In this "Testimonials" we interview Diogo Correia, winner of a Prémio de Mérito Joy in Motion.

• Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey at IST.

I joined Técnico in 2021 for the Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering program, with no doubt that this was the university where I wanted to be, especially since much of my family also studied here. I’ve always had a strong interest in computing (and some curiosity about electronics), which made this course a perfect fit for me. Throughout my time at IST, I’ve always sought to take advantage of opportunities to learn and collaborate with my friends and colleagues. I joined NEETI and also shared some of what I learned by working as a Guest Teaching Assistant at DEI. I’m now halfway through my master’s degree, where I’ve been able to deepen my knowledge in the areas that interest me most (programming, cybersecurity, and distributed systems) and develop the project that led to this award being granted to me and my colleagues.

• What did winning this award mean to you personally?

Receiving the Joy in Motion Merit Award was a tremendous satisfaction and a source of pride. It is a recognition that gives even more meaning to the effort and dedication invested not only in the development of the awarded project but also throughout my academic journey. More than just a personal award, I believe it also represents the environment fostered at Técnico: classmates, professors, and projects that challenged me and helped me grow.

• Why are awards like this important?

These awards are important not only because they recognize students' academic merit, but also because they serve as an additional motivation to develop truly impactful and high-quality projects. They show that effort is valued and encourage us to keep doing our best. Moreover, they help bring visibility to the excellent ideas we students have.

• In your opinion (besides awards ;)), what can and should be done to attract more students to Computer Science and Engineering at Técnico?

I believe it’s important to show that the degree goes far beyond programming, covering areas such as game development and cybersecurity. Strengthening the connection between theory and practice from the very first years of the course can help spark greater interest. It would also be important to highlight career opportunities through partnerships with companies—for example, through internships and practical projects, so that students can see the relevance of what they’re learning and the career paths available to them from early on.

• Do you have any advice for future Computer Science and Engineering students at Técnico?

I’d say: make the most of both your study/work time and your time to relax, keeping a good balance. The course is demanding, but it’s not impossible. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and take the opportunity to explore different areas and grow, both technically and personally. Get involved in projects and student groups, meet new people, and, once again, don’t forget to maintain a balance between studying and personal life—the best memories you’ll have won’t come just from the classroom.

(original image: Diogo Correia)