For a legal professional working at the heart of Italy’s financial system, returning to study wasn’t about chasing a qualification, it was about curiosity, reflection, and the chance to step outside the familiar. Based in Rome and working for the Bank of Italy, she brings a rich background in law, financial supervision, and judgement‑based evaluation to her role. Her career has remained within the same institutional sphere, but the focus has shifted over time, moving from analytical and legal work toward coordination, communication, and leadership.
When a short weekend course in coaching at University of Cambridge Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) was recommended to her by someone close, she decided to trust their instinct. “My motivation was curiosity rather than a specific career goal,” she said. “I wanted space for reflection, exchange with others, and exposure to different viewpoints, and also practical insight into how to be a better manager and a better parent.”
The Cambridge environment was a deliberate choice. “Even for short courses, I value a serious academic setting and a well‑structured learning context,” she explained. She also hoped to refresh her English and knew that a highly interactive course would offer the right challenge. The international mix of participants, something Cambridge naturally attracts, added even more depth to the experience.
What stayed with her most was the group dynamic. “The tutor created real cohesion among people who were very different, with varied backgrounds and from different places,” she said. Despite the course lasting only a weekend, the connections formed were lasting. One fellow participant has since become a close friend, they even spent Christmas together. The setting of Madingley Hall, with its beautiful grounds and excellent lunches, only enriched the experience.
Balancing study with work and family is not always simple, she admitted. “I am genuinely curious and enjoy learning, so I sometimes risk taking on too much.” But the structure of this course, no assignments, no final assessment, made it a restorative and enjoyable experience rather than an added pressure.
The impact of the course, she says, is subtle but meaningful. “It reinforced the value of stepping outside one’s usual environment and reminded me that learning is also about relationships and dialogue, not only content.” Already committed to lifelong learning, she is currently completing a Master’s in finance and markets in Italy. But this experience encouraged her to look beyond national borders and explore international courses that offer diversity, stimulation, and subjects that interest her beyond her professional role.
Looking ahead, her goal is simple: to choose learning experiences thoughtfully, prioritising quality, depth, and human connection over the accumulation of credentials. “This experience showed me that continuing education does not always need to be extensive to be meaningful,” she said. “Sometimes a short course can open unexpected connections and lasting relationships, which are as valuable as formal learning outcomes.”
Shape your next steps with flexible, high‑quality learning on one of our weekend courses. Learn more: https://www.pace.cam.ac.uk/course-type/weekend-courses