"Talent for the Future" in debate at Católica's National Open Day
"We want to train professionals who are aware that they are contributing to the good of society, to the common good". It was with these words that Isabel Capeloa Gil, President of Católica, opened the main session of the 5th edition of the National Católica Open Day "Talent for the Future".
For Isabel Capeloa Gil, the distinguishing factor of the University's education is "the ability to train competent professionals with humanistic values, prepared for the complex challenges of the world".
In a world of constant change, it is not always easy to know what to study or where to study. With the aim of helping secondary school students overcome their doubts, Católica has once again organised this event, now in its 5th edition.
What are the main doubts when choosing a degree and how can you overcome them? What is it like to be a student at Católica? What skills are employers looking for and how do they envision the future of their professional areas? These were some of the questions discussed at this event.
"The importance of curiosity, willingness to learn and creativity" was stressed by Francisco Pedro Balsemão, CEO of the Impresa Group, when referring to what companies are looking for when hiring graduates.
"When we look at CVs, we always look for education, which is fundamental, and this is where the Católica stands out with its unique brand," he began. "And secondly, we are interested in people's experience, both practical and extra-curricular, and we have to value this through empathy and teamwork," he stressed.
For Leonor Sérgio, a first-year student at Católica Medical School, the most important thing is "the innovative teaching method, which really helps to understand the subjects, but also develops the ability to communicate and think critically".
For Mónica Dias, professor and vice-director of the Institute for Political Studies, "Católica provides knowledge, but also awareness and responsibility, characterised by the ability to try to respond to today's challenges".
On 8 March, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., candidates were able to contact members of all the faculties of Catolica directly in the virtual stands, in order to obtain personalised information about the University's degree in real-time. From 12 noon, it was possible to attend the presentations of the faculties made by their representatives and directors.
The main session of the event took place at 4.30 pm, via live streaming. It was a moment of reflection and debate on "Talent for the Future", with the presence of the President of Católica, Isabel Capeloa Gil, and moderated by João Póvoa Marinheiro, journalist and former student of the Faculty of Human Sciences.
The session was also attended by Francisco Pedro Balsemão, CEO of the Impresa Group, and Ana Salomé Martins, People and Development Director of the Symington Family Estates. The panels included two professors from Católica: Mónica Dias and Patrícia Pontifice de Sousa, alumnae Maria Oliveira (Henkel) and Francisca Magano (UNICEF Portugal), and also eight current students.