What once felt like stepping into the unknown has now become a familiar part of everyday life. Four of our Summer Interns reflect on their early challenges, the unexpected moments that shaped their experience, and the personal growth they gained along the way.

Starting out in a professional setting means stepping into a learning curve—adapting to a new rhythm, tackling unfamiliar concepts, and seeing how the industry operates from the inside. For the participants in this year’s Summer Educational Internships (PEVs, in Spanish) in Argentina, every day brought a fresh chance to build skills and grow more confident. Over the course of their internships, they learned what it means to work as part of a dynamic team, put their academic knowledge into practice, and take on real responsibilities. More than anything, they gained hands-on experience that will stay with them as they move forward in their careers.

For Cristóbal Saravia, a Summer Intern (PEV) in Operations at Aguaragüe, Salta, the learning was immediate and eye-opening. Coming from a background in electromechanical engineering, he had never encountered the extraction, drilling, or treatment processes that take place at oil wells. Suddenly, what had only existed in theory came to life in the field. "Right from the start, I was given a mix of really interesting tasks—from working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to diving into energy generation analysis,” says Cristóbal with a smile. “At first, the biggest hurdle was learning to trust myself. But, as I started to find my footing, I realized how much of an impact my work could actually have. That shift in confidence made all the difference—it allowed me to really contribute in a meaningful way.”

“The thing I found the most impressive was the team,” he says. “I was blown away by how welcoming and open everyone was. From day one, people were happy to share what they knew—not just during work hours, but also in the little moments, like lunch breaks or even over a game of ping-pong,” he recalls.

For Tania Pereyra, a PEV in Business Development in Buenos Aires, the surprise came from exploring the economic side of the industry. “At university, I learned all the technical theory,” she says, “but here, I discovered how to turn fieldwork into data—and that was really important for me.”

Her main project involved updating and organizing a database of unconventional wells in Vaca Muerta, a task that pushed her to explore different ways of solving problems. “Sometimes I’d take the most complicated route and end up having to start over,” she admits. “It was a constant learning experience, but that’s what helped me grow.”

What she remembers most, though, is the kindness of the people around her. “When you’re new, there are so many basic things you don’t know—like where to find the printer or how certain admin tasks work—but there was always someone happy to help and share what they knew.”

For Aylén Marín, the first PEV at the Alpha Lithium facilities in Salta, the experience was full of surprises from the get-go. Not only was she stepping into a new company, but also into an area she hadn’t even considered during her chemical engineering studies. “I had never even heard of Facilities,” she admits, “and suddenly I was right in the middle of launching the pilot batch test for brine concentration in evaporation ponds and helping with the move-in of the lithium pilot plant.”

“It was a huge challenge—but also an incredible opportunity to grow,” she reflects. The toughest part was finding her own pace in such a fast-moving environment. “From day one, I was entrusted with tasks that had a direct impact on operations. It came with a lot of responsibility, but also a strong vote of confidence in what I could do.”

For Carlos Cuenca, an Operations PEV in Neuquén, the decision to apply came after hearing glowing feedback from former interns—and it didn’t take long for him to understand why. During his time at Tecpetrol, he took on important responsibilities, including building a facilities database for Fortín de Piedra and analyzing annular pressures to help ensure well integrity. “One of my biggest takeaways was realizing just how crucial teamwork really is,” he says. “Listening carefully to those with more experience and staying open to new ideas makes a huge difference.” Carlos also had to get a handle on managing a packed to-do list. “At first, I had a hard time juggling everything,” he admits, “but I gradually learned how to plan ahead and keep track of my time day by day, so nothing got left behind.”

Cristóbal, Tania, Aylén, and Carlos all agree: their time at Tecpetrol was much more than just an internship. They faced the uncertainty of something completely new, pushed themselves outside of their comfort zones, and came away with valuable lessons—not just for their careers, but for life. What once felt daunting is now second nature, and if there’s one insight they all share, it’s this: learning never really ends—and the best way to grow is to dive in headfirst.