The Leadership Camp, an annual event organized by the IEEE Portugal Student Activities Committee, and this year, co-organized by IEEE Universidade do Minho Student Branch, is a two-day intensive program aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of the executive committees of IEEE Portugal Student Branches. In its 11th edition, the IEEE Portugal Leadership Camp took place in Guimarães on the 7th and 8th of October. This event gathered around 35 participants representing various Student Branches across Portugal.

Throughout these two days, the members of the Student Branch executive committees, had the unique opportunity to delve into and refine various aspects of their leadership prowess. Workshops and discussions covered critical leadership competencies, such as time management, decision-making, and public speaking. The event also addressed important topics relevant to their roles, including financial management, data protection, and recruitment strategies. Additionally, the Executive Committee of the IEEE Portugal Section and IEEE Young Professionals Portugal Section were present, sharing valuable insights about IEEE’s structure and opportunities for students in their post-academic careers.

The event concluded with a highly informative roundtable discussion featuring past chairs, who shared their experiences, offered valuable advice, and addressed questions from the eager participants. This direct interaction with former leaders provided a practical dimension to the learning experience, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to stand out in their leadership roles. Miguel Simões, reflecting on his journey, shared his sentiments: “Guimarães was the stage for my last event, my last moments as Student Activities Coordinator. Even though I’m no longer a member of the Student Associative Committee, I’ll always be there for you, and I’ll always be there to help you out, support your work, push your causes, congratulate your accomplishments, and listen to you when things go wrong. Never let your voice be taken away; you are the strength of this institution!”