Rita Alexandre, alumna of CATÓLICA-LISBON, was honored with the Excellence Award by the University of San Diego (USD), receiving departmental honors in both majors, Finance and International Business.

Rita Alexandre attributed her success to the solid education she received at CATÓLICA-LISBON, highlighting the dedicated professors and the strong academic foundation provided by the institution, which gave her a significant advantage at USD, allowing her to stand out among her peers.

During her academic journey, Rita Alexandre emphasized the importance of organizations like the USD business fraternity, which offered her a support network and fostered her development. "Many people are unaware, but most companies are reluctant to consider international students due to the complexities of obtaining a work visa. However, through extensive networking and numerous applications, I was able to stand out to the point where companies overlooked this 'rule.' I was the only international student to secure an internship in my field at an investment firm in San Diego and one of the few to receive a job offer after graduation as an Investment Analyst."

Adapting to the American academic system, which is more practical and focused on continuous assessment, brought a new dynamic to her educational experience. Rita acknowledged that this approach allowed her to participate in extracurricular events and develop skills that would be valuable in the job market. The comparison between the educational systems of CATÓLICA-LISBON and USD highlighted the complementarity between a strong theoretical foundation and applied practice, enriching her academic and professional experience.

The impact of the award and the international experience is undeniable in Rita Alexandre's career, as she has now decided to stay in North Carolina, working for an investment firm that manages pension funds, foundations, and high-net-worth portfolios.

"When in doubt, do what scares you the most" is how the alumna summarizes her experience in this Double Degree program. "Moving to the other side of the world was not an easy decision, but it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and grow. (…) I want to learn as much as possible so that, one day, I can bring that knowledge back to Portugal."

For prospective students interested in the Double Degree program, the advice is clear: "Don't hesitate." The additional time invested in the program can be a significant career booster, providing an enriching experience. "For those who have already decided to apply to the program, I would recommend getting as involved as possible in campus organizations and developing networking skills," emphasizes Rita Alexandre.

The Excellence Award and the international experience underscore the quality of education at CATÓLICA-LISBON and the positive impact it can have in preparing students for international success in the job market.