Young people represent not only a country's future but also its present. Their ideas, concerns, and ambitions have the potential to transform society. For this to happen, however, they need opportunities, encouragement, autonomy, and, above all, the space to discover how far they can go.
With this purpose in mind, Hayek Global College hosted the Internship Fair in Brasília on Thursday, October 29, bringing together students and professionals from different fields to expand connections and introduce opportunities for education and careers in an increasingly global job market.
The event featured talks and networking activities, giving young people the opportunity to connect directly with professionals who shared their experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities within their respective fields.
More than simply learning about different professions, students had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences, and reflect on the paths they want to pursue. Education, politics, diplomacy, technology, economics, and social transformation were among the topics that sparked curiosity and led to conversations that went beyond immediate career choices.
"The event aimed to bring students closer to different professional fields and introduce them to essential skills for those who want to build a career with an international outlook," explained Edson Agatti, Executive Director of Hayek Global College.
Careers That Address Global Challenges
Among the guest speakers, Rasha Athamni, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Israel in Brazil, offered students a perspective on diplomacy, international relations, and dialogue between different cultures.
As the first Muslim woman to represent the State of Israel diplomatically abroad, Rasha shared her professional journey and spoke with students about the importance of education, international cooperation, and understanding different realities when building a career in diplomacy.
During the discussion, she also addressed the challenges of communication between governments and communities, as well as the need to combat discrimination and recognize different cultural perspectives.
Her participation demonstrated that working internationally goes far beyond visiting other countries. It means developing the ability to engage in dialogue, understand different contexts, and take part in discussions that affect societies around the world.
For Felipe Alencar, an 18-year-old student who plans to pursue a career in International Law, the opportunity to speak with professionals was one of the event's greatest highlights.
"The event was fantastic for discovering different career perspectives and asking questions directly to people already working in these fields," he said.
Where Technology, Education, and Business Come Together
The digital gaming industry was another topic that introduced students to new professional possibilities. Cleo Jardim, a Game Design professional, showed how knowledge of gamification can be applied in different contexts, including education, communication, and business.
The discussion broadened students' understanding of an industry that goes far beyond entertainment and offers opportunities for professionals with diverse educational backgrounds and skill sets.
Creativity, technology, and strategy can complement one another and open doors to career paths that young people may not initially consider.
Technology and innovation were also part of discussions about developing skills valued in the international job market and exploring opportunities to build a career beyond Brazil.
The Human Perspective Behind Professional Relationships
"We, as an international school, understand the difference that access to an international college education can make. It is an opportunity to continue the international curriculum that students have been building from an early age."
Professional choices are also influenced by social, emotional, and cultural factors. This perspective was explored by Luz María Cruz, from ConTalento Laboral, who shared insights into human behavior, psychology, leadership, and social relationships.
One of the topics discussed was the understanding that migration is not driven exclusively by income. Safety, opportunities, and a sense of belonging are also important factors in the decisions of those seeking to build a life in another country.
One of the most meaningful moments, however, came during an exchange with a Brazilian student who expressed an interest in working in Mexico in the future and learning more about Mexican psychology.
The conversation became an opportunity for personal connection. Luz María offered to answer the student's questions and share her knowledge of the field, as well as the possibilities available to those who wish to pursue this path.
This encounter represents one of the most valuable aspects of the Internship Fair: showing that an opportunity can begin with a question, a conversation, or someone willing to share their experience.
Sometimes, all a student needs to start believing in a possibility is to discover that someone has already walked part of that path.
Diverse Experiences, New Career Possibilities
The diversity of professional backgrounds was also highlighted by Petra Spakova, Enterprise Segment Manager, who shared experiences gained across different sectors, including marketing, business, and financial services.
During her presentation, Petra discussed the importance of understanding consumer needs and evaluating the value that products and services provide.
Her experience showed students how knowledge acquired across different fields can help develop professionals who are better equipped to understand markets, identify opportunities, and make strategic decisions.
The discussion reinforced the idea that a career does not have to follow a single or linear path. Different experiences can complement one another and create new opportunities throughout one's professional journey.
Building an International Career Starts with Exploring New Opportunities
In addition to connecting with professionals from different fields, the Internship Fair introduced students to pathways for those interested in studying and working abroad.
Gustavo Wigman, Founder and CEO of Factal Educação and Director of Seriös School, highlighted the importance of young people expanding their knowledge of international educational opportunities.
"There are far more international opportunities than young people imagine. English proficiency, participation in academic Olympiads, a strong portfolio, and life experiences are all valuable assets recognized by universities," he emphasized.
The program also featured workshops on job interviews, networking, and professional skills development, helping students become familiar with essential competencies for recruitment processes and the challenges of today's job market.
For Mariana Ferreira, a teacher at British School, the initiative helped young people discover different undergraduate study options and plan their academic futures.
The Future Also Begins with a Conversation
In every room, discussions went beyond immediate career choices. Students showed an interest in understanding how different fields of knowledge relate to society's challenges and how their future professions can contribute to positive change.
The professionals' experiences offered perspectives on career development, human relationships, social challenges, technology, education, and international cooperation. More than simply presenting opportunities, these encounters allowed young people to ask questions, share their interests, and begin building meaningful connections.
It is through contact between different generations, experiences, and perspectives that opportunities gain meaning. A professional who shares their journey can help a student recognize a possibility that once seemed out of reach. A conversation can spark an interest. A question can become the first step toward an important decision.
The Internship Fair reinforces Hayek Global College's commitment to an education connected to the world, bringing academic learning closer to professional experiences and providing students with the tools to build careers with an international outlook.
Based in Brasília, the institution offers the American College, an international undergraduate program based on the 2+2 model. Students complete their first two years in Brazil and the following two years in person at a partner university in the United States, with the possibility of earning dual degrees. The program includes fields such as Computer Science, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, and International Relations.
Ultimately, encouraging young people to think beyond the classroom means recognizing that their ideas deserve a place, their ambitions can become real projects, and the future does not have to wait until graduation to begin taking shape.
Look at Your Future from a Different Perspective!