“I was really nervous before leaving, but now I couldn’t be happier with my choice!” Filippo Perrone is a LUISS School of Management graduate that obtained a Double Master’s Degree through a partnership with the Fudan School of Management. “[Upon learning about the program] I immediately thought that living and studying in Shanghai was a great opportunity. So, I did some research on the university, discovered that it was one of the best in China, and applied for the program.”
Finding himself face-to-face with a new environment was incredibly stimulating: “In the beginning I had trouble even communicating the most basic concepts, but as time went on I adapted to Chinese culture and daily life. In addition to taking university courses, I had the opportunity to participate in sports and to travel; I even took a martial arts course! These experiences taught me just how amazing China and Chinese culture are, and how different we can be. In addition to attending lessons at the Fudon School of Management, Filippo participated in a variety of projects: “Here students have an active role in their classes, they often work in groups to prepare presentations and projects as well as discuss business cases. I really enjoyed this way of studying, I like interacting with others, explaining my point of view and listening to others explain theirs.”
A few months before graduation, Filippo began an internship in the Marketing Department of the Geneva-based Procter & Gamble EIMEA Headquarters. “I had always wanted to work for P&G, so I knew I couldn’t miss this opportunity, especially considering the additional benefit of working in Switzerland.” Upon graduation, Filippo was offered a permanent, full-time position and currently works as Associate Global Brand Manager for a Procter & Gamble brand. “I am responsible for brand strategy and coordination of global projects for a multifunctional team.
“An international university experience,” says Filippo, “gave me a solid base to take on my future career, and made me more flexible and able to accept changes. Without a doubt, my time in Shanghai has shaped my career: it taught me to work with different cultures and to be determined to reach my goals.”
However, Filippo has no intention of stopping now, “In the future, I would like to travel, live and work in other countries, and perhaps go to an Asian country like Japan or Singapore. To students considering the Double Degree with Fudan, my advice is to not be intimidated by the distance. It’s a truly fantastic experience after which Shanghai will become your home away from home.”