Ciències Connecta 2026 brings students closer to the professional world with alumni at the forefront
On May 19, the Faculty of Sciences at the UAB held the Ciències Connecta 2026 Employability Day, an event focused on employability that brought together students, alumni, and representatives from various professional sectors. The session was opened by the Dean, Dr. Juan Jesús Donaire Benito, and included two roundtable discussions and a company fair throughout the morning.
19/05/2026
Learning from alumni career paths
The first session, “Connecta Alumni: Keys to Professional Success,” gave the floor to several graduates, who shared their experiences transitioning into the labour market. In a dynamic and participatory format, speakers agreed that career paths are rarely linear and that internships play a crucial role in shaping vocations.
Laura Camprubí, Environmental Sciences ’03, mentor in the UAB Mentoring Programme and Head of Environment and Landscape at Risell, highlighted the value of communication skills and the importance of exploring different fields before choosing a path. In the same vein, Jesús Serrano, Mathematics and Applied Statistics ’11, mentor in the programme and Data Engineering Lead/Product Owner at Hola Consultores, noted that “a degree opens doors, but it is soft skills that enable career progression.”
There was also a strong emphasis on proactivity and lifelong learning. Andreu Giménez, Applied Statistics ’11 and Global Product Data & Analytics Manager at Nestlé Nespresso, stressed the need to continuously upskill and stay curious, while Alejandro Turpin, Physics ’15 and AI & Deep Tech Leader at AstraZeneca, emphasised the importance of taking initiative when facing professional challenges.
Vocational discovery and the need for guidance
One of the key themes was the late discovery of vocations. Ariadna Ferrer, Geology ’18 and independent science communication consultant, explained how she discovered her interest through internships she pursued on her own, highlighting the importance of such experiences.
Participants agreed on the need for stronger support during studies, particularly in finding internships and career guidance. They also pointed to the labour market’s growing demand for increasingly specialised profiles.
The professional sector’s perspective
The second roundtable, “Connecta Sectorial: What Are Organisations Looking For?”, provided insights from professional associations and the education sector. It highlighted that many challenges in entering the labour market stem from gaps in communication and adaptability.
Speakers stressed the importance of being proactive, persistent, and able to communicate ideas clearly, as well as using artificial intelligence as a complementary tool. In terms of career opportunities, less visible paths were identified, such as the high demand for science teachers.
A day to connect and grow
In closing, the Dean summarised the main takeaways, highlighting the need to promote internationalisation, strengthen internships, and consolidate mentoring programmes such as the UAB Alumni Mentoring Programme, which all speakers have joined as mentors.
The event concluded with a company fair and networking spaces. Overall, the Ciències Connecta 2026 Employability Day highlighted the key role of alumni as role models and the importance of integrating technical knowledge with transversal skills to successfully face the professional future.