Personal Internship: Climbing the Italian Career Ladder

What will you gain? Well, in a sentence, you'll gain
a true-blue intensive internship experience. You will not only learn how to climb the Italian career ladder from a Business Manager who has done it himself, but you will be immersed in authentic business life in Italy as you tackle problems in a variety of Italian companies. By the time you leave, you will have mapped out a personal plan with Emma on how to achieve your dreams of living, working and settling down in the Bel Paese. You will have networked with Italian professionals and come away with an unforgettable experience.

How much time will Emma and Mario actually be spending with me?
This is a personal internship, meaning it's just you, them and the business professionals they take you to meet in the client companies. That's undivided attention for a week. When will you ever get that kind of business mentoring again?

For more info, or to Sign up now email us at: events@howtoitaly.com

What are Mario Berri's qualifications?
Mario Berri has had over 14 years of experience in various fields. He not only is a partner in two Italian firms, but also an accountant and personal consultant, as well as an established business owner and published author of Starting a Business in Italy.

What are Emma Bird's?
Emma Bird has had over 10 years of experience combined as an aupair, corporate relocation consultant, teacher and corporate English-language consultant, journalist, and editor of an award winning student magazine. She is fluent in French and Italian and has worked in Italy, Germany, France and the UK. She is an established business owner, having set up HowToItaly in 2005, and published author of Starting a Business in Italy.

Do Emma & Mario understand my situation on starting out on career ladder in Italy?
They have both started on the first rung of the career ladder in Italy and have worked themselves up to become successful business owners (both as an expat and Italian) and published authors. They know the obstacles you need to overcome and will teach you how to do exactly that.

For more info or to sign up now, email us at: events@howtoitaly.com

What is Mario's experience in climbing the career ladder?
Mario Berri has had various jobs in every area of the career ladder. After qualifying as a commercialista (Italian version of chartered accountant) he gave it all up to study English in the UK for six months. To pay his way, he worked as an aupair. Afterwards, he decided his future was in Milan and moved there without having a job to go to. He started out with the multinational Brill Manitoba before joining the logistics and transportation company, Hangartner Group, as the administration manager for Italy.
He then worked in management for Shell, in the UK and Italy, and for IT Holding in Italy, Germany and Switzerland. He worked in the highest level of finance and administration for a well-known supermarket chain in Sardinia. He now works as a management consultant for small and medium-sized businesses throughout Sardinia. In addition to his role as the co-director of HowtoItaly, he runs training courses for other charted accountants and has also set up another two companies with Italian business partners

What is Emma's experience?
Emma Bird started off as an ambitious journalist at age of 15. By the time she was 19 she had written for 4 different newspapers in three different towns in the UK. At 19, she aupaired in Naples and Rivisondoli (AQ) and at 20 in Corsica and Paris. At 21 she did her study abroad year in Bologna and when that finished she spent a summer working at Disneyland, Paris. She worked as an international researcher for a publishing company after graduating college and before her postgrad journalism training. After becoming a senior journalist, she was headhunted to work for fashion and textile magazines in Milan and worked there for over a year. She then moved to Sardinia where she worked as a teacher and corporate relocation consultant before establishing HowToItaly with Mario Berri. On the side, she is still a freelance journalist and writes about being an expat, life post-college, Europe and travel. She has written for various magazines and newspapers such as: The Guardian, Living Abroad, The Eurograduate, and Italy Magazine to name a few.

For more info, or to sign up now, email us at: events@howtoitaly.com

Is a week really long enough for an internship?
For this type of internship, yes. Often on an internship in a foreign country you don't always have enough tasks to keep you occupied 100pc of the time. This isn't the case on your personal internship. You will be given essential tasks and projects to work on in lots of different companies and will have fast-tracked networking opportunities. We promise you that this more than makes up for a three-month experience.

