International is the perfect adjective to describe the academic and professional experiences of LUISS graduate Francesco Mazzola, who completed his studies in July with special mention.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business, Francesco decided to pursue a master’s degree in Economics and Finance. At the end of his bachelor’s career, Francesco was selected to participate in a structured partnership with the Utrecht School of Economics. “The Dutch university approach is much more practical than in Italy. We worked in groups to create a business plan for hypothetical groups of investors. We LUISS students worked fantastically, helping us to stand out in different university projects.”
During his master’s career, Francesco decided to apply for the Double Degree with the Nova School of Business and Economics. “After a summer internship in Milan, I decided to apply after talking with other students who had participated in the program.”
From his Double Degree experience in Lisbon, Francesco remembers the chance to learn from a community of international students and to deepen his understanding of personal interests with seminars and training experiences. “I understood that the exchange in Lisbon was the right opportunity to experience a dynamic, stimulating and diverse environment. The university’s ranking is credited to its quality of teaching and organization. Professors expect students to be prepared for lessons and that they bring genuine interest and active participation, meaning that students have to organize their studies, group work and personal interests. Having participated in numerous seminars held by external professionals, I got extra insight on various aspects of economics and finance.”
Francesco now lives in Frankfurt and works in Macroprudential Policies and Financial Stability at the European Central Bank, reaching one of his long-term goals. “Speaking with some Portuguese professors during my first months at Nova, I was able to lay out my goals and decided to apply through the ECB web site. I made some career risks by turning down positions in Luxemburg and Poland, but I really wanted to follow my dream. After nearly a month of interviews, the offer I had been hoping for finally arrived!”
“It is my responsibility to study risk in different countries based on various indicators and advise on effective maneuvers and writing reports on conditions in every European country. I am truly satisfied with what I am doing.”
In the future, Francesco plans on either pursuing a PhD or working in research. In the meantime, Francesco advises students interested in a similar career path to follow their dreams and to not ignore their interests but delve into them. “Participate actively in group projects and be sure to understand each team member’s role. Avoid freeriding at all costs because, during interviews, they can always tell who got far without doing the work.”