Francesca Manna's Bulgari Internship Story (2nd Year DFC Student)

What was the process like while applying for your internship position?

Francesca Manna : I applied through the Bvlgari Swiss Genius Contest. During the spring semester of my first year, I participated in the contest. Participants whose groups were selected for the first phase were eligible to apply for two internship positions: one in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Rome and another with watches in Neuchatel. I applied for both positions.

In the summer, I received a call from Bvlgari . We discussed my availability and interests, and they informed me that they would follow up in September. Following that, I had two interviews: one with a Human Resources representative and another with a CSR specialist. During both interviews, we discussed my experiences, interests, and my knowledge of Bvlgari . Shortly after, I received another call informing me I had been selected for the internship position.

How long was your internship?

Francesca Manna: 3 ?months, full time!

What was the most memorable part of your time at Bvlgari ?

Francesca Manna: The most memorable part of my time at Bvlgari was definitely the colleagues I met. Everyone was incredibly kind and approachable. We often had lunch together, and many of my colleagues were quite young, which made it easy to connect and build friendships. Additionally, every Wednesday, they organized a chorus session, which was a fantastic opportunity to have fun and engage in something different. This activity provided a break from work and helped strengthen our team spirit and bonds.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during the internship?

Francesca Manna: My biggest challenge during the internship was overcoming my initial shyness, as it was my first professional experience. At first, I felt quite reserved and unsure of how to navigate the work environment. It took me some time to warm up and become comfortable with my surroundings. Gradually, as I interacted more with my colleagues and became familiar with the company's culture and expectations, I started to gain confidence. Understanding how to communicate and collaborate within the team effectively was a learning process, but it ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Was there a class from the USI Master in Digital Fashion Communication that specifically benefited you during your internship?

Francesca Manna: The CSR class from the DFC master program specifically benefited me during my internship. It provided me with a solid understanding of the various certifications and standards we discussed at work. For example, when we talked about sustainability projects and corporate responsibility initiatives, I could easily follow and contribute to the conversations because of the knowledge I gained from this class. The course covered essential topics like ethical business practices, environmental impact assessments, and social accountability, which were directly relevant to my tasks and projects at Bulgari. This background knowledge made it easier for me to understand the importance of our CSR activities and effectively participate in related projects.

What advice would you give someone looking to intern at Bvlgari ?

Francesca Manna:If you're looking to intern at Bvlgari , my advice is never to hesitate to ask questions. It's essential to clarify any doubts you have and to seek as much knowledge as possible about both the company and 酩悦·轩尼诗-路易·威登集团 . Embrace every learning opportunity that comes your way. Additionally, participate in group activities and make an effort to connect with people from various departments. This will help you build a network and expose you to different skills and perspectives within the company. Engaging with colleagues from diverse areas of the business can provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of how the company operates and can significantly enhance your overall experience.

What's next in your career story?

Francesca Manna: At the moment, I'm back in my hometown to write my master's thesis, and I'm focusing on that. However, starting in September, I plan to move again for a new work experience. I want to explore the world of PR and events, as I'm passionate about these fields and eager to discover new opportunities and challenges within them.