From curiosity to achievement: Raphaela Ferreira Teles da Silva’s journey at Italtel

A passion for technology and the value of perseverance

From a very young age, technology sparked in me a deep curiosity — a desire to understand how things work. Growing up with the constant encouragement of my parents — a teacher and a truck driver — I learned the value of education and hard work. This foundation led me, in 2022, to begin a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering.

Aware of the importance of hands-on experience, I decided early on to seek an internship opportunity in my second semester to start building my career path.

Starting out at Italtel: trust and growth

Even without a clearly defined area of specialization, I was accepted as a Pre-Sales intern at Italtel. My manager immediately demonstrated confidence in my potential for growth, despite my limited prior experience.

Encouraged by my team, I focused on developing expertise in cybersecurity solutions and Italtel’s portfolio, setting a goal to achieve the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification. For seven intense months, I balanced supporting the team with a demanding study routine, overcoming the challenge of improving my English for the exam.

Certification and professional validation

I successfully passed the certification on my first attempt at the end of 2023 — a clear reflection of the support and encouragement I received from the company.
In November 2024, my dedication was formally recognized when I was hired full-time into the Pre-Sales team.

Today, my responsibilities have grown significantly, ranging from technical presentations to clients to the development of technical proposals for major projects.

Recognition and industry presence

My professional growth has also been validated by my participation in leading market events, such as speaking at MindTheSec — the largest cybersecurity event in Latin America — and taking part in Cisco Connect.

The visibility and expertise gained through Italtel’s support and nearly three years of continuous learning have given me the confidence to discuss emerging technologies and highlight the vital role of Italtel in the digital transformation of major organizations.

Building a future of growth and excellence

Italtel has provided me with a solid career plan, investing in both my technical skills and my voice.

I feel confident and motivated to continue growing — giving back by enhancing my knowledge, sharing experiences, and reinforcing the culture of perseverance and excellence that defines my daily work at Italtel.