From PIC to IMPA Tech: graduates dream of a future in the corporate world

14/5/2025

A world without borders thanks to knowledge! Davi Pestana, a 21-year-old student from Rio de Janeiro, has won medals in various knowledge Olympiads and is currently a graduate student at IMPA Tech. In the past, thanks to his mother’s encouragement, it was with the OBMEP (Brazilian Public School Mathematics Olympiad) and the PIC (Jr. Scientific Initiation Program) that the student strengthened his relationship with mathematics.

A former student at Colégio Pedro II, Davi was delighted with the bachelor’s degree in Mathematics of Technology and Innovation. “When I saw IMPA Tech and the relationship with OBMEP, I thought: ‘that’s what I want!’ I knew it wouldn’t be easy to fit in anywhere, but when I got here, I was sure it was the [environment] I wanted. I was delighted with the place and the proposal for the degree,” he said.

Before arriving at IMPA Tech, he took part in other selection processes in Rio de Janeiro, but chose to wait for his chance to graduate from IMPA. In 2024, the young man was approved for Engineering at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and for Applied Mathematics at FGV (Getúlio Vargas Foundation). This year, he joined IMPA Tech through the Knowledge Medals.

At Port Maravelley, the student also liked the support network among his classmates. “People here know a lot, but they’re supporting each other, by your side, nobody’s on a pedestal. Since most of the students are connected to the Olympics in some way, it’s really nice because we have similar profiles.”

Davi’s relationship with math Olympiads began in 2017, when he took part in OBMEP, thanks to his mother’s encouragement. Although he didn’t do it with much enthusiasm, the initiative resulted in a bronze medal, which motivated the student.

Thanks to his achievements in the competition, Davi also took part in the PIC, where he was able to better develop his knowledge in the area of exact sciences. “I loved the teachers, especially the content covered, which is basically logic. It enchanted me, the numbers started to make sense and we solved interesting problems.”

In 2019, a group from Davi’s school was selected to take part in a mathematical olympiad in Asia, the AIMO (Asia International Mathematical Olympiad), in Taiwan, due to the positive result obtained in the international Mathematics Without Borders Olympiad. However, the institution’s budget had been reduced and the team’s participation was uncertain.

Unable to believe that his career could be interrupted, the student mobilized his family and friends to raise funds to cover the cost of the trip. After a few weeks and virtual campaigns, the young people managed to raise the necessary funds. “I got a little discouraged, thinking it wouldn’t be possible, but my friends pushed me on and told me at all times that it would be possible.”

Despite the uncertainties, the final effort to beat the fundraising target came from the family. “My aunts encouraged me and made it clear that financial support didn’t oblige me to achieve something at the Olympics. My grandfather, who unfortunately is no longer with us, made a speech saying that it shouldn’t be a burden for me, that I should go with a clear conscience and do my best,” he recalled, moved.

In Taiwan, after the apprehension of the race, the result was much celebrated. “I won a bronze medal and I was very happy. I was so excited. It was dawn in Brazil because of the time zone, but I called everyone and we couldn’t even sleep,” he said.

For the future, Davi wants to work in leadership positions in large companies. At IMPA Tech, he praises the work carried out by the NCE (Careers and Internships Center), which could be one of the driving forces behind the young man’s future.

“I intend to pursue Data Science because I think it’s an area more geared towards the corporate world. Ever since I was little, I said I wanted to be a ‘businessman’ and when we talk about data analysis, we’re talking about analyzing information to give strategic guidance to a company’s future decisions. The NCE is an area that helps us develop in the job market. The meetings and the possibility of doing an exchange, which is interesting in the corporate market, encourage us a lot,” he said.

In addition, student accommodation is another distinguishing feature of the bachelor’s degree. “The ‘boarding school’ model is fundamental to the students’ good performance. Being next to the faculty and living with people who share the same purpose is very good. My roommate often pushes me forward, even if he doesn’t know it,” he added.

Read more: CBN Rio highlights one year of IMPA graduation in Rio de Janeiro
See also: Mathematician Jacob Palis, giant of Brazilian science, dies