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Nicole Rita is learning for life
Nicole Rita Napoli, consultant in IT, recently got awarded the Premio America Giovani, which translates to the America Youth Prize. As she is awarded for her academic achievements, we invited her to tell us more about her motivation, ambition, and her opinion on learning for life.
I feel very supported in all my academic undertakings at Pauwels Consulting. My Talent Manager checks in on me to see if I can manage my current project and my classes, and she gave me access to my language classes. I have a coach as well, who was fundamental to me to help me cope with everything I am taking on. That way, I am thoroughly supported and truly feel that I can learn a lot while working on an immensely interesting job.
Premio America Giovani
The Premio America Giovani, also known as the America Youth Prize, is an acknowledgment of excellence demonstrated throughout one’s academic path. What sets this prize apart is its exclusive selection process. The foundation meticulously identifies and honors the top 1000 students of each graduation year in Italy. Unlike traditional awards, candidates do not apply or register for this honor; instead, it is bestowed upon them based on their academic merit and achievements as the foundation considers all graduates nationally.
Benefits of being awarded
Nicole Rita now benefits from boundless opportunities that come with winning the prestigious award. One such opportunity includes a full scholarship for an Executive Master in “Leadership for International Relations and Made in Italy”, a program designed to hone leadership skills and foster a deeper understanding of global dynamics. Nicole Rita found receiving this accolade was both humbling and exciting because while she is over the moon with the doors that open for her, she feels responsible for making the foundation and her peers proud.
Now, she is nearly finished with the last module of the Master. Nicole is very motivated and finds a personal passion in obtaining her degree: “For the final Project Work, even though it was not requested by the foundation, I asked my tutor if it would be possible to get in contact with companies which produce products made in Italy. After having received approval from the tutor, I got in contact with 2 Sicilian companies. The choice was simple because compared to others, these entrepreneurs showcase naturally their passion for their local products! I find it a great opportunity to connect with my people and to promote the beauty of my beloved Sicilian Island.”
Master’s degrees
I graduated with a Master’s degree in “Business Administration and Management”. To finish my degree, I was working as an Junior Project Manager in the Lombardy region delegation to the European Union office in Brussels within the Rotary District 2042 representation office to the EU. The internship was financed by the Erasmus+ for internship program and by the Rotary District 2042 which represents the northern part of the Lombardy region. I am part of this Rotary District as founding member and international action referee for the e-club “Città dei Laghi”, so I feel honored by the support. Because I was planning on staying in Belgium, I started looking around for a job in the region. Only two days after finishing my internship, I sent out my CV to Pauwels Consulting. I still had to complete my thesis, but because the classes and my internship were over, I felt that it was time.
Why Consultancy
During my education I got acquainted with the world of consultancy. Big consultancy firms came to present themselves on campus, for example. They sparked my interest because it became clear that as a consultant, I would get the opportunity to explore various industries and companies. Since I love learning as much as I can, consultancy seemed like the way to do that.
Now, I’m working as an IT consultant and administrative assistant in the Directorate General for health and Food Security (DG-SANTE) of the European Commission. My experience in international environments and personal interest in learning languages and cross-cultural communication really offers a profound base that has proven to be beneficial to me.
Pauwels Acceleration Program
I am enrolled in the Pauwels Acceleration Program this year as well; I feel that the content of the Executive Master in “Leadership for International Relations and Made in Italy” is complementary to the Program. So, following both in the same year is a good thing, it’s an immersion into communication and leadership styles. When I completed the HotSeat session for the Acceleration Program, I had already completed the leadership module of the Executive Master so I felt like I was one step ahead. Although the goal and focus of both programs is very different, they are in parallel.
In the Executive Master in “Leadership for International Relations and Made in Italy”, the focus is on Italy-USA relations, which means I am learning a lot about the leadership styles and politics of both regions. The Pauwels Acceleration Program is more aimed towards consultancy skills and self-leadership. Both are quite valuable for climbing in a career in international environments.
Learning for Life
Next to the Executive Master in “Leadership for International Relations and Made in Italy” and the Pauwels Acceleration Program, I’m also taking on other challenges. I’m now enrolled in the Advanced Master in “European Law and Policies” at LUISS University in Rome to deepen my knowledge of my current work. The European Commission is hugely interesting and living in Brussels has given me additional motivation to explore my options within that context.
Now, I as I have already identified the topic of my research thesis, I am evaluating how I will be contributing to the scientific research through a PhD. I’m still on my way to identify the best institution and team on which I can carry out my research related to EU policies.
Learning languages
After finishing my first bachelor’s degree in 2019, I took advantage of my youth and free time to take a sabbatical. I felt that I needed to go abroad to make the most of it and explore opportunities outside of Italy. Since I wanted to improve my English and Spanish, as I had already had the opportunity to do an Erasmus semester in the Universidad de Alicante in 2018.
Secondly, I have started learning German via Pauwels Consulting. I had tried to learn the language before, but I mentioned to my Talent Manager that I needed some extra support in my endeavor. So, they gave me access to a course and I have already taken some tests! I simply love learning foreign languages, it’s like a relaxing hobby next to the more business-related classes I’m taking.
Pauwels Consulting Supports Growth
I feel very supported in all my academic undertakings at Pauwels Consulting. My Talent Manager checks in on me to see if I can manage my current project and my classes, and she gave me access to my language classes. I have a coach as well, who was fundamental to me to help me cope with everything I am taking on. That way, I am thoroughly supported and truly feel that I can learn a lot while working on an immensely interesting job. Pauwels Consulting has ‘Shoot for the Moon’ as one of its core values, and I feel that they really live up to that motto!
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