What are the advantages of this over a 3-month internship?
Your personal internship is short but intense. Long-term internships are great but often you either don't get the full on experience you need or you don't have enough time to spend with your mentor. Usually because you are under the pretense that you will have 'plenty of time' to do both. We believe in making the most of every moment and want you to learn as much as possible, without wasting your time or money. Mario will be personally mentoring you every day for a week, introducing you to his clients and getting you to help him directly. Emma will be working with you to produce a unique strategy plan for your move to Italy, a resume and covering letter in Italy, helping you with any expat questions, the best strategies to use when moving over, and teaching you how to leverage your expat status.

To find out more, email us or sign up now at:
events@howtoitaly.com

What majors best suit this internship?
Because both Mario and Emma have worked and studied in various fields, most majors would benefit from this sort of internship. If you truly have a desire to live and work in Italy, they will help strategize a plan for you to break into the business world. Whether you are a Communications, Business, Economy or Art major, there are possibilities out there; you just have to know where to look and how to network properly, Italian style.

Can I put this on my resume?
Absolutely. Imagine writing on your resume that you've spent one week interning with an Italian business manager who is highly regarded in Sardinia and that you've spent time working inside several different companies.

Will I be able to network?
As you know, in Italy it is all about who you know and not what you know. By going into lots of different companies, just think how you will be able to really grow your network of Italian professionals in Italy. Emma and Mario will also arrange a networking dinner for you to meet other Italian professionals and personal friends. But don't forget Emma and Mario between them also have an extensive network of expats and Italians alike. These are based throughout Italy. If you make a good impression on Emma and Mario, who knows where it will take you?

To find out more, email us or sign up now at: events@howtoitaly.com

What will Mario teach me?
Mario will be teaching you the in's and out's of Italian business. He will be taking you with him every day and introducing you to his clients around Sardinia. You won't be observing- you will be working directly with him in a hands-on environment. Over lunch everyday he will teach you how to get ahead in the Italian business world. He will be giving you assignments and explaining the situation in detail so that you will gain every all the knowledge and expertise possible to become a success.

Mario will be taking me around to various businesses and teaching me valuable lessons on climbing the career ladder. What will Emma be doing?
Emma will be going over your personal Move-to-Italy plan as well as helping you figure out what city would be best for you, what field would suit you, finances, making the move and how much time and planning you will need. She will also show you around the island and let you in on what it's really like to live and work in Italy as an expat.

To find out more, email us or sign up now at: events@howtoitaly.com

Can I get a written review from Mario?
At the end of the internship Mario will write a written and signed recommendation for you to use on your resume or for any future jobs. Both Emma and Mario will also offer a 3 month-follow up email support to make sure you're on your way, even when you're back home.

Will we be speaking Italian or English?
It is up to you. To gain the full experience and to consolidate your Italian skills, it would be best to speak Italian with Emma and Mario, however they are fine with speaking in English. When you are interning with Mario, you will be speaking Italian.

Where will I be working?
Mario's schedule varies week-to-week so we can't guarantee where you will be going now. However, he has clients throughout Sardinia so it is likely you will be visiting lots of different towns.

What kind of businesses will we be going to?
Mario's clients range from micro companies to major firms. Some are in difficulty and need to be turned around, while others are successful and rapidly expanding. He works across a variety of different sectors. Consequently, you'll be exposed to all these different business scenarios.

I don't have an EU passport and am not eligible for EU citizenship. Is this personal internship still worth doing?
Absolutely. As we've said before, in Italy it's all about who you know and not what you know. Your personal internship will give you the perfect opportunity to network in Italy with the people who count - business managers and entrepreneurs. What's more, by getting hands-on experience in a variety of different companies, you'll also know whether going down the long and complicated route of applying for a work visa is something you really want to do.

For more info or to sign up now, email us at: events@howtoitaly.com

Where will I be staying?
You will be staying in a charming family-run three-star hotel in the centre of Cannigione. Rooms in this hotel have stunning views across the bay and the bar and restaurant front directly onto the old fishing port. Because you are in the centre of Cannigione, you also have easy access to all the shops and services you may want.

