Daniele Frenda, AFC Risk Specialist, PwC

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 Daniele Frenda, AFC Risk Specialist at PwC in Milan. USI Degree: Master in Economia e Politiche internazionali, 2022.

How did you start your career?

During the last 6 months of my master's degree, I undertook an internship at a well-known American consulting firm, during which I had the opportunity to develop my master's thesis. This experience served as the starting point for my professional career up to now and continues to be so.

Why did you choose a career at PwC?

Following my initial work experience, I transitioned to another consulting firm, Deloitte. Here, I had the opportunity to further develop my expertise in the verticals and I specialized in Anti-Financial Crime in the banking sector, with a specific focus on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism in the context of blockchain and crypto asset technologies.
Subsequently, I received another job offer from the company I currently work for, PwC, which has been known for years for its expertise in antifinancial crime consulting and the use of blockchain technology.

What is your current role/duties?

One intriguing aspect is that roles within consulting firms can change depending on the projects one is involved in at a given time. During my work experience, I had the opportunity to take on active roles in projects primarily related to the transformation and implementation of tools related to Anti-Financial Crimes within banking processes, the development of institutional training courses related to the blockchain field, and regulatory compliance audits in the banking sector concerning Anti-Money Laundering and anti-fraud topics.

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

One important aspect I've learned in recent years is how crucial it is to structure and expand your professional network. Working for large consulting firms provides the opportunity to meet highly talented and competent individuals from whom one can continuously learn.
Certainly, to embark on a successful career, it's necessary to invest time and effort, never stop studying, stay updated, learn, and accumulate experiences and skills in the areas of your interest. Never stop moving forward.

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

One positive aspect of my university journey, beyond my academic background, has been the friendships I developed during the two years of my master's program. Today, some of my former classmates have become friends in life and colleagues at work, and they still form part of the network of people who have helped me lay the foundation for my professional career.

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

During my university experience, beyond my academic background, I developed various skills, primarily acquired during seminars and team projects I participated in. In the professional world, I have found public speaking and team leading skills to be essential, and for this, I thank the university for providing me with the opportunity to engage in specific presentation courses, seminars, and team projects.

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

Based on my personal work experience, what I can suggest to a recent graduate entering the professional world is to invest the right amount of time in choosing the topic to delve into for their thesis. This choice could serve as an excellent starting point and a marketable asset in the job market, as well as a great catalyst for launching a professional career (as it happened in my case).