04 Feb We found him the best software development internship—in a sports academy
When @UPAEP student @Esteban Antonio Mendez Ruiz first learned that his Information Technology internship over the fall season will be at a padel academy in Madrid, he admits he was skeptical.
It’s understandable—padel, a rising racquet sport in Spain, might not seem like the obvious place for a software developer. But Esteban’s doubts disappeared as soon as his internship began. He quickly realized it wasn’t just about training athletes, but about being innovative and using technology to achieve goals.
“It [became] clear to me that what I was going to do went beyond padel or sports,” he said. “The company wants to develop new strategies for the growth of athletes and coaches.”
Representing UPAEP in his internship!
As a full-stack developer intern at @M3 Padel Academy, one of Spain’s best padel schools, Esteban’s main responsibility was to develop an internal application for tracking and analyzing game statistics and player performance. The project pushed him to revisit a part of his field that he hadn’t explored deeply in a while, and rather than hesitate, he embraced it as a chance to grow and sharpen his skills.
“I was motivated to study and prepare myself more for a part of my career that I had somewhat neglected—fundamentals in these times, especially with advances in web page development and AI,” he admitted.
“If you’re doing what you love, then it’s not work,” Esteban commented.
On top of coding, Esteban’s work required him to problem-solve, collaborate with colleagues, and apply technical concepts to real-world challenges. Being someone who’s always eager to learn, he gained an even greater appreciation for hands-on experience and the value of teamwork with each task.
But an internship abroad isn’t just about professional growth. For Esteban, the city of Madrid itself became a classroom. He made the most of every opportunity to explore and immerse himself in the local culture. Museums, parks, and the bustling streets of Gran Vía became his daily backdrop.
“What I enjoyed most outside of work were all the experiences the city offered. Visiting the metro museums, the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, and the Metropolitano stadium were the best,” he recalled.
Of course, aside from seeing the stadiums up close, you can’t intern in Madrid without catching a live football match—it’s Spain’s national sport, after all. Esteban’s passion for the game is undeniable (he even has experience as a commentator for his university’s teams!). We didn’t find him an internship with a sports company for nothing.
A chance to see the Santiago Bernabéu stadium from the inside
Through these cultural experiences—both organized as part of his international internship program with us and those that he explored on his own—Esteban discovered lessons that went far beyond tech and coding. He learned the importance of work-life balance, of appreciating the small everyday moments, and of staying curious in a new environment.
“You have to have a good balance between work and living life to the fullest; it’s not all work, and it’s not all leisure and fun,” he realized.
Museum hopping is a great way to immerse in a city’s history and culture
Living independently in Madrid, navigating daily life in a new city, interacting with the locals, and learning to manage his time effectively all contributed to Esteban’s personal growth. Meanwhile, his internship with M3 Padel Academy gave him confidence in his professional skills. Building an application for a live company project showed him the real impact of his work, which is a valuable takeaway for anyone completing an internship.
As his internship comes to a close, Esteban is better equipped to tackle future projects, whether in Spain, back in Mexico, or elsewhere in the world.
From Mexico to Spain!
Esteban’s story highlights not just the value of education abroad, but the importance of being open-minded, embracing new challenges, and taking advantage of every experience. His journey shows that sometimes, the most unexpected opportunities—like a software development internship in a sports academy—can still lead to meaningful growth.
For students interning abroad, experiences like this can provide the tools needed for a future global career while also offering a richer perspective on life. Being open to new environments, cultures, and responsibilities helps turn every challenge into a learning opportunity.
Looking for an internship that kickstarts your career and lets you experience more of the world? Send us a message, and let’s find the international program that’s right for you.
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