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 Estela Barroco, 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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Estela Barroco holds a pre-Bologna Bachelor's degree and a Master's in Computer Science and Engineering from Técnico, completed in 2006 and 2007 respectively. In 2021, she completed a postgraduate program in Corporate Strategy and Innovation at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in California. She worked in Portugal until 2016, when she moved to Boston, and two years later to San Francisco, in the United States. Originally from Lisbon, Estela is a global citizen who has worked with teams across Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. With a passion for challenges and learning new things, she has experience in consulting and both public and private sector companies, especially in the FinTech, insurance, legal, energy, and aerospace industries. She loves creating technological solutions that improve people's lives.

• Why Técnico?

Técnico is the best engineering university in Portugal, and so it was my first choice. Taking a very hands-on approach, I chose Computer Science and Engineering because it’s an emerging and differentiating field, full of opportunities and strong job prospects. It’s also a field that aligns with one of my greatest strengths: logical reasoning.

• As a woman, what was it like studying at Técnico?

I started the LEIC (Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering) in 2001 with about 180 other students, of whom only 20 (11%) were women. This imbalance creates social challenges, but the novelty fades, the difference evens out, and collaboration takes hold. The course is intense for everyone and that led many students not to return after the first Christmas break. I asked myself one question: do I enjoy what I’m learning or not? The answer was a clear yes, so I never looked back.

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

I learned a lot, broadened my horizons, and made lifelong friends whom I continue to follow with affection and pride, even if we’re not as close as I’d like. Of course, there were very challenging days, not only because of the demanding semesters but also due to the complexity of some courses. At Técnico, I gained lifelong tools: questioning, experimenting, adjusting, approaching problems creatively, and facing the “impossible” as a challenge to overcome.

• At Técnico, was there an inspiring figure for you? Who and why?

One of the most inspiring figures for me was Professor Pavão Martins in the introductory programming course. It was my first exposure to programming and computer engineering. The lectures were engaging, involved a lot of logical reasoning, and we were able to apply the knowledge by building AI agents for a board game. I felt there was a good balance between individual and group work as well as between the complexity of the material and the results achieved. For me, this course was key in confirming I was in the right program (and in not dropping out at Christmas).

• What is your favorite place at Técnico and why?

It’s a tie between the library and the computer labs, both in the Informatics building (Alameda). In the labs, I collaborated, solved problems, and formed bonds. The library, on the other hand, was a well-kept secret, a calm and cozy refuge - perfect for studying.

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

Professionally, it was reinventing myself when I moved to the U.S. We all know the country’s reputation as “the land of opportunity,” but it’s also a very competitive place where, without local references, it’s hard to succeed. For a while, I felt adrift until I asked for help from my Técnico network - that decision was crucial to my adaptation.

• What makes you proud to be a Técnico alumna?

Técnico is a badge of merit I carry with me. I worked hard for 6 years. I also completed the Master’s in Computer Science and made lifelong friends along the way. I’m proud to be part of this amazing group of people.

• What advice would you give to current students?

The first two or three years are the hardest because the university approach is very different from high school. Some of the early courses may feel less engaging but are necessary for your growth. It’s a challenge, but if you love engineering, you’re in the right place! Take a deep breath and remember why you came here. With time, it all gets easier.

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

STEM is a universal language that opens doors worldwide. And Técnico is a great place to learn it. My mother earned her degree in Chemical Engineering at Técnico, and at the time she was one of the few women at the university. Today, that course has reversed the trend, and others are following the same path! So I believe in society’s progress and hope that soon gender won’t even be a topic when choosing STEM and Computer Science in particular.

• Do you have a favorite quote or phrase?

“The only constant is change” – Heraclitus of Ephesus.

It’s vital to feed curiosity and keep learning - in essence, to stay engineers!

(original image: Técnico Alumni)