Mafalda Folhadela: "The job market increasingly values people with a multidisciplinary background."

 

Why did you choose the Science and Society degree at Universidade Católica?

I discovered the Science and Society degree while I was enrolled in a Biochemistry program and felt very discouraged. It didn’t make sense to me, so I was searching for another path. When I started exploring other options, I came across Science and Society. What stood out to me was its interdisciplinarity and the fact that it includes subjects like Law and Management—fields I had considered—but without giving up the scientific aspect. The program is unique in Portugal and gives us the freedom to build our path, with many electives throughout the three years. I see Science and Society as an opportunity to explore and deepen my understanding of several areas. Even if I end up specializing in one particular field, I’ll always benefit from this broad and multidisciplinary perspective.

 

What is the main advantage of multidisciplinarity?

Studying different areas forces me to understand the logic and ways of thinking within each one. I must adopt different mindsets and worldviews, which I think are extraordinary. It really enhances our adaptability and our ability to understand the complexity of the challenges around us. The major strength of the Science and Society degree is that it gives us tools to approach problems from various perspectives. That excites me—knowing I’ll be able to find more complete solutions to today’s challenges because I have an education that isn’t confined to a single field. No single area can respond to the world’s major challenges by themselves. Collaboration and integration of knowledge are increasingly necessary.

 

What are your expectations for your professional future?

Although I’m still in the first year of the program and still shaping my ideas, I hope to be able to combine the different perspectives I’m gaining throughout the course. I believe the job market increasingly values people with an interdisciplinary background, and that really is an asset for companies. They need multidisciplinary profiles more and more. I see myself working in a corporate environment, maybe in the food sector—not so much in a technical role, but more in something related to human relations or people management, for example. Having technical knowledge is a valuable complement, but what motivates me the most is the human aspect.

 

How has your experience at the School of Biotechnology been so far?

I would highlight the environment, which is very familiar and close-knit. Plus, the relationship with the professors, who are very approachable and supportive. I feel we have constant support. We also have a tutor who follows us throughout the course, which makes a big difference.

 

What does the tutor’s support involve?

The degree includes many elective courses, allowing us to shape our path from early on. Additionally, there are three projects: one in the second semester of the second year, another in the first semester of the third year, and a larger project in the final semester. The tutor’s role is to guide us through this process: helping with the selection of electives, defining project topics, and, overall, opening doors and encouraging us to dive deeper into different areas.

 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I was invited at the beginning of the academic year to join the Faculty’s Student Association, so I’m involved with that. I’m also politically active and part of a youth political organization.

 

Why political engagement?

Politics takes up a lot of my free time, and I really enjoy it. It’s a form of civic engagement. It’s a way to contribute to a better society, to stand up for what we believe in, and to try to change the world. My mother had some influence on me in this area. She inspired me with her political views — as a service to others.

 

What moves you?

I want to be useful and make a difference—not on my own, but alongside others. We live in a society, and that drives me too: we’re here to help one another.

 

Favorite spot on campus?

On the second floor of the Central Building, there are two tables in the hallway. I like studying there because it gets a lot of natural light—there’s a big window. It has a beautiful view of the Biotechnology Building.