This Tuesday, 3rd September, Católica Porto Business School opened its doors to the new undergraduate students of Management, Economics, and the Double Degree in Law and Management to kick off Empower Week 2024/25.
The start of the new academic year was marked by the welcoming of first-year students with three days of activities focused on student integration, adaptation, and development. On the first day, students were welcomed and placed into teams led by senior students, allowing them to meet their peers, who will accompany them over the next three years, as well as older students who can offer support throughout their journey.
The first activity, organised by the Career and Development Office, was an icebreaker that encouraged students to get to know each other better. This was followed by a lunch in the gardens of Católica Porto Business School, with participation from the school’s group associations - Católica Students’ Consulting, Católica Investment Club, Tuna Feminina da Universidade Católica Portuguesa do Porto, Tuna da Universidade Católica Portuguesa do Porto, Católica Consulting Towards Change, Mentoria CPBS, Católica Porto Business School Student Association (AECPBS), and the Academic Integration Group.
This activity not only strengthened the relationships initiated earlier but also provided an opportunity for students to engage with and become involved in various academic groups.
In the afternoon, the new students, guided by senior students, participated in a campus tour where they were introduced to different departments, study areas, leisure spaces, classrooms, and other facilities, making their integration easier. This was followed by an indoor session titled "On the Job", where alumni shared their experiences at Católica Porto Business School and in the job market. The day concluded with a Sunset Party, offering moments of fun and social interaction, opened by João Pinto, Dean of Católica Porto Business School, Helena Correia, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, and Bruno Duarte, President of the Católica Porto Business School Student Association.
On the second day, students took part in a peddy paper activity that extended through the morning and into the early afternoon, where, in teams, they completed various challenges to earn points and win the competition. The afternoon continued with group games in the school gardens, creating a relaxed and fun environment that fostered the development of new relationships.
On the last day, 5th September, the afternoon began with an activity organised by the Católica Porto Business School Student Association, followed by an official welcome session for the new students of the Double Degree in Law and Management at 6 p.m., and for the new students of Economics, Management, and the Double Degree at 6:30 p.m. Here, João Pinto, Dean of Católica Porto Business School, stated: “The values, mission, and vision of Católica Porto Business School are embedded in a strategy that has three fundamental pillars: firstly, innovation with impact, the idea that we want to innovate and positively impact society. The second strategic pillar is the global mindset, we are increasingly focused on attracting international students and giving you the opportunity to go abroad to experience not only academic partnerships but also internships with international companies, providing you with global experience. The third pillar is the connection to practice and organisations."
The day concluded with the official welcome session for the new undergraduate students at Universidade Católica in Porto, attended by Isabel Braga da Cruz, the University's Pro-Rector. The event also included the presentation of merit scholarships to new students.
“The values, mission, and vision of Católica Porto Business School are embedded in a strategy that has three fundamental pillars: firstly, innovation with impact, the idea that we want to innovate and positively impact society. The second strategic pillar is the global mindset, we are increasingly focused on attracting international students and giving you the opportunity to go abroad to experience not only academic partnerships but also internships with international companies, providing you with global experience. The third pillar is the connection to practice and organisations,” said João Pinto, Dean of Católica Porto Business School, in his speech to the new students and their families.
