What began as a nervous step into the unknown became a series of life-changing international experiences, shaping Valentina Maffoni into a true Worldbounder. From Erasmus in Madrid to a summer at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and an innovation course in Silicon Valley – she embraced every challenge that came her way.

At just 23 years old, Valentina works at EY – one of the world’s leading professional services firms – proving that ambition and curiosity define her generation.

Her motto: never be afraid of working hard.

On Campus: Roots in Cremona and Piacenza

Valentina grew up in a small town between Cremona, Bergamo, and Brescia, Italy. During the pandemic, she chose Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore for its strong academic reputation and the unique opportunity to combine management studies with language learning.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Economia Aziendale (Business Administration) in Cremona and continued with a Master of Science in Global Business Management in Piacenza. “I wanted to study management but also keep learning German and Spanish,” she says. “Cattolica was one of the few universities that allowed me to study business and management while also learning German and Spanish at the same time – two languages I had always wanted to pursue.”

The smaller campus communities in Cremona and Piacenza offered what she calls the perfect balance between ambition and belonging – a foundation that would soon carry her abroad.

First Steps Abroad: Erasmus in Madrid

Her first leap abroad came with a six-month Erasmus exchange at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, where she took five courses: International Finance, Negotiation Techniques, International Political Economy, Organisational Behavior, and Operations Management.

Valentina remembers feeling anxious: “I wasn’t excited – I was scared about everything that could happen. But Cattolica International really supported me before leaving. They prepared all the documents, explained what to expect, and gave me the contacts I could rely on.”

Living abroad for the first time, she discovered the thrill of independence. “You feel free. You feel confident. I lived alone for six months without knowing anyone – and even did an internship there. I realised I could handle anything.”

The experience changed how she saw herself: “You can be whoever you want to be. You leave behind fears and find confidence you didn’t know you had.” Learning confidence through independence, she realised that after facing new languages, professors, and institutions, nothing abroad feels too hard anymore. “That’s probably your biggest reward when moving abroad,” she reflects.

Going Global: London and Silicon Valley

After Madrid came two more powerful experiences. At the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Valentina joined a Summer Programme in Options, Futures and Other Financial Derivatives. She deliberately chose a subject that she wouldn’t have the chance to explore in her degree programme, aiming to broaden her knowledge, even if it meant not earning credits. The experience also helped her connect with peers from around the world – a preview of the global network she now builds daily in her professional life. She also joined the Silicon Valley Immersion Programme, a one-week intensive programme that exposed her to the startup mindset of San Francisco. “Being surrounded by tech leaders and creative thinkers showed me that innovation isn’t abstract – it’s something people build every day.”

Looking back, she says she would only change one thing: discovering summer programmes earlier. “They’re the perfect first step if you’re not ready for a full semester abroad.”

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

After returning from abroad, Valentina took part in Cattolica International Week 2024, helping at the Summer Programme stand in Piacenza and guiding students curious about going abroad. “I love helping others,” she says. “On smaller campuses, not everyone knows these opportunities exist – I wanted to change that.”

In January 2025, she also joined the LSE presentation as an ambassador with Cattolica International, sharing her experience and encouraging other students to pursue similar opportunities.

From Classroom to Career at Cattolica

After graduating in July 2025 and now working in corporate finance, Valentina is part of a Transaction Diligence team in Milan. Her professional story began right where her academic one ended – in a classroom at Università Cattolica.

During a Mergers & Acquisitions class, a guest lecturer from EY Milan caught her attention. “He came twice. I liked what he said, so I reached out, got his email, and sent my CV. That’s how it all began.”

She credits her international experiences for more than employability: “Of course it helped with job interviews, but more than that, it helped me grow. You gain skills, yes – but also confidence. You come back different.”

Valentina’s Advice for Future Worldbounders

“Don’t overthink it. Just go. It’s not always going to be easy, but that’s how you grow. Push yourself outside your comfort zone – that’s where everything changes.”

She adds one practical tip: study English before leaving. “You don’t have to be fluent, but being comfortable with the language will make the whole experience easier.”

Takeaways for Prospective Worldbounders

• Start local, dream global. A small campus can be a launchpad to the world.
• Face fear early. Nerves are normal – confidence comes after.
• Use every opportunity. Each build different skills.
• Connect with mentors. Staff and classmates can open unexpected doors – even to your first job.
• Let it change you. Growth isn’t about perfection but persistence. Valentina hopes to keep building an international career in finance, possibly abroad for a time, while continuing to grow her professional skills. “Cattolica taught me to take initiative.”

Università Cattolica offers programmes that help you explore the world, gain skills, confidence, and grow personally and professionally.

Explore our international programmes at International Week and discover how far your ambitions can take you.