(Apr. 6) – “I moved to New York in the summer of 2011 to work at American Express, where now I am a senior manager of the Digital Strategy & Innovation team, a research group recently created.” So says Paolo Persurich, 30 years, Italian from Milan. Those who know him described Paolo as a “good boy with a solid academic profile.” “I graduated with honors in Economics at the Catholic University of Milan with a thesis on monetary policy and economic consequences of EU enlargement to Eastern Europe. I studied for a year at the University of Maastricht, in the Netherlands. I also earned an MBA from the MIP-Politecnico di Milano.” He explains his job: “I lead the development strategy of next-generation services of American Express, or alternative payment forms and features offered on digital channels, like smartphones, tablets, often in partnership with social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Foursquare.” Before moving to America, Persurich worked for a leading management consulting firm, and, concerning to that experience, he states: “My decision to move abroad was not dictated by the lack of a job but to seize opportunities.” He does not regret the choice he made, even if he defines it “strong and hard”, because “the New York environment is extremely competitive and meritocratic. People moving overseas takes a brave decision but it will pay off in the long period. Working abroad allows you to test yourself, to learn another language, to prove your worth: the Italian guys are incredibly well-evaluated, thanks to an excellent preparation, an open mind and the ability to work in a team.”. Persurich did not forget Italy: “The important thing is that those who work abroad have the opportunity to return home, taking with them what has been learned in the most advanced markets. If this happened, Italy would have a more skilled workforce than that of richer European countries.” Paul speaks with enthusiasm of his life in New York, which offers “fun and entertainment and where it’s easy to know people”. Paolo tells us a fun fact about it: “I was working here since two weeks and I was curious to know why no one showed interest in the fact I was the only non-American in the team. But a colleague said to me: anyone who lives and works in New York is considered a New Yorker” “No one here – Persurich concludes- treats you differently because you’re not American and, at the same time, no one is willing to give you any discount.” (Gil/Peg)
