Meet Constança Primor, the Face of Science who presides over the Industrial Engineering and Management Student Group at Instituto Superior Técnico (NEEGI).
During the interview, she shares her experience as president of NEEGI, including the activities it promotes, advising young people who want this degree, talking as well about the contribution of the Municipality of Oeiras to the development of science and innovation.
What is your assessment of the events and activities promoted by NEEGI?
The balance is extremely positive, as NEEGI offers a very complete experience to Industrial Engineering and Management students. NEEGI promotes educational activities such as job fairs, case study competitions and workshops that bring students closer to companies and the job market. At the same time, it organizes various recreational events that strengthen the bonds between students and the community spirit on campus. Fostering a balance between study and leisure time is essential in the demanding context of IST and I believe that this culture will have a positive impact on the students’ academic lives, as well as throughout their professional careers.
What advice can you give to anyone who wants to study Industrial Engineering and Management at Instituto Superior Técnico (IST)?
The Industrial Engineering and Management degree at IST stands out for combining the areas of engineering and management in a single program. EGI training allows us to develop an open, practical and versatile mind, strongly oriented towards problem-solving. An engineer can be a manager, but a manager can’t be an engineer and, for me, that’s the biggest advantage!
My advice to future EGI students would be to explore all the opportunities that Técnico has to offer. IST is very rich in initiatives and getting involved in a project, whether it’s a student group, developing prototypes, a themed club or a sports team, will always be a great way to complement theoretical knowledge and to grow on a personal level.
What is your opinion on the investment the Municipality of Oeiras puts into science and young people?
The Municipality of Oeiras is known for its strong commitment to education and science, and the Oeiras Valley project is the best example of this. At NEEGI, I was recently able to witness the support for two of our initiatives, the EGI Days and TaguSolidário. The proximity between the Municipality and the student community is already a reality today and I see opportunities for further deepening this collaboration in the future.
What academic or professional opportunities came up as a result of your involvement in NEEGI?
The close contact with companies is undoubtedly a huge asset. I can be better informed on opportunities in the job market and meet professionals from different fields. Being part of NEEGI has also allowed me to develop a set of abilities such as leadership skills, teamwork and problem-solving, which I know will be fundamental throughout my professional life.
What other areas would you like to see Oeiras invest in?
As a student at IST TagusPark, I would like to see the municipality invest in the public transport network. I think it’s essential to make the campus easier to access and to establish links between TagusPark and other important points in Oeiras.
My experience studying here is very positive, we have access to excellent conditions and a peaceful environment. I believe that expanding the educational offer in this area would be beneficial and would help the economic viability of new businesses in the areas of food, leisure and culture. These investments, aligned with the interests of a young audience, would make the campus even more appealing.
