We’re launching a new section on our website, interviewing the people who make up RPow. We want them to tell us why they chose to work with us, what they’re passionate about, their views on the energy and engineering sectors, and more.
In this first interview, we spoke with Miryam Estalella, currently an intern at RPow as part of her ICEX Business Internationalization scholarship. Her background is fascinating: she studied a bilingual Business Administration program along with International Relations, and after getting an inside look at an engineering company like ours, she plans to do an internship at a Spanish embassy abroad.
In addition, she also comes from a family of distinguished engineers, so it might seem as if she was destined to work in this interesting field.
Q: What motivated you to do your internship at RPow, and what do you hope to learn during your time here?
A: My main motivation was the opportunity to work in an innovative sector that has a direct impact on sustainability and society as a whole, which I found in thermal energy storage. Since my goal is to master business internationalization, something that applies to any business sector, I wanted to focus on the energy field, an area that has always interested me and is something I have grown up around. During my time here, I hope to learn not only about the technology itself but also about project management, teamwork, and how technical decisions are made in a real, dynamic business environment.
Q: How has the transition been from university to a work environment like this?
A: It has been a notable change, but at the same time, an enriching transition. At university, much of the work is individual and theoretical, while here everything is much more focused on practical work and teamwork. I’ve also noticed the difference in terms of responsibility: at a company, decisions have real implications, which adds a certain level of pressure, but it also makes the work more rewarding.
Q: What has surprised you the most about working on real thermal energy storage projects?
A: I’ve been surprised by the number of factors involved in each technical decision. I’ve realized that solutions aren’t always final; rather, there’s continuous evolution. I’ve also been impressed by how fast technologies evolve in this field and how each improvement can have a significant impact on reducing the carbon footprint.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far at RPow, and how have you tackled it?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been adapting to the pace of an ongoing project, where deadlines and expectations are high. My top priority was to avoid delaying anything or anyone. Although I felt a bit overwhelmed at first by the amount of technical information I had to handle, I gradually got familiar with the processes and gained much more confidence.
Q: From your perspective, what could universities improve to encourage more women to pursue technical career paths?
A: Ideally, based on what would have helped me, there should be more visible examples of women thriving in STEM careers, as the lack of role models often prevents other girls from being interested in these fields. Mentorship programs, talks with women in the industry, and activities that bring students closer to the realities of the job market could be key. I think it would be very beneficial for universities to promote project-based activities in tech to spark more women’s interest and demystify the idea that engineering is a “male” field.
Q: Is there a woman in engineering or technology who particularly inspires you?
A: A woman who inspires me greatly is Hedy Lamarr. Not only was she a famous actress, but she was also a brilliant inventor. She co-invented spread spectrum technology which, although unappreciated at the time, is now the foundation for modern technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. What inspires me most is her ability to break the gender expectations of her time, showing that a woman can be multifaceted, creative, and capable of contributing significantly to science and technology. Her remarkable story also motivates me to realize that I can be many things without being boxed into one role.
Q: What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering or the energy sector?
A: My advice would be not to be intimidated by stereotypes or the idea that these fields are especially difficult or only for men. If engineering or the energy sector excites you, go forward confidently, and you’ll see the rewards. And if you’re wondering if this sector could be for you, if you’re good at physics or math and have always found satisfaction in problem-solving, it’s quite likely that engineering or the energy industry is a good fit for you.