Eva Ricci, Jr. Communication Specialist, IBSA Group

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Eva Ricci, Jr. Communication Specialist at IBSA Group in Lugano (CH). USI Degrees: Master in Communication, Management and Health, 2021 and Bachelor in Communication, 2019.

How did you start your career?

My career started a little slow, it wasn’t easy to choose which career path to take (corporate? Clinical/hospital? No profit?…). I looked for a job for a while, until I landed at Medacta, a company that operates in the field of orthopedic prostheses. I spent a year there, after which I moved to IBSA, pharmaceuticals swiss company, where I currently work as a Jr. Communication specialist.

Why did you choose a career at IBSA Group?

I chose my current company for many different reasons, ranging from personal and professional motivations. I have already chosen from my master's degree, to work in the health sector, for matters of personal interest in the sector. That's why a pharmaceutical. I chose IBSA because it gives me the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during my academic career on a daily basis.

What is your current role/duties?

I am a Jr. communication specialist at IBSA (HQ). Specifically, together with my colleague, I am mainly concerned with external institutional communication. I am therefore in charge of the management and maintenance of websites, social media, news and PR activities. In addition, we are the HQ so we also have a coordinating and supporting role for our subsidiaries.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at IBSA Group?

Resourcefulness, enthusiasm, professionalism, skills, elasticity, a little luck and courage to get involved.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

It is field-focused but with the general basics for the rest too, it is a well balanced program. My class was very small, so we were able to establish very direct relationships with the professors. Many group projects and presentations really give you the opportunity to develop a lot of soft skills that will be very beneficial in your career.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

• Critical thinking
• Analysis
• Scheduling and work organization
• Work independently and in a group

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

I'll be honest, it's not an easy change. It's something you've been waiting for for years, especially the last ones and I believe you're almost never faced with met expectations. So my advice is: do not give up, do not demoralize if the first job is not ideal because with perseverance you will get to better shores and you will realize how enriching even bad experiences have been.