The first step is believing in your profile: Ilenia's story
When Ilenia Oppedisano finished her studies in Nutritional Biology at the University of Milan, she faced a challenge common to many recent graduates: how to turn an academic career into a real opportunity in the world of work. It was at this point that she came across the project LinkedIn. Skills to restart, promoted by the Fondazione Mondo Digitale with the support of LinkedIn, to accompany young people, the unemployed and those in professional transition in a process of enhancing their skills.
‘I decided to join to better understand the opportunities offered by the platform to people like me who were just entering the world of work,’ says Ilenia. After participating in an introductory webinar, she had access to an individual coaching session with a professional from the LinkedIn team, one of the 47 experts involved in the programme. ‘The session helped me focus on my profile, optimise it and make it more consistent with my goals,’ she explains.
Ilenia didn't stop there: today, she uses LinkedIn strategically to keep up to date, explore new collaborations and monitor developments in her sector. The platform has become not only a professional showcase for her, but a real tool for growth.
Like Ilenia, over 4,600 participants took part in the project's thematic webinars, receiving practical advice on personal branding, networking and active job searching. Ninety-two per cent rated the initiative positively and over 90% said they had acquired useful skills, greater awareness of digital tools and the intention to continue training.
The programme is designed specifically for people who need personalised guidance to navigate an increasingly competitive job market and who often do not have a professional network to rely on. ‘Through structured and human coaching, we help young people discover their potential, set concrete goals and take their first steps with confidence,’ emphasises Ilaria Rossi, Chief Office Lead at LinkedIn.
