Boosting students’ personal and professional development

This afternoon, the Big Hall hosted an event to unveil some of the most significant updates regarding College’s initiatives aimed at boosting students’ personal and professional development. The event was opened by Silvia Dell’Acqua, Head of International and Corporate Relations, who introduced the new H-FARM College Challenges model and announced that the upcoming Career Day, scheduled for October 17-18, will be even more student-centred featuring two pilot projects that a selected group of students will work on. 

“Nothing happens by chance: what truly sets you apart is the discipline to hone your abilities, the curiosity to keep learning, and the courage to embrace challenges.” – Silvia Dell’Acqua

Following her introduction, two major programs were presented to the students: the Personal Development Program and the Job Hunt Success Program, both designed to enhance key skills and prepare students for the future.

The first initiative, the Personal Development Program, is designed for first- and second-year students and focuses on building essential skills, attitudes, and character traits that will enable them to maximize their university experience and prepare for future challenges. The program will be led by Fabio Salvadori, an experienced leadership coach and keynote speaker, known for his ability to unlock the potential in individuals, alongside Annalisa Fabbri. As EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council) Accredited Senior Coach and ICF (International Coaching Federation) Associate Certified Coach, Annalisa aims at fostering personal growth and helping people thriving offering both inspiration and tangible takeaways in her speaking engagement. 

Open to all first- and second-year students, this initiative will be a valuable resource for their personal and professional development, focusing on the concept of “self-awareness”. Self-awareness is the meta-skill of the twenty-first century. Students will explore what makes them unique: their values, attitudes, and natural inclinations. They will experiment with the power of being themselves daily as students and learn to recognise, thanks to the tools they will acquire, how every single experience of their educational journey adds “an extra piece” to their personal growth journey.

“The more you know who you are, the more chances you have to succeed”- Fabio Salvadori

The second program presented was the Job Hunt Success Program, tailored for third-year and Master’s students. This initiative aims to prepare students for entering the job market, offering guidance on how to approach job interviews, and includes a specialized Jobseeker Test to help participants identify their strengths as job seekers. Tatiana Coviello, a human resources expert with a strong international background. With a degree in Economics obtained in Germany and a second degree in Psychology, with a specialization in Cyber ​​Psychology, obtained in Italy, Tatiana combines multidisciplinary skills to fully understand human dynamics and the impact of technology. As a certified coach and director of human resources, she will bring her passion for personal and professional growth to the program, helping students navigate the complexities of the job market. Coviello’s forward-thinking approach integrates AI tools and practical exercises, allowing students to optimize their CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and enhance their interview skills through simulations and feedback.

“With this program we will learn not only how to apply for a job but how to stand out” – Tatiana Coviello

The Job Hunt Success Program includes a range of interactive modules that will equip students with key job-seeking strategies, such as career goal setting, transferable skill development, and understanding different types of recruiters. Practical exercises on writing thank-you emails, handling job rejections, and long-term career planning will also be part of the program, ensuring students leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to succeed in the job market.