Double Degree at Catòlica Lisbon

BI made a visit to Catòlica Lisbon in October 2012. Get insights from BI student Martin Mathiesen (25) and Maria João Santos from the Catòlica administration, on what it's like to study at Catòlica Lisbon School of Business and Economics.

Catolica group

MartinMartin Mathiesen (25)

- MSc in Business,
BI Norwegian Business School

Maria Joao Santos from Catolica LisbonMaria João Santos

- Head of International Office and
Double Degree Coordinator,
Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics

Why did you apply for a double degree programme at Católica as a part of your MSc degree from BI?

- I applied for the double degree programme at Católica because it is a top European business school and because I wanted to get more international experience. I believe that this is important for potential employers, and that it will increase my chances in the job market.

What is your impression of Catolica and the study options there?

Católica is very career-focused. There are several opportunities to enroll in career workshops to get ready for the application and interview process. It is also possible to enroll in different seminars and courses in order to learn new skills that can be useful in a future career.

 Catolica Lisbon Double Degree students

How do you feel the courses and the thesis topic match your background from BI?

I believe that the courses at BI will serve as a solid basis for the courses and thesis topics at Católica. So far the transition has been fine.

Do you receive enough supervision and support as a double degree student? (from BI and from Catolica?)

Yes. Both the student office and international office at Católica has been very helpful. The international office in particular has been very helpful to clarify issues that have come up.

What is your impression of Lisbon as a city for students?

Lisbon is a great city. There is always something going on.

MartinHow is student life at Catolica compared with BI?

The student life is similar in many ways. The learning is mostly based on group work which is a great way to learn.

 

What are your career plans?

I am currently looking into investment banking.

Did you complete an internship before you came to Lisbon, or will you apply for an internship there?

I did an internship through Gründerskolen. It is possible to do an internship while writing the thesis the second semester.

Would you recommend the double degree programme to other BI students and if yes, why?

I would definitely recommend the double degree programme to other BI students. It is a great learning opportunity, and I have only had positive experiences so far.

What is your experience with the double degree agreement with BI so far?

It is a rewarding experience, I believe, for both sides; communication flows very smoothly and collaboration is easy. Objectives are shared, programmes are structured in similar ways and differences are easily accommodated, enriching the Double Degree programme.

Catolica meeting

What is your impression of the BI students who have participated so far?

We can sense the impact of BI students on the way we do things at Católica. BI students arrive well-prepared and have good academic performance. They are active within Católica school life and expect high standards of service and conditions.

What do you expect from the double degree students coming to Católica?

We expect them to enjoy life in Lisbon and take full advantage of their period at Católica. We expect them to fully integrate and participate in academic and social life just as any other student, to enrich classes with different perspectives and ways of working, to contribute in making Católica a better place by giving us feedback on what we do better, not so well or just differently.

Catolica meeting

What do you offer the double degree students coming to Católica?

Lisbon and Portugal can offer excellent living standards to young people, who may enjoy all benefits from a sunny, safe and modern southern city such as ours. Catolica is able to offer a very practical, business-orientated program. Course work includes several group projects at a rhythm that prepares students for real-life jobs and a very competitive job market. Studying in Portugal at a renown institution as Católica is also a door that can be opened to emerging markets such as Angola or Brazil.

Catolica Lisbon building

 

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