Our newest graduates are launching themselves into the world and planning their next steps, whether that be further studies, a job opportunity, or the chance to take a proper break after this big achievement! Before Marist Italy’s 2024 graduates departed, we arranged for them to speak with four of our inspiring Marist Italy Alumni: Kate Dieringer, Petia Stoykova, Genesis Cortez, and Ieva Pranckeviciute, who zoomed in from all over the world. These stellar alumni shared their best stories and advice for taking the leap into new professional life.
The conversation was vital and engaging and covered multiple aspects, from the best of memories, reflections since graduation, and wisdom gained with hindsight. Here’s some highlights.
On the most important skills and lessons they gained by studying abroad in Italy:
- Learning to be adaptable and independent
- You get very good at being comfortable with being uncomfortable
- The skill of being able to pack up and go where the work is
- Learning through community and being a part of community
- The focus on creativity more than career paths
- In Italy, everything is about networks and relationships
- Learning with the intention to learn and grow, not to compete
- Italian learning trusts you faster with hands on experience
- You develop pride working on historic items immediately, no waiting for the chance to hone your skills on real historical artefacts
- Stamina! With every job or internship application, learning to cope with the 100 No’s while waiting for that one yes that will open so many new doors
On the challenges of studying abroad in Italy:
- Struggling with the “piano piano” (slowly slowly!). Italy is less fast paced that the United States
- Planning too many trips created a lot of stress and made it hard to balance priorities
- Battling perfectionism and learning to slow down: trying to balance where you think you should be against where you are
Here’s a quick snapshot of each alum and their final advice for all students taking part in a study abroad adventure with Marist Italy:
“Try to get out of your comfort zone. Do things that make you uncomfortable that you’re scared of doing. Take that bus and see where you end up! Get all you can out of Italy and try to make your experience as worthwhile and authentic as possible.”
Genesis Cortez
Graduated: 2019 with a BA in Art History and Italian Language
Currently: Master’s Candidate, History of Art and Architecture
Boston University
“Don’t focus on the future, or the next step. You’re going to figure it out as it comes. Allow yourself to enjoy the experience now.”
Petia Stoykova
Graduated: 2018 with a BFA in Interior Design
Currently: Business Development Manager | Designer
Artemide, North America (Miami)
“Live in the moment, enjoy where you’re at, what you’re doing, who you’re meeting and all that Italy and Florence have to offer. Network, you’ll stay in touch with those people for long after. Don’t put things off. Do everything you can think of. The time will fly.”
Kate Dieringer
Graduated: 2018 with a BS in Conservation Studies
Currently: Objects Conservator
Clemson University’s Warren Lasch Conservation Center (Charleston, SC)
“Don’t take this experience for granted, it will fly by. Cherish every moment with these people around you now, you’ll be bonded for life.”
Ieva Pranckeviciute
Graduated: 2020 with a BS in Communications: Global Marketing Communications
Currently: HR and Office Project Manager
Northway Biotech (Boston)
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