From North to South: a chat with our intern
We interviewed Marcello, intern at IPS, our subsidiary based in Alessandria. This is what he told us, after his training experience in the Sales Office of Laminazione Sottile (Caserta).
What is a graduate of Political Science doing in a company manufacturing rolled aluminium?
The answer to this question can be only one: the desire to put myself on the line. With a liberal arts background, working in a company like Laminazione Sottile made me realize the importance of moving outside the so-called comfort zone and of facing new situations.
How much has your academic knowledge been useful?
If we consider the transversal skills, acquired during the studies (in both Italy and Belgium), I think the academic years have been essential to increase my problem-solving skills. Without the experiences gained in other contexts, the first approach to the real work, made of urgent tasks and deadlines to be met, would be really traumatic.
What did you do during these three months in Laminazione Sottile?
During this period I received the most comprehensive training a new graduate can imagine. Beyond the regular mentorship by colleagues with a longer experience in different sectors of the company (Logistics, Sales and Administration), I also participated to courses in Marketing, Communication, and Work Health & Safety.
From a professional point of view, what kind of skills do you think you have acquired?
After only three months I think I have just laid the foundations for a knowledge I’ll have to improve and increase over time. The most important thing I have learned was the ability to carry out very different activities, always with the right precision and attention. Perhaps these two characteristics cannot be considered as my natural skills, but during this time I learnt how important they are in the work environment.
Besides the professional life, what do you keep from a personal point of view?
Definitely the warm smiles of all the people I met. I think it’s something I’ll miss once back in IPS, in the cold North. I will take with me the chatter with colleagues before going to work and during the breaks: a good example of informal education.
How was the integration into a new geographical reality?
Being suddenly away from the warmth and protection of family home and friends of mine was initially complicated. Luckily, both the experience with Intercultura in China during the high school and the support of my colleagues (who tried to teach me a bit of Neapolitan dialect), helped me to overcome any obstacles in front of me.
What are your future plans?
Frankly, I still do not have a well-defined project. I’m starting to understand now what it means to be a “responsible adult”. From a professional point of view, I’m going to do my best to contribute to the company’s growth, learning as much as I can, offering solutions and always adequate support.
What are your hobbies?
Training the Chinese calligraphy is one of my favorite activities, even though it requires time and a lot of concentration. When I want to relax, I prefer listening to music, reading a book or working on computer on some personal projects.