Shaping your own path: Tips for interns by interns

Interns have always played a meaningful and strategic role in shaping the culture, team spirit, and future talent pipelines of our companies. And few people understand that better than Tazkia Nurannisa Pitoyo, a Talent Acquisition intern at Criteo who spent her days facilitating candidates’ experiences while navigating her own internship journey. Who could be better at sharing advice with future interns than a person who has been on both sides of the process? Read on to discover her unique perspective and get practical advice to add true value to your work.   

What made you choose an internship in Talent Acquisition at Criteo? 

I just love connecting with other people in my work. I think that’s why I was naturally drawn to a career in recruitment. When it comes to Criteo, joining an employer who valued diversity was important for me when moving to tech, so it kind of ticked all the right boxes. 

When interviewing potential interns, what are you paying attention to first? 

One thing we value deeply is a candidate’s motivation, especially during the initial screening process. At the beginning of the process, what interests us are your answers to the big “Why” questions: Why Criteo? Why this role? Why now?  These questions may look basic, but they’re a great compass. Just from their answers, you can spot potential cultural fits and also spot the candidates who did their homework. So please, take the time to prepare well before an interview with us! It may sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. 

Any other advice you can give interns to help them succeed? 

Be proactive and present during the interview. Talent Acquisition Specialists always love a candidate who shows curiosity and who’s able to listen actively, ask meaningful questions, and initiate thoughtful discussions. It doesn’t mean you have to be an extrovert to land a job. Here, we circle back to my earlier advice: Prepare well beforehand and the rest will come naturally. You’re not supposed to know it all, so take the time to research the company, make sure you fully understand the job description, and ask questions if you have doubts. Preparation is the real key for you to go in with confidence, all ready to shine.  

What kinds of intern profiles and skillsets do you look for at Criteo? 

Behind people’s skills, we care to hire personalities who’ll be a good cultural fit. If I had to find some similarities in the interns we hire, I’d say that they all share an open mind, the ability and curiosity to learn from others, strong communication skills, excellent team spirit, and an inherent drive to make an impact within their respective roles. We need people who are both capable of shaping their own path proactively and building collective success through connection and teamwork. And honestly, you can spot those traits early on, just by the way candidates express their motivation and reasoning for applying.  

What would you say to new Criteo interns willing to make the most of their experience? 

Be curious! Criteo has a very dynamic, vibrant, and fast-paced environment. You’re in the driver’s seat now, and there is a lot to be learned here if you are proactive. Social learning and peer-connection are often the most powerful learning tools so don’t fear reaching out to colleagues, asking questions, and sharing your ideas. Support is everywhere at Criteo, you’ll see!  So don’t be afraid to ask for help or even request informal coaching on topics you’re interested in. You can always volunteer to take on additional tasks or partake in projects and seize the opportunity to build confidence in your work style, share insights, and contribute as a valuable member of the team.  

And what has been your biggest takeaway as an intern here yourself? 

Despite having two years of recruitment experience, I still learned so much at Criteo. The dynamic of international hiring across the EMEA region is fascinating, and many of the challenges I faced here were completely new to me. One of the main takeaways I will carry forward is the mindset of giving my best to everyone I interact with, whether candidates, hiring managers, or team members. People at Criteo genuinely approach their work with passion and show a real desire to create impact, while never forgetting work-life balance; That’s something I’ll keep with me for sure!