ESSEC Alumni in Italy: “There are many opportunities for expats in our country”

Fabio Di Mauro (BBA 99), President of ESSEC Alumni’s Italy Chapter, tells us about the alumni community in his country – and the services his team offers to them.

EA: What are the profiles of our alumni in Italy?

Fabio Di Mauro: Officially we have more or less 180 members in our Chapter. 70% are French expats, 30% are Italian.

EA: What professional opportunities are there in Italy for our alumni? 

F. Di Mauro: Most of our alumni work in luxury, fashion, food and consumer goods, and financial services. Audit and consultancy are strong assets too, especially in Milan, which has clearly become the main city in the last few years: dynamic, efficient, international. Not to mention the automotive industry, where you can get to strong positions. Overall, Italy is leading edge regarding manufacturing technologies and innovation. Also, there are many French multinationals throughout the country offering many opportunities for expatriation.

EA: Is the ESSEC diploma an asset in Italy?

F. Di Mauro: Indeed. ESSEC is getting more and more famous in northern Italy thanks to the school’s partnerships with key local universities: Bocconi, Luiss, Politecnico-Milano, BBS-Alma Mater Bologna…

EA: As a foreigner, what makes it interesting to live in Italy?

F. Di Mauro: Italy is easily accessible thanks to its central position in Europe. Moreover quality of life, culture and a sunny weather make it quite pleasant to live here. Also, the country is currently attracting new residents thanks to tax advantages: “rimpatrio dei cervelli”.

EA: What advice do you have for our alumni moving in Italy?

F. Di Mauro: Learn the language! Otherwise, be aware that there is a huge gap between Milan and the rest of the country. For example: do not expect cheap in Milan! The rents and cost of daily life are more or less aligned with Paris. Healthcare is also quite expensive compared to France; make sure you come with a good health insurance.

EA: What is the offer of ESSEC Alumni’s Italy Chapter?

F. Di Mauro: We have strong partnerships with other French business schools and we organise regular events mainly in Milan. 

Reach out to ESSEC Alumni’s Italy Chapter’s board: 

- Events / Communication: Emmanuelle Martin (E92) - emmanuelle.martin.paris@gmail.com and Selene Litta-Modignani - selene.litta@gmail.com

- Partnerships: Giovanni Papini (E15) - g.papini@icloud.com 

- Administration: Giovanni Papini (E15) - g.papini@icloud.com  and Selene Litta-Modignani - selene.litta@gmail.com

- Regional presence: Anne-Sophie Chouillou (E04) - annesophie.chouillou@anthilia.it

- Startups: Sarah Godard (E99) - sarahgodard@icloud.com 

- President: Fabio Di Mauro (BBA 99) - fabio_di_mauro@yahoo.com

Interview by Veary Ngy, International Community Manager at ESSEC Alumni, and Louis Armengaud Wurmser (E10), Content Manager at ESSEC Alumni 

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