ULACIT and CINDE Form Alliance to Provide Professional Internships in Costa Rica

Strategic Collaboration to Build Talent

The cooperation agreement reflects a shared commitment to developing a skilled workforce in Costa Rica. ULACIT and CINDE seek to address global companies’ talent requirements within the country by integrating students into professional environments. These companies demand expertise in areas aligned with international processes and market needs, making the initiative critical for educational institutions and the private sector. This partnership focuses on providing professional internships in Costa Rica that bridge academic learning and real-world application.

“This partnership provides students with a unique opportunity to enhance their academic learning through hands-on experience,” stated ULACIT’s Rector, Marianela Núñez. “It also allows them to refine their English skills, as many of these companies operate in English.”

Marianela Urgellés, General Director of CINDE, emphasized the alliance’s alignment with CINDE’s strategic focus on talent development. “This initiative enables students to improve their professional profiles, identify the skills most sought after by multinational companies, and gain firsthand experience of the day-to-day operations within these organizations.”

Program Benefits for Students

Through this partnership, students will access various opportunities to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional application. Key features of the program include:

Preparation Workshops: Students will participate in tailored workshops that prepare them for their initial steps into the labor market. These sessions will cover professional communication, resume building, and interview preparation.

Site Visits to Multinational Companies: The program facilitates visits to the facilities of global companies, allowing students to observe operations, interact with professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of industry expectations.

Exclusive Internship Fairs: Students will have access to internship fairs explicitly organized for them, which will connect them directly with hiring managers from leading multinational companies in Costa Rica.

Skill Development Resources: Participants will benefit from resources developed jointly by CINDE and multinational corporations. These resources are designed to enhance strategic skills in high demand in the global job market.

Empowering Students for the Global Workforce

The alliance also addresses the growing need for bilingual professionals in Costa Rica. Many multinational companies participating in the program operate in English, allowing students to practice and improve their language skills in real-world settings. This focus on bilingualism is particularly significant, as professional internships in Costa Rica offer students invaluable opportunities to prepare for roles in an increasingly globalized economy.

“Students will emerge from these internships better equipped to meet the demands of today’s competitive job market,” Núñez added. “The combination of academic knowledge and professional experience will give them a significant advantage.”

Fostering Career Growth in Strategic Sectors

Costa Rica’s strategic sectors—life sciences, manufacturing, corporate services, and digital technologies—are critical drivers of the country’s economy. By focusing on these industries, the ULACIT-CINDE partnership ensures that students are prepared for careers in areas that offer high growth potential and global relevance. Through professional internships in Costa Rica, students will gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and practices, positioning them as valuable contributors to the workforce.

For example, the life sciences sector in Costa Rica has seen significant expansion in recent years, with multinational companies specializing in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. Similarly, the manufacturing sector is evolving to incorporate advanced technologies, while corporate services and digital technologies continue to attract investment and innovation.

Exclusivity and Long-Term Vision

This cooperative agreement is exclusively available to ULACIT students, highlighting the university’s dedication to providing its students with unparalleled career development opportunities. By partnering with CINDE, ULACIT ensures its students gain academic knowledge, practical skills, and industry exposure needed to thrive in competitive fields. The focus on professional internships in Costa Rica underscores the program’s goal of preparing students for leadership roles in critical industries.

Urging students to take full advantage of the program, Urgellés remarked, “This is a chance to learn directly from industry leaders and understand what it takes to excel in today’s job market.”

A Model for University-Industry Collaboration

The ULACIT-CINDE partnership models how educational institutions and industry organizations can collaborate to drive workforce development. By aligning academic programs with the needs of multinational companies, this alliance ensures that students who complete professional internships in Costa Rica are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields. The initiative also contributes to Costa Rica’s reputation as a hub for innovation and talent.

As ULACIT and CINDE continue to work together, they are paving the way for a future in which Costa Rican students are prepared for the challenges of the global market and empowered to lead in their chosen fields. This alliance represents a significant step forward in fostering a dynamic and skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s economic growth.

With a clear focus on talent development and strategic alignment with industry needs, the partnership between ULACIT and CINDE is set to transform the professional landscape for students in Costa Rica.