"I gained three strengths that will be fundamental in the work world: the understanding of different business models, the ability to work in English or Spanish, and a lot of mental agility." Andrea Moretto Wiel graduated last October in Business Accounting at LUISS after two important educational and professional experiences, first in Argentina with the Exchange Program and then in Brazil, thanks to a scholarship for theses written abroad.
Born in Treviso, Andrea graduated from the University of Trento and then moved to Rome to do the master’s program "to live in a bigger, more international context." So, during his second year studying at LUISS he applied to spend a semester studying at UADE - Universidad Argentina de la Empresa in Buenos Aires. "I had the opportunity to broaden my horizons: aside from having taken classes I traveled a lot (from Patagonia to the Tierra del Fuego to Salinas Grandes Salta) with other students from all over the world and with my roommates, Sveva and Lorenzo, new LUISS graduates like me. With them I truly had some crazy adventures, even in some extreme situations."
Back from this experience, Andrea immediately felt the desire to leave for a new challenge. "I turned to Professor Francesco Chiappetta and together we developed a project that allowed me to win the LUISS scholarship for writing the thesis abroad. The professor was really enthusiastic right from the beginning and pointed me in the direction of a lawyer, Kevin Louis Mundie, at the Mundie Advogados law firm in São Paulo. Mr. Mundie represents Telecom Italia in Brazil and communicated his willingness to help me."
In June of 2014, after having received the scholarship and having finished his last exam, Andrea left for São Paulo: "I left calmly, without knowing anyone, feeling strong after my experience in Argentina. I was afraid however that my English was not up to that of an important law firm like the one where I was going to work, and yet I settled in very well from day one." What most impressed Andrea about the Studio Mundie was the availability of his colleagues: "The average age of the firm was quite young, around 30-35, thanks to a more streamlined system for university studies and for access to work, in which young graduates are very highly valued."
Last October, Andrea graduated with the highest possible grade, plus honors, and he is sure that the two periods he spent abroad "will be critical to my future, especially as I have already received a number of job offers thanks in part to my experiences in Argentina and Brazil. What advice would I give other students who want to do the same thing? Leave and don’t ever be afraid!"