ICEX celebrates 50 years of promoting Spanish talent worldwide

El Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía was the scene of a celebration that marked half a century of global impact. Since its inception in 1975, the ICEX Scholarships have provided more than 9.000 young people with the opportunity to develop in international markets, building a network of professionals who bring Spanish excellence to every corner of the planet.

"The ICEX scholarships have been much more than a program; they have been an engine of change for the Spanish economy," the minister stated. Charles Body during his speech. "They have supported our companies in their conquest of international markets"bringing talent and innovation as its hallmark."

Participating companies highlight the positive impact that the incorporation of ICEX interns has on their organization, especially in their internationalization and growth strategy.

The figures speak for themselves: 90% of the interns find employment at the end of the program, and 71% are hired by the company where they did their internship, mostly with permanent contracts and salaries above the average. In multilateral organizations, job placement reaches 76%, with 100% hiring in entities such as the ONU o CAF.

"The ICEX experience becomes a very valuable asset for our business community," he emphasized. Your majesty the king During the closing ceremony of the event, he said, "More than 9.000 professionals are part of this global network, present in more than 90 countries."

Participating companies highlighted the positive impact of ICEX scholarship holders on their business strategy. internationalization and growth. 84% of these companies participate in the program with the aim of attracting talent, and almost half recognize that the incorporation of an intern has contributed to their expansion into new markets.

The event also provided a space to reflect on the future of the programme. A panel of former fellows from five different decades shared their experiences, highlighting the valuable global network of contacts and the positive impact on Spain's image abroad.

In addition, a round table with experts such as Cristina Aranda and Vicente Montes, moderated by Elisa Carbonell, CEO of ICEX, explored the role of talent in today's organizations and the need to adapt training programs to technological advances.

With this event, ICEX kicks off a year of celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to providing excellent training and promoting a more competitive and global Spain.