Técnico Alumni is a platform that allows former students of Instituto Superior Técnico to reconnect, relive, and reminisce their time at Técnico through access to a network of contacts with other Alumni. It is within the context of this platform’s activities that this interview with Pedro Afonso, a former student of DEI (Department of Computer Science and Engineering), originally took place, and is now being republished in full.  

To learn more about Técnico Alumni and join the network, click HERE.

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Pedro Afonso is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VINCI Energies in Portugal, a group that owns the brands Actemium, Axians, Sotécnica, Longo Plano, Omexom, and VINCI Facilities. He is a member of the Conselho Estratégico para a Economia Digital da Confederação Industrial Portuguesa. Until 2017, he developed his career in various companies within the Novabase group, where he was a member of the executive committee. He is also the Vice President of the VINCI for Citizenship program.

His work led him to launch the #movimentogivinback, aimed at sharing major challenges in the field of leadership development. He was also a signatory member of the Marcas por Portugal movement, believing that it is possible to develop a country with more value through differentiation, innovation, and brands.

He completed training in Management at the Catholic University – Advanced Management Program – and at Stanford University – Entrepreneurship for Venture Capital. At Técnico, he studied Computer Science and Engineering.

• Why Técnico?

Técnico was a clear and unequivocal choice – perhaps because in the circle of friends I knew from the alumni community of Colégio Militar – where I am also an alumnus – Técnico was, and still is, the reference engineering school in Portugal. This was evident in the employability rates, even back in 1994, especially in my chosen field, Computer Science and Engineering.

• Can you tell us a bit about your studies at Técnico?

The course was very intense. Many projects in various subjects often required spending many hours in the so-called “catacombs” – basements with terminals – where we could work on our projects, especially since working from home wasn't always possible. Besides theoretical content, LEIC was a very hands-on program, demanding a lot of dedicated time. It simulated – sometimes quite intensively – what we could expect in the professional world, in a project-based environment.

• What was it like to study at Técnico?

I felt like we were literally “thrown into the deep end,” and we had to work on our own initiative to get things done. I believe it was formative and prepared us for two fundamental aspects of professional life: the initiative and the ability to develop our professional autonomy.

• What stands out the most from your time at Técnico, in class or outside?

Técnico does a great job of preparing students to solve problems and think systematically. These are skills that are useful in any career path we might choose.

• What was the best part of your course? And the most challenging?

The best part was the day I received my first job offer – completely unexpected and without even looking for it. That day confirmed what people used to say: as we approach the end of the course, companies come to us, not the other way around. I can confirm that was the case for me back then, and it remains true now, but from the perspective of an employer. The most challenging part? Mathematical Analysis III.

• Did you have any inspirational figures at Técnico? Who and why?

Professor José Tribolet comes to mind. He led several projects within that scientific core, creating immense opportunities for a generation. I believe we owe him that recognition – already given upon his retirement. His legacy includes the creation of INESC, the birth of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Técnico, and his perspective on how we, as Técnico Computer Science and Engineering students, would impact Portugal and the world. He also discussed, sometimes even in Computer Architecture classes, how the world could benefit from our computing knowledge – and how it often didn't understand the power it could harness through it.

• What is your best memory of Técnico?

I remember the first contact with companies during the job fairs, which were much smaller back then compared to today. It was during those fairs that I consolidated my decision to pursue a career in the private sector instead of public institutions. Perhaps one day, in a different context, that perspective might change. For now, it remains the same.

• What is your favorite spot at Técnico and why?

Probably the Central Pavilion. Not for its functionality, but for the history it represents – over a century of training engineers who transform science into products and services that make people’s lives better. And also the Civil bar – not sure if it’s still called that – which was the main meeting point with friends.

• Can you tell us a bit about the start of your professional career?

It was interesting. It started with a summer job at a company connected to INESC – Octal, Engenharia de Sistemas, S.A. It was a deliberate choice to work at a company with an entrepreneurial spirit, where each person was more than just a number. There was a high demand – as there is today – from the big companies at the time, but the focus on people wasn’t as strong as it is today. This idea guided the business projects we developed later on: to always maintain an entrepreneurial spirit while implementing good management and governance practices, to attract the best and foster teamwork.

• Tell us a bit about the work you’re currently doing.

I’m the CEO of VINCI Energies Portugal, which owns Axians – focused on digital transformation – and the brands Actemium, Sotécnica, Longo Plano, Omexom, and VINCI Facilities – focused on energy transition. We are over 2000 people, in Portugal and in various countries where we deliver projects, such as the UK, Angola, Luxembourg, Mozambique, Qatar, Ghana, and Zambia.

• What was the most difficult decision you've ever had to make?

At one of the companies I worked for, we had to discontinue a specific activity, resulting in the dismissal of 300 people within two months. It was emotionally very tough.

• How did you enter the field you’re in now?

It was a natural progression. Working with clients and leading teams led me to business management. I started taking on executive roles at 31, and it’s been that way ever since.

• What have been the major challenges in your career?

Changes in shareholder context are always a challenge for any manager. The biggest need for ensuring the success of a business project is maintaining consistency in development, trust, and vision among the various teams I have the privilege of working with.

• What does a typical day look like for you now?

Today, it’s much more planned than a few years ago. We’re in October, and the 2023 agenda is already 50% filled. It’s much more efficient for us and for those who work with us.

• What are your plans for the future?

I love the idea of helping to improve Portugal. Therefore, developing a project that grows domestically and then internationalizes from Portugal is a great purpose and has a strong sense of mission. It’s perhaps my way of giving back to the country that provided me with a top-notch education at institutions like Colégio Militar, Técnico and Católica.

• What makes you proud to be a Técnico alumnus?

The quality of the graduates that Técnico produces, who we can immediately integrate into the workforce. Axians, the company in our group that hires the most from Técnico, serves as a witness to the students’ capabilities.

• What advice would you give to current students?

They have a tremendous responsibility as Técnico students: they’re studying at a top engineering school ranked internationally. It would be great if they could explore all possibilities to stay in Portugal because the country needs them in various domains. There’s also work to be done on the companies’ side, but I believe they are aware of the path ahead.

• What advice would you give to young women considering studying STEM, particularly at Técnico?

From personal experience, my number one piece of advice is: don’t shy away from math. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with women who have consistently proven that it’s possible to go far based on their competence. In my executive team, I have two female engineers who remind me that competence and attitude are what matter. But we know that not all companies operate with this mindset.

• What advice would you give to high school students considering studying STEM, particularly at Técnico?

It’s an excellent school. Take the opportunity to study at Técnico.

• What are you most proud of in your life?

My three children. In 20 months, we had three kids. Watching their development, seeing their discoveries, and watching them grow is a true source of pride.

• Do you have a favorite quote?

I have several, but here’s one: “Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs.

(original image: VINCI Energies)