Why Sardinia?
What better place to intern than a sun-soaked Italian island? You will be staying near Emma and Mario, at a beautiful hotel on the exclusive emerald coast of Sardinia. You won't be working the whole time- Emma and Mario will take you out to local award-winning pizzerias and restaurants and show you what life is like on this beautiful island. Plus, summer in Sardinia lasts until November so you'll also be able to relax on the beach and swim in an ocean the color of peacock feathers.

What is Sardinia like?
If you want to find out more info on Sardinia, other than surfing the web, why not ask those who have been? We'll give you the contact info from those who have been themselves, Americans and Brits, who have gone to visit Emma and Mario, and let you decide from there.

Apart from Emma and Mario, I won't know anyone else. Won't I be lonely in the evenings?
In a word, no. You will eat out with Emma and Mario every night. This means you can relax and enjoy Sardinian hospitality which is legendary throughout Italy. You won't be under any pressure to be in corporate mode with Mario so don't worry about trying to impress. Instead, you'll be treated like an old friend and you'll get to discover what Emma and Mario are like when they are not working.

Will I have any extra free time?
Of course. If you want to stay a few days before or after the week long internship, we will set this up for you. You may just fall in love with the island enough to want to explore it more. It's been known to happen ;)

Can I request a special service? (spa day,etc.)
Yes. Because HowToItaly specializes in personal vacations and tours, we will be able to help accommodate your every need. Whether that be a day at the spa or horseback riding on the beach, we want to make sure this is an internship unlike any other.

For more info or to sign up now, email us at: events@howtoitaly.com

Do you accept anyone on the personal internships?
No. This personal internship is only for motivated and dynamic college students or recent college graduates who are serious about excelling in the Italian business arena. Your application is carefully vetted by both Emma and Mario to make sure you have what it takes to be successful.

How do I start now?
Right now. Email us for your application form Now. Alternatively, talk to your parents, give them all the possible info. If they need to contact us, feel free to give them our emails and we will answer any additional questions.

How do I get to Sardinia from the mainland? Well, you have 2 options here. Plane or Boat. There are 4 main airlines that usually run great prices and you can get your tickets online.
Meridiana (www.meridiana.com) flys from Florence, Bologna, Rome and Milan.
Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies from Pisa to Alghero. From there you can catch a train to Olbia.
EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies from London Gatwick to Olbia and from London Luton to Cagliari. From Cagliari you can catch the train or coach to Olbia.
British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from London Heathrow to Cagliari. From Cagliari you can catch the train or coach to Olbia.

If you wish to be a bit more adventurous, spend a little less money, and use a bit more time getting over, you can always catch a boat to Sardinia. There are ferries that depart from Livorno and Civitavecchia as well. You can just catch a train from Florence to either city. To find out more you can check out these websites:
From Livorno to Olbia, Civitavecchia to Olbia: www.moby.it
From Civitavecchia, Livorno, or Piombino to Golfo Arranci: www.corsicaferries.it
From Genova to Olbia: www.gnv.it

For more info or to sign up now, email us at:events@howtoitaly.com

Who will take me to my hotel?

Emma will pick you up from either the airport or ferry port in Olbia or Golfo Arranci and personally sign you into the hotel. Either Emma or Mario will take you back when it's time to leave, too. So you don't have to worry about a thing. The drive back to the hotel takes in the stunning Costa Smeralda coastline. And believe us, it's gorgeous.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the internship is all-inclusive (besides plane/ferry fares), so accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinners (including wine with meal), education, personal consultation, strategy plan, resume and covering letter in Italian, 3-months follow-up emails, personal networking introductions to Italian professionals, is valued at: Eur2,990. If you want to stay an extra couple of days and hang out with Emma and Mario discovering the island with them, it's Eur3,400.

What amount of extra money will I need?
That depends. We leave this up to you. Do you want to go shopping in the exclusive town of Porto Cervo or Porto Rotondo? Spend a day at the spa? You tell us what you want to do, and we'll get the prices together. Then, we'll let you decide.

What are you waiting for? Sign up NOW and start climbing the Italian career ladder today.

