Luís Correia
Business Alumnus 2006-10
My name is Luís Correia, I have a degree in Business Administration and Management, having graduated in 2010. In 2013, I completed a Masters in Management, specialising in Strategy and Entrepreneurship.
I started my professional career at Minitel - a computer products company, where I worked as a Product Manager. After three years, I moved to the watches, jewellery and luxury products sector at Tempus Distribuição (the company that owns the Boutique dos Relógios shops), where I also took on the role of Product Manager until I moved to my 'Side C'.
What made you choose a different path?
I've had a great passion for tennis since I was a child, playing regularly from the age of 12. After the first few years of my professional career as a product manager, I realised that I wasn't fulfilled by just working in an office. The idea of spending all my time in an office, stuck in a routine that didn't motivate me, made me rethink. So I decided to take a chance and try to combine my passion for tennis with a professional career, leaving "corporate life" behind. I went back to school to do a tennis coaching course.
It was certainly a risk. The unknown, uncertainty and change bring many questions to which we want immediate answers, but which only come with time.
This change of direction, although sudden, took shape more and more in my mind until it became real.
One of the biggest challenges of this transition was leaving my comfort zone and exchanging a job that was considered stable for something uncertain. As well as a new investment in my training as a coach, I also had to gain practical experience in a completely different area to my original training.
Another challenge of this transition was the financial aspect, as income was very irregular or unpredictable at first. Building a student base and establishing yourself in the field takes time, dedication, patience and continuous training. We are very dependent on the number of lessons we give and, at the beginning of my career and with no experience, gaining the trust of the students is essential. However, those who run for pleasure never tire and with a lot of effort, dedication and persistence I managed to overcome these difficulties and establish myself professionally.
Reactions to the change have been varied. Family, especially those closest to me, showed some concern at the uncertainty of the new path. Friends were divided between those who supported the decision and those who questioned it. In the office, those who worked with me on a daily basis were supportive because they knew how important tennis was to me, while those with whom I had no daily contact were surprised because they felt I had fully integrated.
Your "C" side Today
I am the Tennis Coordinator at Lisboa Racket Centre, a leading tennis club, where I manage a team of coaches and the entire
structure of the sport (youth school/adult school/competition). My role goes beyond teaching the sport; it involves defining development strategies for players of different ages and levels, organising classes and students, organising training sessions, managing competitions and events and, last but not least, keeping the whole team motivated.
Although I've taken a different route from the one I originally intended, my academic background in management has been an essential tool along the way. During my studies I developed skills in strategic planning, resource organisation and leadership, which I now use to manage the team, coordinate training programmes and communicate with athletes and parents. My experience in the corporate sector has also helped me to structure efficient work processes and to approach challenges more strategically.
The impact of this change has been extremely gratifying. As a tennis coordinator and coach, I feel that I am making an active contribution not only to the development of the sport in general, but also on a social level, contributing to a healthier and more active society. It is indeed a pleasure and a great responsibility to be able to contribute to a more professional and organised environment in sport, especially in tennis, where both athletes and coaches can develop and reach their full potential.
Despite the challenges that come with any career change, I feel I've made the right choice. Turning a passion into a career and having the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students, athletes and coaches has been an incredible experience.
Today, tennis is not just a sport to me, but a platform for personal growth and development that has provided some of the most remarkable experiences in my short career as a coordinator, coach and veteran player.
Finally, I'd like to invite you to visit and get to know Lisboa Racket Centre, to try out our tennis training sessions or to play in our events. All you have to do is contact me.
Final reflection
Over the years, my training at CATÓLICA-LISBON has been one of the foundations of my success as a tennis coach and coordinator. Characteristics and values such as ambition, discipline, dedication, resilience, adaptability, teamwork and leadership have been essential in my career transition and continue to be so every day, ensuring that every step I take is in line with my goals and passion.