Passion, enthusiasm and a sense of community are qualities that describe Laura Bruno well. The Luiss graduate currently resides in Munich where she has recently begun a Graduate Program with Unicredit. Prior to this position, Laura studied in Waseda and Monash, experiences that had a great effect on her, both personally and professionally.
"QTEM changed my life: living in places that are so different on the cultural level is a challenge that allows you to develop a way to face problems with the right attitude. I learned this in Japan, while in Australia I learned to deal with uncertain situations, especially due to the breakout of the pandemic." A complicated situation, but Laura received great support: "I was lucky to participate in QTEM because I got to live with other QTEM students from different universities. Thanks to them I never felt alone: networks are truly important."
What makes the program stand out, in Laura's opinion, is that it "allows you to work with brilliant students and broaden your horizons. In a world full of information, it's important to have the right connections that help you to filter." Especially thanks to direct connections that are made: "There is a strong sense of community. Even Alumni are glad to help. For example, before starting the Graduate Program, I'd never been to Munich, but I knew I'd find people that I knew because the city is home to another QTEM network university."
Her experiences abroad helped her step into the job market with a strong resume: "My time abroad allowed me to delve deeper into pure finance and the more quantitative side, giving me a competitive edge. After a few interviews, I received offers from three big European banks and in the end, I chose Unicredit. I now work in Investment Banking and I'll later do rotations in Equity and Commodity Trading." Her QTEM connection also led her to take on an important role on the Student Association's Executive Board: "In June 2020, I was elected Global Association President. After receiving so much, I wanted to be able to give back to the network."
A laudable intention in difficult times: "I tried to lead a strategic change of direction: my role allows me to suggest modifications and to support students. In the name of the network, I promoted virtual events to keep the sense of community during the pandemic."
Of her time at Luiss, Laura remembers "the great coordination between the different subjects, put in perfect order to fully prepare you. Corporate Finance is one of the University's best programs, it gives you a complete profile and allows you to specialize." Among the most important figures in Laura's Luiss career was Professor of Asset Pricing Paolo Porchia, her thesis advisor who helped her earn a perfect score and special academic mention. "He was really supportive in choosing a theme that would help me reach my career objectives, as well as in interview preparation."
To those interested in a similar career, Laura advises students to "create as many connections as possible, be empathetic with others and understand what makes the people around you who they are, this helps you to best understand yourself and turn personal growth into professional growth."
Such advice can only come from someone with a clear objective in mind: "I want to expand my horizons and work in a dynamic environment within international finance. I would like to reach a position that would allow me to interpret and predict financial market dynamics and trends."