From Research to Reality: SMC joins student dialogue on Migration and Careers

On 25 April 2025, the Scalabrini Migration Center (SMC) participated in "Charting the Stars: Where Purpose Meets Profession," a dynamic event organised by the Ateneo Association of European Studies Students (AEuSS). Designed to bring together students and organisations for meaningful exchanges on careers and advocacy, the event offered a valuable platform to share insights, build networks, and inspire future changemakers.

Representing SMC were Eunice Tejada and Bernard Allan Garcia, who engaged with an enthusiastic crowd of university students majoring in European Studies, International Relations, Political Science, and related fields. During the plenary session, attended by approximately 40 participants, Eunice introduced SMC, its rich history in migration research, and its commitment to advocacy in the Philippines and beyond. Eunice also presented preliminary findings from the AspirE Project, focusing on the aspirations of young Filipinos to migrate to Europe, drawn from the Philippine dataset. The topic sparked a lively interest from students eager to understand the deeper motivations behind youth migration and the broader implications for policy and society.

After the plenary, Eunice and Bernard continued the conversation at the SMC booth, where students dropped by to ask questions about the AspirE methodology, learn more about research as a career path, and explore internship opportunities with SMC. These conversations were thoughtful, curious, and deeply encouraging which highlights that the next generation is ready to think critically and act purposefully.

A big thank you to AEuSS for the opportunity to connect and collaborate with such a vibrant student community!