Valentina Latronico, Research consultant, PredictBy

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Valentina Latronico, Research consultant for PredictBy in Barcelona (E). USI Degree: Master in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication, 2022.

How did you start your career?

I started my career in July and I graduated in September. During summer, I was writing my master thesis and looking for a job since I wanted to do something related to my field of study. I found the opportunity on LinkedIn, I applied and in August I moved to Spain.

Why did you choose a career in PredictBy?

I've always had the passion for research and PredictBy is a research and consulting company specialised on human decision making in real world contexts. I understood that I could continue working on my field of studying and being a researcher at the same time.

What is your current role/duties?

I work as a researcher at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and as a consultant at PredictBy. I apply the scientific methodology to research projects starting from the literature review to the presentation of the results to the clients.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career in PredictBy?

Time-management, proactivity, commitment.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

Apart from the theoretical knowledge, the program in cognitive psychology in health communication allows you to develop timemanagement skills. If you can get well organised and start the master as a proper job (i.e., Monday to Friday 9am-6pm), you will be ready for working world after university.

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

The transversal competences acquired during the master have been fundamental for my career. Knowing about different topics gives you the possibility to train your adaptability and become even more curious.

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

Let's apply what you learned during your university program. Even though the environment is different, everything you learned is useful and applicable to your new daily life.