When I think back to where it all began, my story could have taken a very different direction. For many years, I was training to become a professional dancer which has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure. But when it came time to choose a university path, I felt the pressure to take a more traditional route. For a while, and because of my parents’ pressure I even considered Journalism.
In the end, I chose a degree that would give me both breadth and flexibility: Business Management and Modern Languages at the University of Essex. It felt like the right balance — combining the analytical and strategic world of business with the cultural richness of languages. Little did I know that this choice would not only shape my academic journey but also take me across borders, into new disciplines, and eventually to the doorstep of the tech industry.
Why Essex?
When I was applying, my decision came down to two options: Sheffield or Essex. Essex stood out because it promised more than just a degree. It was its global reputation in the social sciences, the research-led teaching, and above all, the diverse international community that convinced me. I wanted an environment where ideas flowed freely, where I would be surrounded by people from all over the world, and where I could grow not just academically but personally too.
Walking through the zero-carbon Essex Business School building for the first time, I felt I was entering a place that lived its values — sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. This was where I wanted to learn.
A year in Milan
One of the defining moments of my undergraduate degree was my year abroad at Università Bocconi in Milan. At first, I was nervous — moving to a new country, studying in a different system, and immersing myself in a language that wasn’t yet second nature. But Milan gave me more than I could have imagined.
I studied everything from Organisational Behaviour and Social Psychology to Global Sustainability Strategy and Creativity Management. Some classes were taught in English, others in Italian — which forced me to adapt, grow, and eventually become fluent. Outside the classroom, Milan offered culture, friendships, and an expanded worldview. That year boosted my CV, but more importantly, it expanded my confidence and sense of independence.
Work experience
My studies didn’t happen in isolation — I was always eager to gain practical experience alongside them.
I joined one of Europe’s leading EdTech start-ups, Memby, as a Sales and Affiliate Marketing Manager. Working remotely, I managed partnerships, built affiliate networks, and sharpened my skills with tools like HubSpot and Slack. Later, at Ekspertum, I stepped into an Account Manager role, guiding influencer campaigns and managing client relationships.
On campus, I threw myself into community roles: from being a Student Ambassador and Italian Language Mentor to working as a Registration Assistant, helping new students settle into life at Essex. Each role added another layer of skills — communication, leadership, and cultural awareness — that I would carry forward into my career.
Psychology
As much as I loved business, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the human side of organisations. Why do people behave the way they do at work? What motivates teams? How can leadership inspire, or fail? Those questions led me to pursue an MSc in Psychology, deepening my knowledge in areas like cognitive psychology, social psychology, and organisational behaviour.
It wasn’t just an academic curiosity — it was a bridge. I wanted to combine the structured world of business with the nuanced understanding of human behaviour.
Future Anthem
That bridge brought me to my current role at Future Anthem, where I’m now a Commercial Executive. Here, I support the commercial team in product marketing, sales, and customer success. My days involve everything from analysing customer data and preparing presentations to working with marketing on product launches and joining client calls.
It’s the perfect place to bring together my skills in business strategy, psychology, and languages — and to apply them in a fast-moving, innovative environment. Future Anthem is giving me a front-row seat to the ways technology and AI are reshaping industries, while also reminding me that at the heart of every business decision are people.
Best bits
Looking back at my time at Essex, the highlights go far beyond grades and awards (though I was proud to make the Dean’s List twice and win the Final Year Prize for Italian). The real highlights were the moments of growth — cooking my first proper meal as a student, navigating life in Milan, and meeting people who became friends for life.
As I look ahead, I see my journey as a continuing thread: from dance, to business, to psychology, and now into the world of technology. My ambition is to pursue a PhD in Organisational Behaviour and build a career at the intersection of innovation, consulting, and human behaviour.
And if there’s one thing Essex has taught me, it’s that no journey is linear — and that’s what makes it exciting.
