On April 23rd, Universidade da Beira Interior will host an inspiring gathering aimed at fostering inclusion and encouraging more young women to pursue careers in engineering and technology. The initiative will bring together former and current students from diverse fields such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, Informatics Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, and Bioengineering, creating a unique platform for dialogue and mentorship.

The event is designed to bridge academic experiences with real-world professional journeys, offering participants valuable insights into the evolving engineering landscape. By sharing personal stories and career paths, alumni and students alike will highlight both the opportunities and challenges of working in a fast-changing, innovation-driven world.

A key focus of the initiative is to address one of the most persistent challenges in STEM fields: gender imbalance. By showcasing relatable role models and fostering open discussions, the event aims to motivate female students to envision themselves in engineering roles. Importantly, secondary school students, both girls and boys, are also invited, reinforcing the message that diversity and inclusion benefit the entire field.

Beyond career guidance, the discussions will explore how professionals can balance personal life and career development, an increasingly relevant topic in today’s demanding work environments. These conversations aim to provide practical perspectives on achieving sustainable and fulfilling career paths.

The event will also highlight the role of IEEE in supporting young professionals. As a global organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, IEEE offers resources, networking opportunities, and professional development tools that empower engineers at every stage of their careers. Participants will gain insight into how engagement with IEEE can enhance their professional growth and contribute to a more connected and innovative global community.

By bringing together experience, ambition, and purpose, this initiative at Universidade da Beira Interior stands as a meaningful step toward inspiring the next generation of engineers, particularly women, to shape the future of technology.