PrimaMedia, April 29

Rostelecom launches paid internships with real projects and job offers

Rostelecom has announced the launch of the fourth season of its paid internship program, Your First 2.0, now offering flexible scheduling. This year, participants can choose between two professional tracks: technical infrastructure operations and customer service.

The program has expanded its reach: third- to fifth-year university students and third- to fourth-year vocational college students can now gain hands-on experience at Russia's leading digital company in six locations across Primorsky Krai—Vladivostok, Ussuriysk, Arsenyev, Dalnerechensk, Spassk-Dalny, and the urban settlement of Kavalerovo.

Running for three to eight months under formal employment contracts, the internship allows students to work on real projects while earning an official salary. Top performers may also secure permanent positions with the company upon completion.

Anna Luneva, Director of Rostelecom's Employer Brand Management Department, commented:

"Today's labor market demands fresh approaches to hiring—businesses are increasingly focused on cultivating loyal employees who understand the company's unique culture. In this context, the 'Your First' internship has evolved into a full-fledged platform for nurturing the next generation of telecom leaders. We've broadened opportunities for participants: instead of single-task assignments, interns now gain cross-functional experience that fuels their growth. We've also revamped our feedback mechanisms, making the program more transparent for everyone involved. As a result, our conversion rate to permanent roles has climbed to 32% by the end of 2025. These changes reflect our efforts to reposition Rostelecom as a modern employer, embodying our new slogan: 'You Shape the Course of Events.'"

Since its 2023 launch, Rostelecom's internship program has attracted nearly 40,000 applications nationwide. Interest continues to grow: while the first year saw around 6,000 applicants, experts reviewed 18,500 in 2025 alone. Of the 225 interns who successfully completed the selection process and were placed across various company divisions, 72 joined Rostelecom's team full-time after their internships.

Students praised their interactions with the company at every stage—from initial contact to onboarding. The Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) among participants reached 8.8, underscoring the program's strong reputation among young professionals.