Julia Miranda, Head of Client Strategy, Heuritech

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 Julia Miranda, Head of Client Strategy at Heuritech in Paris (F). USI Degree: Master in Digital Fashion Communication, 2022.

How did you start your career?

I actually interned here while I was finishing my master's degree as it was a requirement for my course. A short few months into the internship they asked me to stay full time and I have been there ever since.

Why did you choose a career in Heuritech?

At first I was drawn to its unique approach to the fashion industry. Fashion tech and AI was a whole new world to me and I wanted to deep-dive on what the future of fashion could shape up to be.

What is your current role/duties?

I am currently leading and managing the Client Strategy Team, which is made up of several managers that take care of our client accounts on a strategic level. Our clients are big fashion brands and my team's job is to nurture long-lasting relationships, support key strategic decisions, and ensure that our partnerships is successful. My role consists of overlooking our entire client portfolio, lead strategic initiatives and optimize internal processes. I support my manages in their accounts, challenge strategic decisions and drive the company's vision with a client-centric approach.

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

You have to be creative in order to be a good problem-solver. Good presentation skills as well as knowing how to relate to people is a great foundation to develop managerial skills, so do not underestimate the group projects professors assign to you during your studies. Put yourself out there, raise your hand, volunteer to speak and that will greatly benefit you in the real world. But above all else you need to be passionate about what you do because that will generate drive and curiosity which will always lead you on a path of self-improvement.

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

I really appreciated the mentorship my professors extended to me. It always felt like they were rooting for each one of our successes as opposed to harshly judging us and expecting failure (which is something I experienced in the past). This type of environment really encouraged me to want to be in class, learn as much as I could, and also dream big about my future. Because we had such a small class, I felt close to my peers and even met a handful of people that I now consider my chosen family.

USI always felt like a safe space that supports students in a holistic way and nurtures a community environment for us to maximize our experience living in Lugano as foreigners.

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

As I mentioned before, we had a lot of group projects that often included peers from other majors. At the time it wasn't so evident, but I now see how valuable it was to build on those communication and presentation skills. I also really enjoyed the diversity of my syllabus, which taught me to look for answers and inspiration in places that may not be so obvious. Being a well-rounded individual is an underrated qualification that can really transcend in all aspects of life.

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

Don't limit yourself to the job you think you should have because of your degree. Don't be afraid to try out for new things, at the end of the day many of the skills you acquire are easily transferable to a role that you hadn't yet considered. Nowadays the professional career path isn't as linear as it once were, so don't be afraid to experiment, learn a new skill and be multi-talented. The job that is right for you may not even exist yet, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare yourself for it.