He has a B.Sc. in Economics and a M.Sc. in Finance, and now a PhD in Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Finance).
“My dissertation is about a new source of finance, particularly for start-ups and innovative firms, called Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs). In ICOs, entrepreneurial ventures raise funds by issuing tokens in exchange for established cryptocurrencies, in a decentralised and disintermediated way. In the studies included in my dissertation, I investigated the role of trust between investors and firms - both goodwill trust and competence-based trust - on the success of the token offerings,” says João Maria Jorge.
What has it been like to be a PhD student at LUSEM?
“I would say that the PhD experience was quite challenging and rewarding at the same time. Overall I think it was very nice experience, with some obstacles of course, but very enriching, where I learned a lot and had by my side a community of scholars that was super helpful throughout these years. At LUSEM, I found a strong research environment, and at the same time great colleagues and friends," he adds.
What are your plans after the dissertation, and do you have any advice for those just starting their PhD journey?
“I have recently moved back to Portugal (Lisbon), where I am from, and I've started a position as Assistant Professor of Finance at ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management - University of Lisbon. For now, I am planning to stay in Academia, since I enjoy both research and teaching.
A piece of advice to the colleagues starting now the PhD journey, I would say to try having sort of a plan to what you expect to do in each of the four years of the PhD. In times when hope seems to be low, focus on the big picture without stressing, and remember the main purpose of the PhD. Also, remember that as days go by, we know more than we knew when we started the PhD. Lastly, enjoy every opportunity that this journey is about to provide, and above all, have fun!"João says in conclusion.