Sara Pereira concluded her degree in Management with a curricular internship at TAW Software, having supported the company in the implementation of the Quality Management System. During 17 weeks, she defined and elaborated documents according to NP EN ISO 9001:2015

Comunica UPT: How do you describe this experience?
Sara Pereira: The experience was clearly positive. I see all the things I experience as a form of growth and learning. I feel that I have developed various skills, such as a sense of responsibility, autonomy, communication, the ability to own my mistakes and the skill to correct them. This internship has also allowed me to get to know the Quality Management System more deeply.

What were the main difficulties and challenges you felt when entering the job market?
The reality of the labour market is very challenging. Companies are very demanding and are increasingly looking for professionals with innovative ideas who think outside the box. This project required a lot of technical knowledge, both of quality management and of the sector where the company operates. It was about implementing the quality management system, so all the processes and procedures described had to be in line with the company’s reality.

What did you learn in this first working experience that you will never forget?
I’ve learned that you have to be passionate about what you do. Passion is what drives us, it’s what makes us do more and better. It’s the energy that helps us get through the less good times. I also learned that we need to set a purpose, and that sometimes we need to stop and think about which way to go. In fact, it is never too late to start again when there is no purpose. Above all, we cannot give up at the first difficulty. It takes perseverance, resilience, hard work, and dedication. With these ingredients, anything is possible.

Any advice for finalist students who will soon embrace internship and work opportunities?
My advice is: bet on training. Find teachers or masters who inspire you. Always look for new learning that may be important for your career. Dedicate yourselves, read, experiment. Be curious and take risks, without fear. And also bet on your personal development, since the professional side of us must walk hand-in-hand with the personal one, and be humble and trust your abilities.

What drove you to choose Management and Universidade Portucalense?
Management has always been very present in my life. My grandparents had a purse and bags company. Their children decided to pursue other careers, but they never left management aside. Today, my mother and uncles have their own business, in different sectors. I grew up in the business world and that led me to choose Management. Universidade Portucalense was my first choice. It had been recommended to me and I also researched and realized that it was an institution of excellence.

What balance do you make of the degree?
The balance is pretty positive. The Management degree is very well structured. The study plan is complete and has a very practical component that allows the development of soft and hard-skills, so valued by the labour market. I also highlight the professionalism of the teaching staff and their constant interaction and proximity to the students.

A management principle?
“Plan, Do, Check, Act.”

Life motto?
“When we believe, the entire universe conspires in our favor.”

A book?
“The Power of Now”, by Eckhart Tolle.

A resolution for 2020?
Take a trip to the Middle East.

A person who inspires you and why?
I am inspired not only by the people around me, but also by the small details of life. I am often inspired by nature, music, dance, a book, a story or a simple gesture. Therefore, all this reveals itself as a source of inspiration that makes me awaken and transform. However, I choose a person who inspires me: my mother, by her strength, perseverance and love.