INTERVIEW TRAINEE – Clementina Pinzón Rodríguez

1 – In what ways did the skills and experience gained during your EU4EU internship align with the requirements of the job offered by your host organization?

Ecobubble, my host organization during the EU4EU internship, was excellent at clarifying their goals and the skills they sought in potential candidates. As an incoming intern, we worked together to assess how my skills could contribute to their needs. The tasks assigned to me during the internship spanned various areas and expertise, allowing me to experience different roles and projects. This flexibility was voluntary, and I appreciated the company’s trust in me and the control I had to set limits based on my capabilities through open communication.

The job position they offered me after the internship followed the same approach. It was a collaborative process where they asked about my preferred tasks and explained the ones they wanted me to undertake. The experience I gained throughout my months at the company was crucial in securing the position and enhancing my overall skill set.

2 – How did your relationships with colleagues and supervisors during your EU4EU internship contribute to your successful transition into a permanent role?

Clear communication and a relaxed, transparent work environment were key advantages of working at Ecobubble, with Nicola and Federico leading the team. They, along with all other team members, were always welcoming and approachable, ready to answer questions and provide help when needed. This supportive environment was crucial for my adaptation during the internship and ultimately helped secure a permanent role.

Even though my initial months at the company were as an intern, I felt welcomed as a full team member from day one. This enriching experience allowed me to grow personally and professionally, motivating me to learn and contribute to their projects to the best of my abilities. They never treated me as just an intern; they trusted me with responsibilities I felt ready to handle.

3 – Before securing this internship that has now transitioned into your job, did you originally envision yourself working in this position or within this field?

Before working at Ecobubble, I had an experience in a consultancy company with similar tasks. While I knew I liked communications, HR, and fundraising, I wasn’t aware of how these roles could fit within a startup, especially one focused on technology and agriculture. Working at Ecobubble ignited my passion for projects driven by a greater good. I hadn’t initially envisioned working in sustainability or agriculture, but my time at Ecobubble changed that perspective.

4 – Has your EU4EU experience influenced your consideration of working abroad, or were you already committed to pursuing an international career?

I was born and raised in Venezuela and I moved out of my hometown at 17. Until today, I have lived in four different countries, meaning that I have always been open to exploring other cultures, cities, and fields of expertise. However, my EU4EU experience reinforced the value of such exchanges, helping me build a stronger set of professional and personal skills and becoming a better version of myself.

5 – Looking ahead, how do you envision your future career path? Do you see yourself continuing in your current organization, transitioning to different roles, or exploring new fields altogether?

After working at Ecobubble for over six months and leveraging the knowledge I gained there and in previous experiences, I secured a job offer from a multinational company. While I loved my time at Ecobubble and embraced their purpose, vision, and mission, I am about to embark on my next professional challenge as a Graduate Management Trainee at AB InBev, the world’s largest brewing company.

I am grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had, including the EU4EU grant, which has helped me become part of the 0.35% of applicants accepted into this program. In my new role, I will rotate through four different roles in various departments of the company’s business units, which will allow me to learn and continue to develop my skills while transitioning roles and exploring new fields. Through this approach, I look forward to better understanding where my work can be most impactful.