Sílvia Bertran completed the Engineering degree in Computer Science in the UPF and, currently, she's a project manager in the technology company HP's InnoTalent25 programme. Her objective is to discover talented graduates and turn them into highly skilled professionals.

Why did you choose UPF?

It was a decision based on a positive feeling. I was happy at UPF from the outset. The people I met there inspired me with a great deal of confidence, and the facilities - the libraries, the halls of residence, etc. - couldn't have been better. Everything made me feel really at home.

Do you keep in touch with your former classmates?

Yes! I'm still close to some of them, although I don't get to see them as often as I'd like. We formed a very close group of friends and we do our best to stay in contact. Some of them live abroad, but social networks help a lot.

How has the training you received helped you in your career?

It gave me two key bases, a technical grounding and soft skills, by which I mean communication, leadership and teamwork skills, which I developed thanks to UPF's teaching format. Soft skills are the thing I've found most helpful, as they're highly sought-after in companies.

Do you have any advice for students on the Computer Science engineering degree programme?

Take advantage of your time at UPF to develop your soft skills. You'll always be refreshing your technical knowledge, but your soft skills will be crucial to your professional success. Enjoy yourselves, learn to make sacrifices and always give 100%. The more you put into something, the more you'll get out of it.

Why do so few women study for engineering degrees?

Women's results show that they're just as capable of obtaining engineering degrees as men, but there are still many prejudices that make them think they aren't up to the task. As only a small number of women dare to take engineering degrees, they feel isolated among so many men. The programmes end up becoming less and less appealing to them, ultimately resulting in a vicious circle.   

What are the consequences of that in the labour market?

It's demoralizing. Some studies have found that women who are on an equal footing with men feel less well prepared and don't try to compete with them. Diversity is important for companies because men and women complement each other due to being different in certain respects. It's an opportunity that we're passing up.

"Diversity is important for companies because men and women complement each other. It's an opportunity that we're passing up."

You've been involved with the InnoTalent25 programme for several years now. Tell us a little about it.

It's a professional development and enhancement programme that HP and Leitat Technological Center have been running since 2010. The candidates we select, most of whom have recently graduated from engineering degree programmes specializing in mechanics, electronics, computer science or telecommunications, spend two years working on innovation projects. We also offer them training designed to help them meet the needs of the current industrial model, which is based on research and development. The aim is to nurture their talent to turn them into highly skilled professionals capable of succeeding in the sector's top companies. 

What expectations do you have for your career in the future?

I'm hoping to make a major career change quite soon. I've completed a master's degree programme which has given me a new perspective on business in general and helped me work out where I can offer the greatest value. I'm just starting out on that path at the moment.  

Lastly, do you have any specific plans in mind?

I'm always making plans! Apart from the career change I just mentioned and a new line of activity in teaching which I'm currently beginning, I'm involved with two start-ups that my partner is leading. What's more, we're taking the first steps in our personal project together, which is very exciting and helps us keep going with the things we do in day-to-day life.