Andrea Baio, Consultant, EY-Parthenon

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 Andrea Baio, Strategy and Transactions Consultant at EY-Parthenon in Zurich (CH). USI Degree: Bachelor in Economics, 2021.

How did you start your career?

After winning EY Chase the Case 2020, I secured an internship with the Transaction Strategy & Execution team in Zurich, which started in January 2022.
After proving myself during my internship, I received a full-time job offer and joined as a Consultant. In this role, I had the opportunity to work on large-scale international M&A projects, with the most recent one involving the divestiture of a USD 16 billion company.
In addition to my work projects, I also had the opportunity to return to USI with my colleagues for two guest lectures in the Master in Management program and for The Long Night of Careers.

Why did you choose a career at EY-Parthenon?

I chose EY because they believed in me from the beginning, and I found a place where you can be yourself and be heard even as a junior resource. The opportunity to showcase and develop my leadership skills from an early stage in my career is invaluable and unparalleled compared to other companies.

What is your current role/duties?

I am currently a Consultant, but already working on higher rank tasks (e.g. doing some Senior Consultant and Manager activities). I have client-visibility and I am responsible for workstreams and Countries that needs to go-live as part of broader M&A transactions, both sell and buy-side. At the moment I am working on a large scale divestiture in the Consumer Health space (USD 16 bn in Revenues).

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at EY-Parthenon?

You need to be yourself, be open minded, be proactive, show interest in what you are doing, having strong communication skills and soft skills (especially to build great relationships with your clients).

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

The Bachelor in Economics at USI is a great program that I'd recommend to anyone interested in Economics and Business because of the broad spectrum of topics it covers. The opportunity to tailor your academic journey by selecting from a broad range of electives enables you to graduate with the right mix of skills in management, finance, and quantitative analysis.

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

Working in group and under pressure.

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

To be open-minded and resilient. Don't be shy. Ask questions and show true interest for whatever work and career you want to pursue.