Real-world experience abroad is a step in the right direction for a young professional looking to start their career in the evolving IT sector. An IT internship in Madrid is an ideal blend of professional experience and exposure to a new and exciting culture. On the ground in Madrid, interns will take on professional IT roles, learning alongside established professionals.
An IT internship in Madrid is a great opportunity for professional development. While working at a firm in Spain interns will learn how to improve communication skills, develop relationships with their coworkers, while also harnessing their technical abilities. Meanwhile, the added challenge of living in a foreign country and speaking a new language will expand an intern’s perspective of the world while they learn how to adapt to a new culture.
Roles
Former interns have worked in many types of small and mid-sized firms in Madrid like ITM Platform. Roles have been in sectors like website development, app development, programming, database design and management. These roles generally require a basic IT background.
Español
IT internships in Madrid require a minimal level of Spanish. Those who wish to improve their language skills may take optional classes at the acclaimed Don Quijote school. Madrid is a global city, with people from all over the world. However, you’ll still run into locals who speak little English, so it’s a good opportunity to pick up the local language. Spanish is the language with the second-largest population of native speakers in the world. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to learn a second language while living abroad? Foreign language capabilities will boost an IT professional’s resume in the increasingly globalized world.
Living in Madrid
Madrid is a warm, relaxed city filled with beautiful museums and architecture. The historic, sprawling metropolis has a greater metropolitan area of over 6 million people. IT interns in Madrid are set up in accommodations in the city’s safest neighborhoods including Sol, Salamanca, Nuevos Ministerios, Moncloa and Tribunal. Living arrangements come with sheets, Wifi and cleaning. Housing is a reasonable distance from work and classes either walking or through public transportation.
Madrid’s laid-back vibe is ideal for foreign students and interns looking to live in a large city good for both work and play. The workday in Madrid rarely starts before 9 a.m. and some offices allow employees to take long lunches or siestas (naps) during the day.
Madrid’s historic center is one of the best places in the city for a leisurely stroll. Some of the city’s most important structures are located within walking distance of each other. Plaza Mayor is one of the city’s major historical sites, containing the bronze statue of King Phillip III. A short walk away is the magnificent Royal Palace as well as the notable Almudena cathedral.
Along with its beautiful historic architecture, Madrid is also filled with peaceful parks. The city has recently invested in adding more green areas, adding trees, walkways and parks. Retiro Park is a favorite among interns, perfect for a leisurely afternoon picnic eating specialty meats and cheeses.
While living in Madrid, an IT intern cannot miss the city’s world-renowned art museums. The Reina Sofia holds some of the world’s finest works, like Pablo Picasso’s famous mural Guernica. Tourists from around the world also flock to the Prado museum that displays works by Goya, Rubens and others.
Weekends away
The picturesque site of the stone fortification Alcazar of Toledo is one of the amazing places IT interns can visit in Spain. The Intern Group internship program includes a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Toledo, located just a short train ride away. The World Heritage City Segovia is another one of Spain’s historic treasures located nearby.
Food and fun in Madrid
Madrid’s dazzling nightlife is something special. To begin the evening, local “Madrileños” gather for tapas or small plates of local favorites like patatas bravas or a tortilla española, often accompanied with either beers or regional wine. And that’s just the beginning of the night.
After a “tapeo”, eating appetizers and drinking, locals will go out to one of the many nightclubs, live music venues or pubs the city has to offer. Many of the city’s clubs don’t even open until after midnight and stay open until dawn, so a nap beforehand is advised.
For a more low-key evening, seeing a local Flamenco show at restaurants called tablaos is a great way to get to know Spanish culture. The traditional Spanish dance shows are accompanied with typical local dishes. It will make IT intern’s just want to say “olé”.
Experience abroad will help a young professional be more marketable in the competitive IT industry. The experience that comes with living and working abroad alongside established professionals will give an upcoming IT professional that extra boost to their career. Not to mention, Madrid is a vibrant European city rich with a unique culture and beauty.
Apply now and boost your career!
Sources: www.cio.com, Wolters World, Rick Steves, Museo Nacional del Prado, Wikipedia – Madrid, GoMadrid, TripAdvisor, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia
Photo 1. based on 1173-Fuente de Cibeles (Madrid), by Jose Luis Cernadas Iglesias, CC-by-2.0
Photo 2. based on Madrid, Spain, by Rick Ligthelm, CC-by-2.0
Photo 3. based on Cibeles desde el Ayuntamiento (Madrid), by Miguel Diaz, CC-by-2.0