Valerio Pianezza, Global Business Analyst, Hilti Group

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Valerio Pianezza, Global Business Analyst in Hilti Group in Buchs (CH). USI Degree: Master in Management and Informatics, 2014.

How did you start your career?

Right after graduating in my Master, I joined the Supply Chain Graduate Program of Syngenta in Basel. This program had a duration of 3 years and was made of 3 job rotations in different roles and functions of the organisation.

Why did you choose a career in Hilti Group?

After 6 years in Supply Chain, I decided it was a good time for a change. I wanted to reconnect with the nature of my Master and make a step in the IT direction. The current role of Global Business Analyst in an international company like Hilti was a great opportunity to do so.

What is your current role/duties?

As Business Analyst, I act as a focal point for internal and external stakeholders to identify business needs, help design and implement new processes to enable the digital transformation of Hilti.

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

It is important to be eager to learn, to be open to feedback and be communicative. In my everyday life I am interacting with people from all cultures and backgrounds, so an international mindset is crucial.

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

The small size of my class and the great organisation/administration of USI made the perfect environment to network with my student fellows and my professors. I also enjoyed the interactive and modular approach of the courses, where the final mark was the result of multiple assignments over the weeks of the classes. This made the learning process more engaging and it required me to stay on top of the learning material. This allowed me to get to the final exam with less pressure and especially with more sleep.

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

As I am now in a more IT technical role, I am really valuing the IT skills and fundamentals that I acquired during my time at USI. It feels good to see the application of the theory to a real life business situation. The assignment model of the classes trained me to deliver real life deliverables on my job. It also taught me to work together with other people under pressure and understand each other's strengths and weaknesses.

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

I would recommend to be as open and as curious as possible when it comes to your new first job. Although the job description is important, a job environment is very dynamic and new challenges and opportunities for learning come up every week. Be humble with your colleagues and show them that you are there to learn and support the team and everything will be all right!