Gianlorenzo Gai's time at Luiss is strongly linked to QTEM, from start to finish. Ever since he applied to the University, the possibility of participating in the international program was crucial. Once he completed his studies, his experience abroad helped him gain entry to a graduate program in Copenhagen.
Gianluca, winner of the Data Challenge as part of Team Spaghetti Analytics, stresses: "I chose to study at Luiss for two main reasons: it is the only university with a program in Corporate Finance, and then, I wanted to participate in QTEM, an experience that had always fascinated me."
So important was QTEM to Gianlorenzo, that he recalls receiving his admission notification as his best moment at Luiss. But Gianlorenzo believes the University has other strengths as well: "Luiss has great services, you can explore anything on campus, from languages to professional programs. You receive a complete preparation."
Among the professors that had a particularly strong impact on him, Gianlorenzo states that his thesis advisor, Luigi De Vecchi, was "a professor that inspired me with his ability to explain materials using practical examples. He introduced me to financial markets, an interest that I never knew I had."
Regarding QTEM, Gianlorenzo believes the program was important on both the personal and professional levels. "In Australia and Canada, I had the chance to take different courses from those I took at Luiss. I experimented with a variety of sectors and teaching methods. Then, clearly, I was able to improve on the personal level as well, thanks to encountering new cultures and exchanging ideas with people from different backgrounds."
These opportunities made a real difference: "Looking for a job is about more than just your studies. You have to stand out and personal experiences help convince recruiters. This proved true in my case, as confirmed by my HR review."
Gianlorenzo was admitted to the Novo Nordisk Graduate Program in International Operations Finance. I work in Copenhagen, I'll be here until 2022. I'm really happy and I'm constantly growing. It's a really different context, the people here have a work culture that is practically the opposite of ours, it's extremely educational."
On his third continent in less than a year, Gianluca is not stopping anytime soon. "The graduate program includes an exchange opportunity and I'd like to go to Asia Pacific, adding my fourth continent." A never-ending journey with a clear objective: "I want to keep learning."
For those interested in a similar experience, Gianlorenzo offers the following advice: "Don't be afraid to fail. In Italy we don't have a culture that embraces mistakes. Abroad, they almost encourage you to fail: the earlier you do so, the better. There are mistakes that help you grow and get back up even more prepared."