Advice to Aspiring Interns and New Professionals: Insights from Valentin Secades
Summary
Reflecting on my career, which began over 25 years ago in Chemical Engineering, I’ve come to realize that the lessons I learned early on still hold today. My advice to new professionals or interns is simple: stay connected to the reasons you chose this career in the first place. While the pursuit of higher salaries can seem tempting, especially when professors and peers might encourage it, jumping from one job to another in search of a paycheck often leads to dissatisfaction. • Disconnect Regularly: It’s easy to get lost in screens, but stepping away to engage in offline hobbies or activities can help maintain mental clarity and creativity. So when choosing an internship or starting your first job, look beyond the paycheck—focus on the experience, the challenges, and the growth opportunities that will shape your professional journey.