Lina Osorio, Communication Consultant, GIZ

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Lina Marcela Osorio, Communication and Gender Consultant in Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in Berlin and in Algeria/Ethiopia. USI Degree: Master in Corporate Communication, 2017.

How did you start your career?

I started my career around 8 years ago in Colombia, South America. I started working in communication and events, advertising agencies and audio-visual production companies in the areas of marketing as an account executive and supporting a lot in the creative processes as a graphic designer and editor, mostly in branding.

Why did you choose a career at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)?

This was a unique opportunity, since GIZ is one of the most important development agencies in the world. I found out about this position thanks to the director of our programme, who sent the proposal to the students of last year. I chose GIZ because offered me the chance to apply my knowledge and experience in an international environment, it was the best way to start a career change focused on transformation and development.

What is your current role/duties?

My role consists in advice, and operationalize one of the GIZ projects in regards to communication. This is a project from the German Government and the African Union. My deliverables are related with specific goals associated with external communication (stakeholder management, branding, raise awareness, sustainable reputation, etc.) and internal communication (crises management, flow of communication, etc.).

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

I think it is very important to acknowledge that achieving a successful career (in any company) is a process where you learn to understand along the way which are your strengths and weaknesses; being conscious about it makes a great difference. Many times our career becomes a ”forest of forking paths” where we can make many decisions, but being patient and resilient are our best compasses.

What are USI’s positive featuresand qualities?

At USI you can have a very valuable experience which is to learn how to work in diverse teams. Diverse in terms of age, background, culture, language, etc. Being able to work effectively and efficiently in an international environment is key nowadays. You also have the opportunity to shape your programme and specialize in something specific thanks to the range of courses, which offers you a wider view about your career scope.

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

Learn how to work in diverse teams, again… it makes such a great difference when you actually have the experience and learn how to cope with different personalities, levels of motivation, points of view, etc. And of course all the study cases and activities that were very close to day to day businesses’ challenges and struggles, prepares you for the real life.

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

Be patient and resilient. Everything is possible but nowadays it requires a lot of effort to find a place where you can grow professionally. I will always advice to be humble and do whatever you have to do in the best way possible, with the best attitude. Step by step you began to walk the path.