IT Manager at the University of Bologna's Forlì Campus
Filippo, IT Manager at the University of Bologna's Forlì Campus, joined the Live My Life exchange program driven by curiosity and a desire to broaden his perspective on university IT support in an international context.
Responsible for coordinating IT services for teaching, administration, and faculty support in a multi-campus environment, Filippo saw this as an opportunity to step outside of his well-known routine and engage with new methodologies abroad.
Initially hesitant due to limited practice in spoken English, Filippo embraced the challenge as part of the journey. His pairing with Ben, an IT Specialist at Freie Universität Berlin, opened the door to a new way of working both professionally and culturally.
The exchange revealed stark contrasts between the two institutions: while the University of Bologna operates across multiple campuses, Freie Universität Berlin is mostly centralized. This structural difference influenced many aspects of IT support, offering Filippo insights into alternative approaches to organization, workflows, and staff coordination.
During his stay, Filippo not only explored Berlin’s IT systems but also took part in informal meetings with Ben’s team, discovering a different office dynamic. He was particularly struck by the trust-based working culture in Berlin—where staff are not required to clock in and out—contrasting with the more structured attendance system typical in Italy. This observation prompted deeper reflection on workplace culture and productivity.
Beyond the technical knowledge, Filippo’s visit was enriched by the cultural context. Choosing to travel in December, he experienced Berlin at one of its most magical times of the year, visiting several Christmas markets and iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish Museum, and the East Side Gallery. Evening walks with Ben through the city center added a warm, personal layer to the experience.
The Live My Life exchange offered Filippo a rare blend of professional insight and personal growth. Seeing his own role through the lens of a different university system fostered new ideas, greater flexibility, and a renewed appreciation for international collaboration. It also reminded him that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone—linguistically and professionally—can lead to the most rewarding discoveries.