Tiago Videira decided to pursue engineering, motivated by the fundamental role this field plays in developing solutions with social impact. «[For me, engineering has always been about] looking at the world and trying to find solutions for what we see is not right», he says.

I always saw engineering as a way of solving problems. Throughout the degree, we learn to analyse problems that exist in society.

Tiago Videira, Master's student in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering

Taking into account the perspectives of family and friends, he chose early on to combine studies at two universities in order to complement his knowledge. He opted to attend the Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Lisbon Institute of Engineering (ISEL) and the Master's degree in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering (METI) at Técnico. Additionally, due to factors such as flexibility and the wide range of elective courses available, including the possibility of specialising in telecommunications, his decision to continue his studies at Técnico was consolidated. He is currently particularly interested in pursuing a career in mobile networks, including topics such as the implementation of communication protocols in 5G networks.

When asked about the reasons that led him to join Técnico only in his second cycle of studies, the student explains that he was somewhat influenced by the idea that the School would mainly focus on theoretical teaching. However, he acknowledges that his perception of the courses has been changing throughout the degree due to frequent contact with the laboratory component.

The expectation I had of coming here was that everything would be much more theoretical, learning theory before moving on to practice, but I feel that is not the case at all. I am learning a lot of theory, but I am also having a lot of contact with practical work.

Tiago Videira, Master's student in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering

As a first-year student, he highlights that the most demanding project was the development of a smart helmet for scooter users – the Centurion – within the scope of the vehicular networks course, taught by Professor Teresa Vazão. Although the group project resulted in the presentation of a functional prototype, Tiago Videira stresses that the main difficulties were felt in the initial phase, when it was necessary to identify a problem, design a solution, and explain its framework and social impact. «Professor Teresa Vazão encourages us to close our eyes, think about what surrounds us and identify the problems that exist in our daily lives, in this case more related to road environments», he explains.

Although the group already had an initial idea for the project, the professor’s perspective on issues related to the purpose and real impact of the solution led them to rethink their work. «We thought that nowadays both the number of accidents and scooters is increasing (...) and it is a worrying case», he says.

I think the most challenging part was the beginning, because it was the stage of thinking outside the technical component.

Tiago Videira, Master's student in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering

This transversal perspective was also fostered through the BEST Entrepreneurship Experience, where students were challenged to develop business models and present them to a jury: «I think we did not win because of the product we presented, but because of the way we presented it», he notes, stressing that project differentiation can sometimes lie both in the interaction with the audience, including factors such as the user perspective and companies involved in different stages of the process, such as material selection, and in the pace of delivery. «I think my communication improved in that event because we had to speak with many people», he adds.

On the other hand, the student highlights that this communication ability was also developed during his participation in the latest edition of the Engineering Technology Days. «It was the first time I attended a job fair organised at the faculty and it was very nice. I was part of the logistics team and I enjoyed both the organisational side and the final result», he says, adding that he had the opportunity to learn about the challenges of event planning, from supplier contact to communication between departments.

I feel that here at Técnico we have many opportunities. We only do nothing beyond classes if we choose to. We have student groups, fairs... everything.

Tiago Videira, Master's student in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering

In addition to participating in these extracurricular activities, Tiago Videira also worked as a student-worker during the beginning of his master's degree, which also contributed to the development of his active listening skills: «I have always been a very reactive person, I feel that, and by entering the working world I learned to listen and observe more. Opinions are welcome, but they have their own time and place», he says. He also stresses that being a working student requires better time management, taking into account individual study, classes, and assignments. «It is not difficult to get good grades, but for those who start to lose track of time, with exams, work and study, it is impossible. You cannot “close your eyes a little bit”», he adds, highlighting the importance of students keeping up with classwork.

I believe everyone is capable of doing anything; you do not need to have a vocation or a specific aptitude. If someone really wants something, they will achieve it.

Tiago Videira, Master's student in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering

If he had to describe his time at Técnico in one word, Tiago Videira says it would be «enriching», due to the wide range of opportunities available within the academic community: «[through student groups and other extracurricular activities], you meet new people, different perspectives, and that enriches us both as individuals and as future professionals», he concludes.

When asked whether he would encourage a student to attend Técnico, Tiago Videira answers positively, adding that he would tell them to believe more in themselves: «I feel that, talking with younger siblings of other people, there is this fear of taking the next step, of making the wrong step in the transition from secondary school to university. I believe one should trust themselves and follow what they like. If it is not the right moment, it does not matter. We lose nothing by leaving and trying something else», he says.