November 24, 2025
You have dedicated a large part of your professional career to education. What motivated you to do so?
I have always believed that education is one of the most transformative activities that exist. Being able to contribute to people’s growth and seeing how they acquire new knowledge, skills, and confidence is a great source of satisfaction. When you help someone discover their potential, you are improving not only their life but also society. Furthermore, education is a continuous learning process: every day as a teacher you learn from your students, from colleagues, and from the economic reality that surrounds us. Without a doubt, I believe that the best way to learn is to teach. Investing in education is the best economic and social policy a country can have.
From your experience as a university professor, what changes have you observed in the way young people visualize their professional future?
Today’s young people have a more open and global vision. They have grown up in a digital world and are more accustomed to change and uncertainty. This makes them more flexible and entrepreneurial, but also leads them to seek meaningful jobs that connect with their values and allow them to learn constantly.
It must be said that they are neither worse nor better than those before them, just different. In many aspects they have improved: they have better language proficiency, a great capacity to adapt to new technologies, and they know how to multitask. On the other hand, there are skills that are less developed today, such as the ability to delve deeply into a project, perseverance, or the patience to achieve long-term goals. This is not due to a lack of talent, but because the current context favors speed over depth.
It is also true that today they live with more uncertainty about their future, especially regarding the cost of housing. When I finished my studies, I remember that with my first salary we could already afford to rent a flat; today, however, many young people can only afford to rent a room. I have two daughters working in other European countries and young people there have more support. For example, in the Netherlands, a person under 35 who buys their first home does not pay property transfer tax or VAT, and furthermore, starting salaries allow for easier access to housing, whether for rent or purchase.
A few years ago, many students thought of a linear professional career within the same organization. Today, however, they know that they will probably have several stages, projects, and even professions throughout their lives. And they see this as natural.
From your point of view, how is the labor market changing in Catalonia? What are the main challenges for young people? And for companies?
The labor market is undergoing a profound transformation. Automation, digitalization, and sustainability are redefining professional profiles and ways of working. For young people, the great challenge is to acquire soft skills—such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, or continuous learning—and combine them with solid technical knowledge.
For companies, the challenge is knowing how to attract and retain talent, adapting to a new work culture that demands more flexibility, trust, and purpose. Those organizations that take care of people and commit to innovation will have a greater capacity for success.
Which emerging sectors do you believe will offer more professional opportunities in the coming years?
There are several areas with great potential. Firstly, everything related to the green transition and sustainability, from renewable energies to the circular economy. Also digital transformation, with the application of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data analysis.
Other sectors with a future are the silver economy, linked to active aging and services for the elderly; the blue economy, related to sustainable maritime resources; and everything that combines technology and health. Catalonia has a very dynamic and innovative ecosystem that will favor these opportunities.
However, despite these new trends, it must be remembered that the vast majority of jobs continue to be found in conventional sectors, such as industry, commerce, and other services. These sectors are also transforming and incorporating innovations, and they will continue to be fundamental to our economic fabric and for employment in the coming years.
How can we better prepare young people to take advantage of these new opportunities?
A shared effort is needed. From an educational standpoint, we must help them develop skills for lifelong learning, fostering curiosity and adaptability. It is also important for them to have practical experiences through real projects, entrepreneurship, or internships in companies.
And from institutions and the business world, we must facilitate bridges between training and employment, betting on dual training and university-business collaboration. Ultimately, preparing them not only to find a job, but to create one.
Attitude is also essential. In the face of changes and difficulties, a positive and proactive attitude makes the difference. I remember my father always saying: “look for something to do, and do it.” This way of thinking remains very valid today: taking the initiative, staying active, and taking advantage of every learning opportunity is key to a professional future.
Autoocupació’s motto is “I am what I want to be.” And you? Are you?
Yes, without a doubt. I am aware that I have been lucky enough to be able to dedicate myself to what I am passionate about: teaching, learning, and helping to improve organizations and society. When I have held leadership roles, my goal has always been to serve and work to improve the lives of organizations and people. One of the mottos I try to follow is the one expressed so well by Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
I believe that being what you want to be is not a destination, but a path that is built day by day, with effort, consistency, and enthusiasm. When you do what you like and contribute to something bigger than yourself, you feel fully fulfilled.
