Same challenge every time: can people understand your value quickly?
Work in pairs - 7 minutes
Focus on: clarity, relevance, readability, and proof of skills.
João Silva - Master’s student in Biotechnology
Profile: Motivated and dynamic student looking for an interesting opportunity abroad. Good team spirit and serious attitude.
Experience: Internship in laboratory; Group project in class; Volunteer in student event.
Skills: Communication; English; Teamwork; Microsoft Office; Laboratory techniques.
Languages: Portuguese: native; English: good.
Main lesson: a strong profile can be hidden by weak presentation.
Professional writing is not about sounding impressive. It is about sounding credible.
João Silva - Master’s student in Biotechnology
Profile: Master’s student in Biotechnology with laboratory experience, teamwork practice, and a strong interest in international research and applied science.
Experience:
Laboratory internship : assisted with sample preparation, basic analysis, and data recording in a research environment.
Academic group project : worked with other students to prepare and present a biotechnology project.
Student event volunteer : helped organize activities and support communication during the event.
Skills: Laboratory methods, teamwork, academic presentations, Microsoft Office.
Languages: Portuguese - native | English - B2
What improved?
The CV is now more precise, more credible, and easier to understand in an international context.
Work in pairs - 7 minutes
Rewrite each sentence to make it more concrete, more credible, and more relevant.
Your goal: add context, evidence, or relevance.
"I am very motivated and dynamic."
"I have good communication skills."
"I want this internship because it is interesting."
"I am motivated by projects that combine laboratory work and real-world application, as shown by my internship and group project."
"I developed my communication skills through presentations, teamwork, and academic events."
"I am applying for this internship because it matches my interest in applied biotechnology and international experience."
For most interview questions, use a simple 3-step structure:
Important: clear structure matters more than perfect language.
Question: Why are you applying for this position?
I am applying for this position because it looks very interesting and I think it would be a great opportunity for me. I am very motivated and I want to learn a lot.
I am applying for this position because it matches my interest in applied biotechnology. During my master’s project, I worked on laboratory methods that made me want to develop more practical experience. I think this internship would help me strengthen both my technical skills and my ability to work in an international environment.
Why is the second answer stronger?
It gives a clear reason, one concrete example, and a direct link with the context.
Question: What is one of your strengths?
One of my strengths is that I am very serious and hard-working. I always do my best and I am very motivated when I work on something important.
One of my strengths is adaptability. During a group project, I had to take over a new task very quickly and coordinate with other students to keep the work moving. I think this is useful in an international environment, where flexibility and communication are important.
What changed?
The stronger answer names the strength clearly, proves it with an example, and shows why it matters here.
Work in pairs - 8 minutes
Choose one question and prepare an answer under 40 seconds.
Rule: 1 clear answer + 1 example + 1 link with the context
Question: What is one of your strengths?
Answer: One of my strengths is adaptability. For example, during a group project, I had to take over a new task very quickly and coordinate with other students to keep the work moving. I think this is useful in an international environment, where flexibility and communication are important.
Role play - 10 minutes
Feedback after each answer:
Was it clear? Was it concrete? Did it sound professional?
Who are you?
Name, current status, or field of study.What are you interested in?
Your professional focus, topic, or direction.What are you looking for?
An opportunity, a discussion, an internship, a field, or a contact.Example:
Hello, my name is Ana. I am currently a master’s student in biotechnology. I am especially interested in sustainable applications of biological research and international collaboration. I am currently looking for an internship where I can develop both my technical and communication skills.
Why does it work?
It is clear, specific, and easy to remember.
Example:
Hello, my name is Pedro. I am a PhD student in materials science. My research focuses on how new materials can improve energy efficiency in industrial systems. I am interested in meeting people working on innovation, sustainability, or applied research in this area.
Why does it work?
It states the profile, the focus, and opens the door to conversation.
Individual work - 4 minutes
Stand up and speak to 2 people - 8 minutes
After each pitch, answer these questions:
What do you remember? What was clear? What could be improved?
Final message: you do not need to sound perfect.
You need to sound clear, relevant, and professional.