For us, as an Impact Innovation Hub, it’s no surprise to see how fertile our ecosystem has become because we have the privilege of closely following the work of many of the Entrepreneurs and Startups that keep it thriving. However, it continues to be a pleasant surprise to witness the growing interest from young people who, despite having the choice of any organization or company, prioritize interning at projects whose primary purpose is to promote Social and Environmental Sustainability in the most innovative and financially viable way possible.
Everyone who arrives at Casa do Impacto, whether from a Portuguese locality or from abroad, comes with the same purpose: to learn, to be on the ground, to make an impact, and to feel that they are truly making a difference.
Mykor, MyPolis, and Reshape are already experienced mentors who believe that opportunities like these are mutually beneficial and add real value to both parties. That’s why we challenged them to share their experiences with interns, and while we may be biased, we know how enriching an internship experience can be within any of these three startups. We understand the privilege and the enormous impact it can have on the professional and personal lives of any student. But there’s no one better than them to tell you how:
“As a growing startup, we are constantly looking for ways to provide us with new opportunities. We value diversity and inclusion in various forms, and welcoming interns was one of our goals to promote internal growth and learning.
Through WebSummit Lisbon 2023, we got to know AIFS Abroad, a company responsible for organizing short internship programs with international students. This led us to welcome our first intern, Seth Cowman, who joined our Marketing team in June and July of 2024: “When I was deciding when and where I wanted to intern, I was exploring various countries, programs, and opportunities. As soon as I discovered AIFS’s internship in Portugal, I knew it was the right choice. During my time with Mykor, I learned many marketing approaches and tools, as well as what it’s like to work in an enriching work environment.”.
Accepting to be part of this internship was motivated by our desire to provide a hands-on experience to an intern, as an innovative company focused on environmental sustainability and constantly growing. We believe that an internship is a way to provide gains and learning for both parties, bringing a new perspective to the company. In this sense, we will be delighted to welcome new interns in the future.”
“MyPolis’s mission is to expand and promote civic participation for all, that is, to make our democracy more participatory. We bring this mission to classrooms across the country. Students, teachers, and local officials are involved with our tools. So, it is only fair to promote this mission within our own team, starting with us.
When we decided to welcome interns, not only from Portugal but also from other parts of the world, we reinforced the importance of this exchange of knowledge, cultures, languages, experiences, and professions. This allows us to evolve in building a more inclusive, dynamic, and participatory environment. They learn and help us adjust our tools, but we also learn a lot from them. It’s a way to broaden our perspective, break out of our bubble, and develop the characteristics and sensitivities needed to continue evolving and growing as a social impact environment. A multicultural environment to listen, understand, and apply work centered on the pillars of respect, learning, and quality, thus transforming our society. One of the most efficient ways we reach these interns is through CIEE – Council on International Educational Exchange.
Lucas Souza, who currently lives in New Jersey (USA), was an intern at MyPolis for seven months in 2023 and, according to him, it was one of his greatest periods of professional and personal development, “Since I had experience in government and NGOs, MyPolis was the perfect intersection where I could thrive, assisting with projects with the team and contributing to an important mission. MyPolis is a beacon of innovation, always presenting creative ways to engage young people in topics that can dictate the future of our society. I was fortunate to learn from the best at MyPolis and continue to apply my experiences as a student pursuing a career in diplomacy. Working at Casa do Impacto energized me every day to make a difference in how politics, democracy, and diplomacy are perceived in Portugal, Europe, and the world. I strive to replicate the energy and enthusiasm that Bernardo and the team instilled in me in my future professional endeavors, and I can’t thank them enough for these opportunities.”
“At RESHAPE, we believe that true social impact is created through collaboration and the exchange of experiences (both professional and personal). That’s why being a host entity for internships is a strategic decision and has proven to be a valuable asset for us and the interns we host.
We are an NGO that seeks to intervene in the social area through an innovative and disruptive approach, and in this sense, we believe that diversity of ideas and experiences is essential. The people who intern with us bring a fresh perspective, new insights, and often challenge us to think outside the box. Psychology, Criminology, Management, Education, Cultural and Artistic Mediation… The people who have done or are doing internships with us come from different academic backgrounds.
We welcome people not only from Portugal but also from other countries (for example, Germany and Belgium). Many of our interns come from different parts of the world and seek experiences where they can make a difference in the area of social impact and, more specifically, in the prison sector.
The presence of interns in our team undoubtedly enriches the work environment and promotes a more inclusive culture. They help us achieve our goals and also teach us new (and more creative) ways to face challenges. The cultural and idea exchange becomes constant, which keeps us updated and open to new approaches.
Some of our people’s testimonials:
“I acquired skills, knowledge, and learning that I will carry with me throughout my career. Bridging the gap between theory and practice was one of my main goals for this internship, which was successfully achieved.”
“At RESHAPE, I gained confidence that I didn’t know I had (…) I recognize in each team member a unique strength, and together we are stronger!””
Impact Entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly attractive, and we are hopeful to see the growing willingness of younger generations to roll up their sleeves and start working towards building a better future, a future that is theirs.
It’s not just us saying this—Impact Startups are opening their doors to new talents, different perspectives, innovative visions, multiculturalism, and a strong desire to act and change the world.
Do you accept the challenge?
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