Lorenzo Maternini, Vice President, Talent Garden

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 Lorenzo Maternini, Vice President in Talent Garden in Milan (I). USI Degree: Master in Technology-Enhanced Communication for Cultural Heritage, 2010.

How did you start your career?

My interest in new technology and innovation began during my humanistic science studies period. Curiosity to explore various applications of technological innovation in cultural areas led me to choosing the master in Technology Enhanced Communication for Cultural Heritage at the University of Lugano, Switzerland. Driven by passion for digital, I decided to explore such impact in the academia environment. Therefore, my final dissertation was focused on creating a new evaluation methodology to measure effectiveness of educational programs by employing digital devices.

Why did you choose a career in Talent Garden?

In 2008 I joined the new media department at Guggenheim Museum in New York City. My area of responsibilities included digital programs development for education and coordination of the ongoing projects within the field. In 2010 I became part of the Hoc Lab team at Politecnico Milan. The project team aimed at developing innovative tech-driven programs for schools. At the early 2011 my entrepreneurial path started by opening a digital communication agency. Right after the first year I joined another project as co-founder. That was a first Talent Garden campus in Brescia, Italy.

What is your current role/duties?

I am currently holding the position of vice president for corporate partner relations and EU development at Talent Garden that is the fastest growing coworking and education platform in Europe focusing on digital technology. Since 2013 I am also part of a steering committee of Paolo VI Art Museum that exhibits an exclusive modern art collection belonging to Pope Paul VI. To keep up with educational methodologies, I am delivering lectures in Management of Digital Content at Cattolica del Sacro Cuore University.

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

Do not be scared to ask and fail, everybody makes mistakes but if we do not try and take on challenges, we will never know what could happen.

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

Working groups and hands-on assignments have been very important and gave good perspective on the different topics:

• Internationality
• On field Professionals as Professors

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

Structure and team work are for sure two key ones.

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

Do not look for the dream job, start from somewhere and do not be scared if the job you get at first is not what you wanted to be, you need to start from somewhere and if you show, you are open and willing to learn, you will achieve your goals, no matter what.