In an exercise of active learning and critical reflection, third-year students of the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP), in Porto, took to the microphones to analyse the major transformations in the labour market. The challenge arose within the optional course unit “Contemporary Challenges of Work and Labour Relations”.
As has become customary in this course unit, the final assignments for the semester were developed in podcast format. This year, discussions and reflections focused primarily on three key areas: work flexibility, generational differences, and female leadership.
For Filipa Sobral, the lecturer responsible for the course unit, this methodology represents a unique opportunity to track students’ development in response to new employment scenarios.
“It is always a privilege to follow students who are so committed to reflecting on the challenges that are transforming the world of work,” she states, highlighting the impact of the initiative. “Thank you to all the students for the energy and reflections shared throughout the semester.”
Giving voice to the results: six episodes under review
With the conclusion of another edition of the course unit, the aim is now to transfer the knowledge generated in the classroom to the community. As Filipa Sobral emphasises, “now it is time to give voice to the results”, challenging the public to enjoy “good listening”.
The six episodes produced by the students combine academic analysis with pressing themes from everyday professional life, covering topics ranging from gender barriers to mental health and demographic management:
- “Beyond labels. Female leadership in engineering: Invisible barriers and psychological challenges”
- “Between generations: The challenges of active ageing in the workplace”
- “Leading with Her: Helping women to develop their leadership potential”
- “What motivates us? Between earning more and living better: what truly drives us?”
- “At the top, but how? The under-representation of women in leadership positions”
- “24/07: How digital marketing is exhausting its professionals”
The full episodes and all the reflections shared can be listened to directly via the links provided above.