Interning at a Digital Product Agency.

One of us is half Portuguese, half South African, raised in Lisbon and currently obsessed with her Chinese money plant. Another is from Coimbra, with a background in Design and Multimedia and a soft spot for branding. The third is studying Informatics and Computing Engineering in Porto and only got in after sending a few persistent emails (worth it).

We came from different places and followed different paths, but all found ourselves at the same long lunch table. From that first nervous hello to getting involved in real projects, we always felt supported, included, and encouraged to learn by doing.

Our motivations for joining were just as different. One of us wanted to bring design and technology together as a first step towards product management. Another was curious about the creative minds behind Significa’s online presence. And one of us was just determined to find an internship that made university feel a little more real.

Now that we’ve shared laptops, tasks, and plenty of cups of tea, we sat down to reflect on what it actually feels like to join the team: the nerves, the surprises, and everything in between.

First day jitters.

We each stepped into the office with our own bundle of nerves, shaped by first-job jitters, the unknown, or just the fear of awkward small talk. One of us thought arriving at 8 a.m. would make a good impression, only to be told, “Girl, no, 11 is fine!” Another paced around their apartment, watching the clock crawl towards 11. Pedro arrived super early, spotted the glowing Hello world sign by the door, and laughed quietly. That tiny moment was just what he needed.

None of us had done this before, and we didn’t know what we’d walked into. But the office wasn’t stiff or formal. It was full of plants, natural light, and people who greeted us with warm smiles instead of job titles. Even the dev meeting on Pedro’s first day turned out to be a gift in disguise. No awkward one-on-ones, just a chance to meet the whole team at once and ease into things.

The company lunch felt like a big deal. Sitting down with people whose names we didn’t yet remember, trying to follow conversations while soaking in the atmosphere, it could’ve been intimidating. Instead, it felt relaxed and welcoming… like being invited into something that had room for us.

Between onboarding documents, first Slack messages, and countless introductions, we were all quietly assessing whether this might be a place where we’d feel comfortable. There was still plenty to learn, but with such a welcoming first day and clear support around us, we already felt part of something.

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Expectation vs. Reality.

We all showed up with a picture in our heads. Most of it was shaped by university assumptions, other people’s stories, or the general fear that internships are more about observing than actually doing.

But it didn’t take long for that picture to change. One of us was handed a full project to manage; something that had been mentioned from the start, but didn’t feel real until the moment it happened. The pressure was real, but so was the support given. People made time to help when we got stuck, and the learning happened without judgment.

Another of us technically only needed to be in the office once a week, but ended up showing up more often just for the sake of it… whether for a quick study session, a dev meeting, or no particular reason at all. Significa is a space where everyone’s focused, but the atmosphere stays light and approachable. And when we all got together for internal events, it always felt easy, never forced. It’s the kind of connection that doesn’t need an icebreaker.

Not all expectations came from the outside. Sometimes, the biggest pressure came from ourselves: wanting to do well, afraid we’d fall short. But it turns out the team wasn’t expecting perfection. What mattered was showing up with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.

The challenging bits.

Some challenges were part of the job. Others, we brought upon ourselves.

One of us found it tough to be the voice of the client in rooms where their vision clashed with the team’s ideas. It isn’t easy to carry that responsibility, especially when the team strongly believes in a different approach. But that experience showed us that good work is not just about having great ideas. It’s about navigating perspectives, building trust, and creating something that works for everyone involved.

Another of us stepped into a world of unfamiliar technologies. At first, there were plenty of questions and second-guessing, especially when the tools felt far removed from what had been taught at university. But with time, things began to click. Dev meetings became a reliable source of clarity, and the team’s openness to explain made all the difference… even when it meant going over something twice. Slowly but surely, uncertainty gave way to confidence.

There was also the mental load. The pressure to deliver, to impress, to prove we belonged. That didn’t come from anyone else. It came from within. But Significa gave us the space to ease into things. Feedback was steady and constructive, reminding us that learning isn’t something that happens all at once. What mattered most was being open to it, showing up, and asking for help when we needed it.

Ever feel like developers are speaking in riddles?

Our developer Julieta turned all our questions into a clear, humorous glossary.

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A day in the life of an intern at Significa.

Each of our internships had its own pace, depending on the team we joined, but some things stayed the same. From quick morning check-ins to spontaneous kitchen chats, our days quickly found their rhythm.

Lola spent most mornings jumping between meetings, researching features, and tracking milestones. Pedro found his stride through regular dev syncs, getting to grips with new technologies and gradually building confidence. Francisca moved through the week creating content, joining marketing discussions, and soaking up everything that makes Significa tick.

There was structure, but it never felt rigid. Daily syncs kept things moving without adding pressure. And whenever we felt stuck, someone was always around to explain, listen, or simply check in.

Lunch became a favourite moment. Not just for the food, but for the break, the banter, and the unexpected conversations. Whether it was music recs, curious facts, or shared stories, it made everything feel lighter.

Some days ended with tea, others with a laugh in the kitchen. We were learning every day, but what stayed with us were these serendipitous moments.

What we wish we’d known.

You’re not expected to know everything. Really. Don’t fake it, and don’t stress it. Ask questions. The more curious you are, the more support you’ll find. Mistakes happen, but so does learning. Feedback at Significa is generous and consistent, not a verdict but a tool. Use it. It will help you grow more confident and capable over time.

And trust that you were chosen for a reason. You’re not just here to fill a gap. You’re here to contribute, to learn, and to find your place… even if that place is still taking shape.

Be open to people, culture, and processes. There’s more to learn than what your role defines.

Whether you found Significa through a friend, a scroll, or sheer curiosity, we hope this gave you a glimpse into what it’s like to learn, grow, and belong here. Internships are just one way in. But no matter where you are in your career, staying curious and open to learning will always take you further.