In today’s competitive job market, gaining meaningful work experience early can often feel like the biggest challenge for young professionals. For many students and recent graduates in Cyprus, the question is not just what to study, but how to turn knowledge into real opportunities.
Internships are increasingly becoming that first critical step, offering hands-on experience, exposure to real projects, and a clearer path into the professional world.
For some, that step turns into something more.
At Exness, internships go beyond short-term learning, they are often the starting point of long-term careers. Running annually since 2022, the Exness Internships Programme has hosted over 50 interns in Cyprus, reflecting the company’s ongoing investment in local talent. What began as a small initiative has grown steadily, expanding across both business and technology functions and attracting students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Through the programme, young professionals gain hands-on experience by working on real projects, collaborating with experienced teams, and developing practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. As part of this experience, interns are also immersed in the company’s day-to-day environment, with access to many of the same benefits and workplace culture as full-time employees.
For Maria Christodoulidou, now a Junior UX Researcher at Exness, the journey began with uncertainty.
After completing her studies in the UK, she wasn’t sure whether she would find opportunities in Cyprus within her field.
“I wanted to gain practical experience, but I wasn’t sure what opportunities I could find in Cyprus,” she explains. “Then I discovered that Exness is a forward-thinking company with a strong focus on user-centered research.”
That first step into the company came with mixed emotions, excitement, but also doubt.
“New beginnings are always a bit intimidating, but I felt proud to have been chosen and excited for this new adventure,” she says.
What followed was a rapid transition from theory to practice. Working within a structured, large-scale organization, Maria quickly realized that even the smallest tasks required coordination, attention to detail, and collaboration across teams.
“I think my biggest challenge was understanding how processes work in a large company,” she notes. “Everything follows a structured workflow, often involving multiple teams. Over time, I became more confident navigating this.”
Today, as a full-time team member, her focus is on continuous growth and contributing meaningfully to the company’s work, with a long-term ambition to one day support others starting their own careers.
A similar transition was experienced by Alexis Demetriou, now a Junior Full-stack Software Engineer in People Technology and Analytics.
Like many students, Alexis had a strong theoretical background but was looking for practical experience.
“I applied for the internship because I wanted to learn from the best and see how software is actually built in a real environment,” he says.
But Alexis admitted that his first day came with some nerves.
“I was a little nervous, knowing I’d be working side by side with real professionals—but I didn’t need to worry.”
That quickly changed once he was immersed in real work. His very first task? Building a completely new feature in a complex codebase. “My Python skills were pretty basic at the time,” he admits. “The biggest challenge was navigating unfamiliar territory and quickly learning what I needed to deliver the project.”
Through collaboration, mentorship, and daily interaction with experienced developers, Alexis not only developed his technical skills but also a new mindset.
“I learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s the fastest way to grow,” he says.
After completing two internships, he transitioned into a full-time role, a move that reflects a broader pattern within the program. Across the company, many interns go on to build long-term careers, supported by a culture that emphasizes collaboration, ownership, and continuous learning.
As Alexis describes it, “Even as an intern, I wasn’t treated like a student, but as an equal.”
For Pablo Otegui, now a Quality Assurance Specialist, the experience was equally transformative.
“I was blown away by how friendly and welcoming everyone is,” he says, describing his first day.
“Working on real challenges pushed my creativity and problem-solving skills to the limit—but seeing the final result was incredibly rewarding.”
While each journey is different, a common theme emerges: real responsibility, real learning, and real opportunities. For those considering applying, the advice from all three is simple.
“Believe in yourself and go for it,” says Pablo.
“Don’t worry if you don’t know everything yet,” adds Alexis.
“Treat it like a real job, take ownership, and immerse yourself in the experience,” Maria concludes.
With applications for the 2026 Exness Internships now open, around 25 young professionals in Cyprus will have the opportunity to take that same first step.
Among the available roles are:
- Junior IP & Brand Protection Specialist (Internship)
- Junior Project Manager - CSR (Internship)
- Junior Business System Analyst (Internship)
- Junior Site Reliability Engineer (Internship)
- Junior Graphic Designer (Internship)
These positions represent just a selection of the opportunities available across different teams and functions.
Those interested can explore all open roles and apply at:
