51 Companies Recruit Tech Talent from the University of Vigo
For two days, students can connect with companies from all fields of engineering
The 25th anniversary of the Technology Employment Forum promised to be a special edition, and it has certainly lived up to expectations. Held on the Vigo campus, this event has solidified its position as the most significant of its kind in Spain and, according to its general coordinator, Iago Vázquez, “even in Europe.” This student-led job fair, focused on engineering fields, welcomes 51 companies from various technology sectors—ten more than last year.
Behind this initiative is a coordination team of 17 students from the three engineering schools of the Vigo campus (School of Industrial Engineering, School of Telecommunication Engineering, and School of Mining and Energy Engineering), supported by 139 additional students who made this 25th edition possible.
25 Years Helping to Shape Professional Futures
The event kicked off with an official ceremony at the School of Telecommunication Engineering, where Iago Vázquez emphasized the unique opportunity this forum presents for UVigo students. “This event allows them to engage with companies, laying the groundwork for their careers and taking the first step towards their professional future,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the university and the business sector, noting that “events like this strengthen those connections, providing a space where innovation meets fresh talent.”
Speaking on behalf of the organizing team, Vázquez thanked all participating companies for their continuous support and recognition of student potential. “Your involvement is key to the future development of engineering and technology,” he added.
Vázquez was joined by Patricia Leal, the organizer of the very first Technology Employment Forum in 2001 and now Global Head of Social Services at Minsait, Indra. She expressed her excitement at seeing an initiative that began at UVigo classrooms a quarter of a century ago continue to thrive. “Back then, we poured all our hopes into making this student-led event a reality. Today, seeing it reach its 25th year is truly rewarding,” she said. Leal recalled how, in the forum’s early days, companies from Madrid were surprised that engineering programs even existed in Vigo. “Now, thanks to the talent of UVigo students, we’ve proven what we’re capable of. Our engineering programs are now internationally recognized.”
She also praised the organizational teams over the years for keeping the event alive, stating, “I couldn’t be prouder of my university and of the quality—both human and professional—of the engineers trained here.”
Building a More Just Society Through Engineering
UVigo’s rector, Manuel Reigosa, expressed his gratitude to both students and companies, emphasizing the role of the next generation of professionals in shaping a fairer society. “To achieve this, we need talent—which you have; effort—which you demonstrate, because earning a degree at a public university is no small feat; and vision—to create a stronger Europe that has a meaningful voice on the global stage,” he remarked.
The opening ceremony also featured Ana Mejías, faculty member and Vigo City Council representative, and David Regades, State Delegate at the Vigo Free Trade Zone Consortium. Both highlighted the importance of public education and high-quality training to develop capable professionals who will lead Europe’s future. “From you will emerge—and with you will be strengthened—the continent’s reindustrialization and push for innovation and technology,” said Regades. Meanwhile, Mejías applauded the students who have driven the forum over the years, acknowledging their contribution to the economic and industrial development of the city.
Also in attendance were representatives from Vigo’s three engineering schools: Elena Alonso, Director of the School of Mining and Energy Engineering; José Fariña, Director of the School of Industrial Engineering; and Pedro Rodríguez, Deputy Director of the School of Telecommunication Engineering, who congratulated the students for keeping the initiative alive and growing.
Rodríguez recalled how, 25 years ago, the student delegation presented the initial project to the school’s leadership, which decided to support it. He pointed out that the career trajectories of students involved in the forum highlight its real-world impact on their learning experience.
Two Days of Networking, Workshops, and Talks
From early morning until late Wednesday, the Schools of Telecommunication, Industrial, and Mining & Energy Engineering are hosting conferences, roundtable discussions, and workshops, along with two speed recruiting sessions—rapid interview rounds with company representatives, one of the event’s most popular activities among students.
However, the core of the forum remains the employment fair, featuring booths from 51 companies—a historic record for the event. These range from multinational corporations to local Galician businesses and firms from the greater Vigo area. Companies such as BorgWarner, Applus, Egatel, Finsa, Gradiant, Oesía, Indra, KPMG, Marine Instruments, Norvento, Optare Solutions, Ceaga, Coren, Profand, Marine Instruments, Televés, and UVigo spin-off Alén Space are all present, actively seeking talent from UVigo.
Breaking Records: Aiming to Surpass 1,200 Participants and 300 Resumes
A major innovation in this anniversary edition is the forum’s expansion to all UVigo campuses, welcoming students from Ourense and Pontevedra for the first time. These students come from programs in Computer Engineering, Aerospace and Space Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Forestry Engineering. To accommodate this, the forum has worked to involve companies from all engineering and technology fields, ensuring broad sector representation.
With a record number of participating companies, the goal is now to set a new benchmark in student engagement. The organizing team aims to surpass last year’s figures of 1,200 attendees and over 300 resumes submitted to employers.
A Legacy of Impact
Looking back, thousands of students have passed through the forum over its 25-year history. Since its launch in 2001, attendance has steadily grown, making it a key event on the academic calendar that has endured economic crises and even a global pandemic.
While the forum’s organizers cannot quantify exactly how many job contracts have been generated through the event, they estimate that “about 90% of students’ curricular and extracurricular internships originate from this forum.”
Source: Duvi, Faro de Vigo, and UVigo TV