My name is Duarte, and I joined as Finance Graduate in September 2025. I was born and raised in Lisbon, and I hold a BSc in Business Administration from Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, including an exchange semester at Korea University Business School. I recently completed my MSc in Finance & Investments at Copenhagen Business School.
Outside of work, I have played tennis and football my whole life, and I am a big Benfica fan (Carrega Benfica!). I also love board sports, from bodyboarding and wakeboarding to snowboarding. I am always looking for ways to combine curiosity and creativity, whether at work or in my free time.
What made you make the move to MFT Energy?
From my perspective, MFT Energy sits in a unique position in a highly competitive energy market, bringing together an entrepreneurial trading mindset, a strong culture of trust and responsibility, and talented colleagues who push you to improve.
I was looking for impact and pace. I wanted a place where I could learn fast, take responsibility from day one, and make a real difference. At MFT Energy, I found exactly that: a flat, entrepreneurial culture where ambition meets collaboration, where you work closely with highly skilled teammates, and where you are encouraged to turn ideas into real results.
Duarte Miguel Mateus SilvestreFinance Graduate
What are you working on in your current rotation?
I am currently building a data model in SQL to improve the efficiency of our bookkeeping and clearing processes with our bank. The goal is to increase data accuracy, reduce manual work, and streamline information flows. I also use Power BI to visualize and track the impact of these changes over time.
It is a hands-on, cross-functional project that combines analytical and strategic thinking, from identifying process gaps to implementing solutions that have a tangible impact on how we operate.
What has been the highlight of being a graduate at MFT Energy so far?
The highlight has been the level of trust and responsibility I was given from day one.
From the start, I was encouraged to carve my own path, bring ideas to the table, and run with them, supported by a team that is quick to challenge, help, and share knowledge. You feel part of something bigger: a team where everyone’s contribution matters, and where you learn something new every day.
Can you share an achievement you are proud of?
One achievement I am proud of is delivering the first version of a new data model that makes our bookkeeping process more efficient. I built it in SQL and connected it to a Power BI dashboard so the team can track the impact in a clear way.
The project gave Finance and Operations a shared, transparent view of our data and bookkeeping, delivering noticeable time savings in daily work and stretching me from basic querying into advanced data modelling that I now use across other projects.
What has been your biggest challenge as a graduate so far?
The biggest challenge has been learning to navigate the entrepreneurial freedom, where there is not always a predefined path or a detailed playbook to follow. Instead, I am expected to define the problem, structure the approach, and drive the execution myself.
That can be demanding at first, but it has accelerated my development. It has pushed me to think more critically, take initiative, and become more comfortable making decisions in a fast-paced environment.
What’s your best advice for someone wanting to join our graduate program?
Be curious, resilient, and proactive. Ask questions, seek feedback, and show a genuine interest in how the business works. Do not be afraid to challenge assumptions in a constructive way.
Take ownership of your learning and of the projects you are involved in. The more you engage, the more you will get out of the program. If you enjoy real responsibility early in your career and a fast-paced environment, you will thrive here.
What should someone thinking of a career in the energy industry know about MFT Energy?
Energy is one of the defining challenges of our time, as the world tries to balance rising demand with the transition to renewable energy sources. That creates both volatility and opportunity, and we play an active role in that landscape.
At MFT Energy, you work close to the market. You are encouraged to spot inefficiencies, test ideas, and turn insights into actions that improve how markets function. The partner model and culture of shared ownership create a strong alignment of interests: when the company grows, everyone shares that success.
For someone starting a career in energy, that combination of responsibility, pace and ownership is rare. You do not just work for a company, you help build it together with your colleagues.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Discover our graduate program here.