Giulia, you grew up in Forlì, and perhaps your choice to study at the University of Bologna was a natural one for you, given the proximity between the two cities. How would you describe your university years?
Being from Forlì, I grew up believing in the Alma Mater legend, and when I had to choose where to continue my studies, I never had any doubts. But it wasn't a gut decision, it was a reasoned one: because the university environment in Bologna stands out for its incredible cultural vibrancy and is not at all sector-specific. For example, I studied Economics and Finance obtaining both a first cycle degree and a second cycle/two-year master’s degree. However, I had the opportunity to interact with colleagues who had taken different courses of study from mine, and who, precisely because of this, contributed to my education.
After graduation, you gained extensive work experience abroad: in France, Spain and England. What prompted you to challenge yourself in very different environments and how much have these experiences shaped you?
It all starts with my personality: I am a very curious person. Once I had completed my university studies, I was moved by a sense of wanderlust to get to know new places, new cultures and to see how people live and work abroad. And I must say that the University of Bologna assisted me greatly in this decision, because in Europe, if you are an Alumnus of the Alma Mater, you are held in high regard. As for my work experience, I must say that it has been very varied. Initially, for example, I worked for a company that specialised in pricing structured products; then I moved on to working on nuclear fusion for the European Union, and now I deal with climate change. Changing my line of work has helped me above all to acquire a wide range of skills that are still very useful to me today.
However, there is one common thread running through your career: your interest in the environment and its preservation. How important do you think raising awareness of this issue is today, especially among young people?
It is essential. Sometimes we think that a complex problem such as climate change can only be solved at a global level, but that is wrong. We can all make a small contribution; even the smallest gesture is a drop that feeds the ocean. For this reason, it is important that raising awareness goes hand in hand with the development of civic consciousness. But we are on the right track: compared to two or three years ago, things have already changed considerably. From this point of view, Italy is making a positive difference. It was one of the first countries in Europe to introduce environmental education in compulsory schools and is about to host the next G20 summit in October this year, where the second of the three planned discussion topics will be "Sustainability, Climate Change and the Environment".
Your interest in the environment is also shown by your work for the European Commission's Copernicus programme, of which two out of six services are implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, and by your involvement as a volunteer in major European projects. Can you tell us about these experiences?
My main job is Contract Manager for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, where I deal with public procurement contracts aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and atmospheric composition. In addition, I do two types of voluntary work. For the United Nations Environment Programme, I am the editor-in-chief of a YouTube channel dedicated to the effects of climate change. Meanwhile, for the Brussels Advisors Programme of the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy organisation, I am an advisor, and my job is to advise young people who want to pursue a career in the international arena.
You have recently enjoyed a lot of success in your work. For example, you were selected by the McKinsey Institute as one of the Next Generation Women Leaders, you joined a programme promoted by a major American university and were invited to take part in the Youth Summit promoted by the World Bank.
How does it feel to have received these awards?
On a personal level, I felt great pride, but I believe these awards are also important because they give visibility to what I do, as well as allowing me to take part in projects that result in essential learning experiences. Thanks to a programme promoted by the University of Pennsylvania (Global Institute for Human Rights 2021 Program), for example, I will focus for the first time on a topic connected to climate change but which I have never addressed directly: human rights. It will be equally stimulating to participate in the World Bank Youth Summit, where poverty and new post-pandemic scenarios will be discussed: an event where the aim will not only be to reflect on the problem, but also to find solutions to rebuild a more resilient future, without losing sight of sustainability and the environment.
In light of your experience and as an Alumnus of the University of Bologna, what do you consider to be the strengths of an association such as Almae Matris Alumni?
Definitely networking. To stick to my own field: anyone interested in pursuing an international career cannot ignore the importance of connecting with those who have already embarked on that same path. Talking to people who have already gained a certain amount of experience is essential because it gives you the opportunity to receive useful information to help you prepare yourself in the best possible way: which competitive exams to take, how to prepare, which languages to learn.
Building on what you said earlier, what advice would you give to young alumni interested in pursuing an international career?
First of all, you need to receive an all-round education, and from this point of view, the University of Bologna is the ideal place to undertake your studies. Afterwards, gain extensive work experience. Don’t just work hard: also do as many jobs as you can. And don’t be afraid to change if you realise the
road you’ve taken is not the right one for you.
Interview conducted on 4/6/2021 - Almae Matris Alumni Association