Email us at events@howtoitaly.com for your application form.

"I wanted to thank you again for all the help you've been over the last few months and with the newsletters that you send. It was wonderful speaking with you and Mario and I've referred a few friends of mine to you that are thinking of making the big leap.I hope someday we can meet and I'd love to stay in touch!"-Jason Randall Savage, now in Rome

"Ciao Emma,
Volevo ringraziarti della telefonata. Era troppo bello parlare con te e Mario. Mi sento molto più rilassata ora che so che ci siete. Non e' facile trovare una come te, che apprezza la Sardegna. Anche uno come Mario e' difficile trovare perchè quasi tutti i sardi che conosco io vogliono andare via della Sardegna. Sono molto grata che capite ciò che provo per quella terra. Grazie per i consigli, e sopratutto per il l'incoraggiamento (una cosa che non ricevo dagli sardi che sai sono molto pessimisti per la situazione economica di là).
Ora aspetto il documento, il CV, e la lettera di copertura. Sono anziosa per sapere la reazione dell'azienda di Nuoro.
Ciao, a presto"-A marketing manager in the US.

"Would just like to say once again, thanks for the service you provided. I know I paid for it, but I thought it was excellent value for money and would recommend it to anyone else thinking of making the move! I certainly gave me the reassurance I needed and a lot of ideas I may not have thought of myself. I would like to stay in touch and if ever I am in Sardinia or you are in Milan maybe we should hook up for a cappuccio!!!-Jon Smart - now in Milan.

"When I happened across HowToItaly, I wasn't sure if it would be of any help to me. I had some vague idea about living and working in Italy and that's all. After an initial exchange of emails, I saw at once that Emma had a lot to offer, so decided to go ahead with a full consultation and email support. I have to say she has been a rock for me in helping me explore my options and in generating ideas and helping me feel at ease about making the move. Things are still in a state of flux for me due to my circumstances, but I am truly grateful to Emma for helping me see things more clearly - and things I didn't even know were there. I also I have the comfort of knowing I have someone I can turn to when I need it. Grazie mille, Emma." - Martin Brackstone, now in Siena.

"Hi Emma -I've arrived home safely feeling very satisfied with the course and the connections I have made with both you and Mario.
There was something about coming to Sardinia to do the course that enhanced the whole experience. It seems to make sense to be in the environment and immersed in the culture in which you are trying to create your business. Apart from the myriad of useful information and discussion, I felt very heard and understood by both of you and indeed throughout the trip felt very well cared for and respected for the ideas and experience that I brought to the course.
I feel very excited and energised by it all."
Lesley Dever - almost in Italy

"I certainly feel really positive about my move to Italy now. I felt quite emotional about it all, both before I went, with friends expressing doubts, and while I was there, with people throwing up all kinds of problems I would have to face. I got quite tearful a few times thinking that moving to Italy would be so difficult and impossible.
But two days with you and Mario changed all of that, and I now talk about 'when' I live in Italy. I think the workshop was quite a cathartic experience all around. It was more than just practical advice, but emotional support as well. I know I have come away with the ideas I had firmed up into definite plans. I no longer tell people that I want to live in Florence, I tell them that I am going to live there."
Gin Wilcox - currently in Goa.

"I spent the most amazing 10 days in Sardinia. I never would have thought you could mix work and play so well, but Emma and Mario showed me how. When we were not exploring different beaches and pizzerias or relaxing in the evening with bbq and a glass of wine, we were working intensively on different projects and brainstorming constantly. I was impressed at how much we achieved in such a short time and was amazed at how well we worked together. I learned so much from both of them and came back with a whole new outlook on work- that it can actually be enjoyable!- Laura B, almost in Sardinia

"I've been thrilled with your support and service%u2026you guys have been awesome to work with and talk with. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the support knowing that you get me and share my passion for Sardegna. In terms of effective communication, it just doesn't get any better that this. So thanks for everything. I look forward to having you and Mario as a part of my new life." Nehal Mehta, New Jesey