"Ambizione Italia helped me to reach two important objectives: transfer competences and professional requalification. It was the first step towards my dream for the future. After a life of working at the office, I wanted to work from home.”
Valeria Giuffrida, 56, enjoyed the course organised by Ambizione Italia for Youth, the programme promoted with Microsoft. In the 90s, she was awarded a scholarship and left Catania to study in Perugia, where she obtained a certification as “Expert in Marketing, Business and Communications” for large distribution (GDO). However, one can’t be described by a certification.
Do you still work in distribution?
No, I haven’t worked in GDO for years. I used to work for Henkel but was fired along with 21 others when I was 40. That was that. Then, I worked as a merchandiser, driving my car around Sicily. We used to snap shots with a camera, print them out and then send them to Milan. Now, tablets and smartphone allow us to take photos instantly. Digital tools have profoundly changed the job of merchandisers. It’s now a job for young people.
So, did you find a new job?
After a couple of years working in supermarkets, I started to look around. I worked as a cultural mediator and taught Italian to immigrants. Then, about two years ago, I answered an on-line ad and found myself working in the call centre of a multinational, a major tobacco brand, in Portugal. My contract ended on July 31 and was not renewed. So, I’m back in Italy.
How come you chose to go abroad?
I ended up in Portugal. In Italy, notwithstanding my curriculum, the first thing they looked at was my age. Abroad, the look at what you can do, not your age.
What would you like to do now?
I would like to return to Italy and work as a promoter, a salesperson, but after a life of working at the office, I’d like to work from home.
How come you decided to register for the “Ambizione Italia for Youth” Programme?
Notwithstanding, as the name states, it’s for youth, I decided to go for it. And it was the right choice. The course helped me achieve two very important objectives: transfer competences and professional requalification, new graduate. She knew how to work with adults and used a very comprehensible language.
