At the European School of Economics (ESE), we believe that education is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but a journey of self-discovery. As a private university dedicated to the “Individual Revolution,” our goal is to nurture visionaries—individuals who dare to dream and possess the practical skills to turn those dreams into reality.

In this context, the Internship Department is far more than a placement office. It is the vital link between the academic rigor of our business school and the dynamic reality of the global marketplace. It is where theory meets practice, and where students learn that their career is an extension of their being.

We sat down with Chiara Pedone, Career Advisor at ESE, to discuss how her department guides students in bridging the gap between study and self-realization, transforming professional aspirations into purpose-driven careers.

Interview with Chiara Pedone

Q1. Chiara, how would you describe the mission of the Internship Department in a few words? 

The mission of the Internship Department is to create a bridge between the students’ inner world, their dreams, values and ambitions and the professional world that awaits them. We guide each student on a journey of self-discovery, helping them translate their aspirations into tangible, real-world experiences. At ESE, an internship is not simply a step toward employment; it is a step toward self-realization. Our mission is to help students see beyond the idea of “getting a job” and instead focus on becoming the person they already are. Every placement, every meeting, every challenge becomes part of a larger process of personal growth and conscious choice.

Q2. What do you think makes the ESE approach to internships unique compared to other universities? 

What makes ESE approach unique is the deeply personal way we connect education, experience, and purpose. We don’t match students to companies: we match dreamers to opportunities. Before suggesting any placement, we listen carefully. We take time to understand who our students are, what drives them, and what kind of impact they want to create. This human centered process is what truly distinguishes us. We believe that a meaningful internship should not only enhance a CV but also nurture confidence and inspiration. Moreover, ESE global perspective allows students to explore opportunities across industries and continents, reflecting the international and entrepreneurial spirit of the school. Wherever they go, our students carry with them not just skills but a vision.

Q3. What advice would you give to a student who is still unsure about their dream career? 

I would say: don’t rush to find all the answers. The path reveals itself as you walk it. Uncertainty is not a sign of weakness, it’s an invitation to explore. Each experience, each challenge, and even each doubt is part of a larger process of discovery. Sometimes you find your dream not by searching for it directly, but by following what excites your curiosity and awakens your enthusiasm. When I started my own journey, I realized my dream before I even knew how I would achieve it. That vision guided every decision I made, and that’s what I try to share with my students today: first, dare to dream. The rest will follow naturally if you act with passion and authenticity.

Q4. How does the Internship Department help students prepare not only to be hired, but to choose their next step consciously and confidently? 

We work closely with each student, combining practical preparation with deep personal reflection. Of course, we support them with everything they need: from building a strong CV and portfolio to developing interview skills and professional confidence. But beyond that, we help them ask the most important questions: Who am I? What do I really want? What do I want to give to the world? Our role is to empower students to make choices that align with their identity and values, not just the expectations of the market. We help them move from fear to clarity, from hesitation to intention. In the end, our goal is not only to see them hired, but to see them fulfilled, consciously stepping into a future they have imagined, believed in and built with purpose.

Conclusion: A Companion on the Journey

As Chiara’s words powerfully illustrate, the ESE Internship Department acts not just as a bridge, but as a companion. In a world that often prioritizes speed over direction, ESE encourages its students to pause, reflect, and act with intention.

Whether you are studying in London, Milan, Florence, Rome, or Madrid, the ESE career service ensures that your professional path is a reflection of who you truly are. We don’t just prepare students to be hired; we prepare them to lead, to create, and to live a life where happiness is economy.

“I realized my dream first and now, every day, I have the privilege of guiding our students to do the same: to dream bravely, act consciously and create a life that reflects who they truly are.” — Chiara Pedone

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