What did you study and how did you start your career at Deutsche Börse Group? 

I studied International Management with a focus on economics and foreign languages – Russian and English – at the Cattolica University in Milan, where I moved from Cuneo, my hometown. My cousin, who I consider my mentor, was living in London at the time and worked in the financial industry. He was the one who brought a job opening at STOXX in London to my attention. After a few rounds of interviews in Zurich, I was offered an internship in Sales in 2014.

What was your internship like? 

Right from the start I was integrated into the team and took over a wide range of responsibilities, from researches and market analysis to consolidating feedback for internal reporting. I supported the Sales Manager who was covering Spain, Portugal and Italy. My internship lasted a year, so I got in-depth insights into the Sales field, improving necessary skills to be successful in the area – like my negotiation and communication skills. But what I appreciated most, was working closely with and learning from senior management. 

What happened after you completed your internship? 

I really enjoyed working in the team and once my internship was over, I was offered a permanent position as Sales Associate. After spending all together four great years in the London office, I was offered a job as Associate Director in our office in Switzerland and joined a more senior team in which I could keep learning and growing. Today, I am a Sales Associate Director, responsible for the Italian, Greek, Swiss-Italian, Malta and Cyprus markets. 

What’s next? 

To deepen my financial knowledge, I started an Executive Master in Finance at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan this January. Working and studying full-time is quite challenging – I am attending lessons every other weekend and have on average 2-3 exams per month, but I am convinced it is indispensable for my personal and professional growth.  

Any advice to other interns or student assistants starting their career? 

​​​Don’t do just what you are told but go the extra mile. Voice your ideas, take the initiative, be proactive, ask questions, offer your support and continuously ask for feedback. You are the owner of your career development!