An alumnus of the Double Degree in Law and Management (2021), Francisco Silva Dias is currently an International Tax and Transaction Services Senior Consultant at EY. As part of our series spotlighting Católica Porto Business School alumni, we had the pleasure of getting to know Francisco a little better.
Most exciting professional challenge: Joining the Big Four consulting world. The commitment to the highest technical standards, the scale of the projects and the deadlines involved demand not only a deep understanding of both law and management, but also a high degree of adaptability. All of this, combined with the opportunity to work alongside outstanding professionals, constantly pushes me to meet — and exceed — expectations.
How did Católica Porto Business School support your professional development? This School played a crucial role in shaping my professional skill set. On the one hand, through Project courses, which encouraged teamwork and close collaboration with leading Portuguese companies. On the other hand, the Career and Development Office helped me build and refine my CV, as well as prepare for subsequent job interviews.
In what ways has the Double Degree in Law and Management been an asset in your daily work at EY?
As a tax consultant, having a background in both Law and Management has proved invaluable, giving me a broad perspective of both fields. The legal component provides a strong foundation in areas such as Tax and Corporate Law, while the Management side adds an analytical edge, an understanding of the “mathematics” behind taxation and accounting processes that are essential to this work. This complementary training allows me to explore issues with greater depth and perspective.
Favourite book: “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
Standout figure from our School: Professor Raquel Campos Franco, whose Organisation and Management Policy course sparked my interest in business strategy, particularly M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions).
Personal curiosity: I spent much of my youth immersed in my parents’ family business, which nurtured my interest in how companies operate and behave in the market. Today, my job brings me into direct contact with many different businesses, and I couldn’t be more fulfilled.