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 Ricardo de Jesus, 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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Ricardo de Jesus, 32 years old, holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering. He began his career at the Portuguese software house Premium Minds, where he maintained and developed the payment and billing system for the Iberian company Telpark. The company still maintains close ties with Técnico today, through partnerships with NEEC and SINFO, events in which Ricardo participated several times. His appetite for knowledge and new challenges quickly led him to join BJSS, a British consultancy that manages large global companies and was, at the time, looking to establish a tech hub in Lisbon. However, the circumstances, and his own ambitions, were not the most conducive to continuing a career in consulting, which led him to take what was then a bold step into the much more dynamic and energetic environment of a startup. He is currently a senior software engineer at Wellhub, where he contributes to building a practical and effective solution that enables companies to implement corporate well-being programs.

• Why Técnico?

Técnico was, and continues to be, the obvious choice for a good student who wants to pursue higher studies, stay at the forefront of knowledge, and belong to a community of peers interested in creating impact and change.

At the time, I was considering an international career in major industry players like IBM, Microsoft, Google, or Amazon and Técnico offered the reputation and credibility necessary to make that possible. Little did I know that access to those opportunities is far from easy and demands rigor and excellence at the highest level.

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

The beginning wasn’t easy. I enrolled because people said the field of computer science was the future, and I wanted to be part of it.

The initial subjects, mathematics, circuits, and programming, were challenging, but as the semesters went by, I started finding my way. I entered the master’s program with focus and determination. Today, I know I made the right choice.

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

The best part was, without a doubt, the experience and skills I gained, and the friends I made. The exchange of ideas and ideologies shaped me and influenced how I approach new challenges. The network of connections I built, people I can rely on and support, is invaluable. The most challenging part was, without question, the effort and dedication that a Técnico degree demands. I remember the stark difference in mindset compared to high school and the intense study pace. It takes commitment and adaptation, but the rewards speak for themselves. I quickly realized that success doesn’t come without hard work and dedication, a mindset I still carry with me today.

• At Técnico, did you have any inspiring figures? Who and why?

I can’t name them all, but there are three people I must highlight for their impact on academia, industry, and the country:

• Dr. Arlindo Oliveira, president of IST during my studies, who inspired me by demonstrating the power and transformation that technology makes possible, as well as through his undeniable contributions to academia.
• Professor João Pavão Martins, a national and international reference in the field, who taught me the pride and ingenuity necessary for success.
• Dr. José Tribolet, for his work with INESC and for the mark he left on me as a defender of digital transformation and innovation in Portugal’s public infrastructure.

• What’s your favorite place at Técnico and why?

The Garden of Memories, behind the Chemistry Tower, and the garden behind the Electrical Engineering Tower. The foosball tables in the Civil Engineering bar’s basement. For feelings of nostalgia, happiness, carefree fun, and the many good times spent there, filled with laughter, debates, and camaraderie.

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

In my career, it was deciding between giving up a stable and comfortable career with predictable and standardized progression at a consultancy, or risking it all to leap into the unknown and join a startup where success would depend entirely on me and my abilities.

• What have been the major challenges of your career?

Staying current and up to date. It’s a field of rapid and profound change. Nowadays, the impact of Artificial Intelligence is dizzying, and the future is uncertain. It’s essential to stay ahead of developments, prepared and informed, to remain relevant and effective.

• What are your plans for the future?

I want to remain at the forefront of innovation. I intend to contribute to the country and the world by identifying disruptive areas that challenge the status quo, improve quality-of-life standards, and empower people. I’m optimistic about technology and believe it can be the solution to humanity’s current and future problems. I want to be part of those solutions!

• What makes you proud to be a Técnico alumnus?

It was a tremendous privilege to have studied at Técnico and to be part of its history and tradition. The boost that the institution provides, nationally and internationally, is unmatched, thanks to its prestige and reach. All this is possible because of the quality of its students, professors, academics, and researchers.

• Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“Done is better than perfect.” While writing my thesis, I found myself at a frustrating crossroads: the results were inconclusive. I had partially achieved the proposed goal, showing that existing solutions were not applicable to the new paradigm. But the engineer in me wanted to find the solution and kept insisting on new perspectives, new theorems, new approaches. However, the submission date was approaching, and I couldn’t give in to perfectionism. That’s when I received that advice. I still apply it today, far beyond the thesis: indecision is the enemy of action. By waiting for perfection, we risk letting opportunities slip away. In our careers, in business, and in life, sometimes it’s better to simply… do it.

(original image: Ricardo de Jesus)