technical expertise but also invaluable knowledge on problem-solving, teamwork and leadership qualities that left a lasting impression on their professional journeys. For our mentors, the experience was equally rewarding. Beyond guiding the interns, they had the chance to develop their own mentorship skills, foster collaboration, and strengthen Consulteer’s culture through innovative projects.

How did Consulteer's internship program shape your development path?

Vasco: Consulteer's internship program has been instrumental in shaping my development path and fostering significant professional growth. Through immersive participation in a Quality Assurance (QA) role, I gained practical insights into the intricacies of software development and testing that extended beyond theoretical knowledge.

The hands-on experience with real-world projects, such as the "Vacation Planner" platform, enabled me to apply and deepen my understanding of QA concepts and tools. Additionally, working within a culture that values continuous learning and collaboration enhanced my professional skills, including time management and effective communication. Overall, this experience has provided a solid foundation for my future career, closing the gap between my academic knowledge and industry practices.

Isabela: I had a great opportunity to gain experience and apply what I’ve learned, which has greatly helped me prepare for the job market. During this internship, I acquired a lot of knowledge, especially on topics related to my field of study. It also helped me understand how workplace dynamics function. Without a doubt, the internship enhanced my professional portfolio and provided a solid foundation that I will need in my career.

How did the mentorship at Consulteer support your growth?

Vasco: The mentorship and collaboration at Consulteer were pivotal in my growth as a software tester intern. My mentor’s detailed guidance and constructive feedback were crucial in navigating complex tasks and understanding industry-standard practices. Regular interactions with my mentor helped me grasp fundamental QA concepts, refine my technical skills, and develop a deeper appreciation for the role of QA in software development.

Vasco: Collaborative efforts with a multidisciplinary team further supported my growth, allowing me to learn from experienced professionals, contribute to collective goals, and enhance my ability to work effectively within a team. This mentorship and teamwork approach provided invaluable learning opportunities and significantly accelerated my professional development.

Isabela: The mentorship and collaboration at Consulteer were the main factors that helped me learn and develop professionally. During the internship, I had the full support of my mentors, which greatly assisted me in progressing through the stages of the internship. I received a lot of help and felt very welcomed, which allowed me to grow not only personally but also professionally.

How did cross-functional teamwork shape your view of the software development process?

Vasco: The dynamic of cross-functional teamwork profoundly shaped my perspective on the software development process. Working alongside professionals from various disciplines - such as developers, designers, and project managers - highlighted the importance of effective communication and collaboration in delivering high-quality software.

I observed how diverse expertise and perspectives contribute to the overall success of a project, emphasizing the need for alignment and mutual understanding among team members. This experience underscored the value of integrating different viewpoints and skill sets to address challenges and drive innovation, enriching my understanding of the software development lifecycle and the critical role of teamwork in achieving project objectives.

Isabela: Working in a cross-functional team at Consulteer greatly expanded my overall perspective on the software development process. It was an enriching experience to collaborate with people from different areas, as it showed me how diverse skills complement each other in achieving a common goal. The interaction also emphasized the importance of communication and teamwork in accomplishing the defined objectives.

How will this internship impact your future in software development?

Vasco: I believe this internship will have a lasting impact on my future by providing a robust foundation of practical experience and professional skills. The exposure to real-world QA practices, coupled with hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and methodologies, has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence needed to jump-start my career.

Isabela: I believe that in my future as a software developer, I will reap many benefits from this internship. The practical experience it provided, along with the guidance I received, helped me build a strong foundation that I will continue to develop as I pursue my studies and eventually enter the workforce full-time. This internship has also been invaluable in equipping me with the technical knowledge and skills, as well as the behaviors necessary for success in the software development industry.

Any suggestions for improvements?

Vasco: No, I believe the whole internship experience went smoothly, I had every resource at hand and all the help I could ever ask for.

Isabela: My internship was excellent, and I am very grateful to the entire team, especially my mentors, for all their help and concern. I don't have any suggestions for improvement, as the internship exceeded my expectations.

At Consulteer, we believe that combining human potential with technology is the key to building a better future. As we look ahead to another successful year of the Summer OpPORTOnities Programme, we look forward to continuing to foster growth, innovation and team spirit in our team, thereby creating a strong foundation for future talent.