At CLIQ, we like welcoming interns into our team. It’s more than just an opportunity for young professionals to gain their first real-world experience—it’s a two-way street of growth and inspiration. We believe in sharing knowledge, supporting personal and professional development, and fostering an environment where fresh ideas can thrive. Our interns bring new perspectives, energy, and creativity that challenge and inspire us to keep evolving.
In this 2-part article series, we talk to two of our interns and learn more about their daily life at CLIQ. We’re giving you a glimpse into their journey with the company and the impact they’re already making. Here you read part 1.
Internship at CLIQ’s Finance Department
Meet António, our current Finance Intern. He joined CLIQ in March for a four-month internship as part of his International Business studies at Hogeschool Utrecht. As a member of the Finance team in Accounting, he supports daily operations while learning from the experts around him. Originally from the coastal town of Cascais, Portugal, he brings fresh ideas and an international outlook to the team.
Hi António ! What made you choose CLIQ as a company for your internship?
When looking for an internship, Finance was always present in my mind. After seeing the CLIQ Digital application and carefully reading it, it fit perfectly with my standards—not only in terms of what I was going to learn and do, but also because of the cultural diversity in the company, which made me feel welcome and excited.
How does your daily internship life look like?
My daily internship life starts by waking up at 6 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays so I can get to the office by 8 a.m. Once I arrive, I start my tasks and get hands-on work done, understanding what needs to be executed and doing it. I usually leave the office at 4 p.m
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, I work from home, which is also great. It’s a routine I’ve developed since starting at CLIQ, and I really enjoy it. I’m always excited to go to the office and work on my finance skills with my fantastic team.
What’s one skill or lesson you’ve learned during your time here?
One skill I’ve acquired while working at CLIQ is attentiveness to detail and technical finance skills—especially in Excel. I already had some experience with Excel, but I’ve been able to greatly improve since it’s our main tool.
A key lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to make mistakes. I shouldn’t be afraid to make them or to ask questions—every question and idea is valid and taken seriously.
How has the experience at CLIQ helped shape your personal career goals?
It helped me understand a bit more about how Finance works inside a company, which is something I’ll definitely need in the future.
I’ve also learned a lot about teamwork, working with various people, and ensuring everything flows smoothly. It has improved my professional communication skills, especially through assisting and participating in meetings throughout the week.
What advice would you give to someone starting their first internship?
I would say: don’t be shy and don’t be afraid to take risks. Be proactive, pay attention to details, and make notes of anything you think might help you later. Ask questions about anything you’re unsure of—because at the end of the day, you’re an intern, and you’re here to learn and gain experience.
Thank you for these insights, António!
His close colleague Matthijs is also very happy with this extra intern power:
“António is a valuable asset to the team, he brings accuracy and dedication to our cash planning. Together with our bookkeepers, he makes sure all our suppliers are getting paid on time. He is willing to help wherever needed, this has made him a truly appreciated team member.“
Want more behind-the-scenes stories of CLIQ? You can find part 2 of this series—featuring another intern interview— right here. Don’t miss it!