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ISB Alumni: Stories After the Diploma
- ISBologna
- Sep 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2
With Diploma in Hand, Eyes on the Future (ISB Alumni)
At the International School of Bologna, the Diploma is not just the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of many more. Our alumni take with them the values of the IB, the skills to think critically, and the confidence to pursue their passions around the world. In this series, ISB graduates share their stories: what the ISB experience meant to them, how the Diploma shaped their paths, and where life has taken them since. With a diploma in hand and eyes on the future, their journeys continue to inspire our community.
The Story of Maddalena Parlato (Class of 2022)
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts at the University of Warwick, I decided to pursue a specialization in Film and Television Studies in the same institution, allowing me to continue working as an Assistant Editor for one of the University’s research journals. Completing the IB program at ISB opened many doors for international study, but also opened my eyes to the importance of interdisciplinary study. In an ever-changing world, learning how to think critically from a young age encouraged me to make bonds and problem-solve in new ways. ISB taught me the importance of looking at things from different perspectives, and it’s a skill that undoubtedly helped me in every area of my life!
The Story of Virginia Gaia Levi (Class of 2020)
After graduating from IE University in Madrid with a dual degree in Business Administration and Data Analytics, I'm now in Luxembourg, working in asset management at a bank. The dynamic environment at ISB fostered my ability to adapt swiftly and confidently in international settings. The IB program's emphasis on creative problem-solving taught me to think outside the box, equipping me with the skills to tackle complex challenges in the global financial landscape.
The Story of Gianandrea Gregori (Class of 2020)
After completing my Master’s in Accounting and Finance at LSE, I recently began working in London with Management Solutions, an international consulting firm. My IB experience at ISB pushed me to think beyond the obvious, combining analytical rigour with a global outlook that continues to shape how I approach complex challenges.
The Story of Carlotta Gherardi (Class of 2021)
After graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science and a minor in Bioinformatics, I will be starting as a Data Scientist at Boston Consulting Group X in New York City. I am deeply grateful to ISB for helping me along this journey, not only for the lifelong community it gave me, but also for the IB program, which instilled in me the habits of self-reflection, perseverance, initiative, critical thinking, and collaboration that have been essential to my academic achievements and professional growth.
The Story of Elvira Wild-Martin (Class of 2021)
Following the completion of my Bachelor's degree in Economics, Management and Computer Science at Bocconi University, I worked as a Data Science Consultant and spent a year travelling through South America before continuing my studies in Data Science. The IB program at ISB was crucial in developing my open-minded perspective and the drive to pursue ambitious goals, along with the resilience to seek out and tackle challenging, intellectually stimulating situations in an independent way.
The Story of Martina Mattioli (Class of 2020)
After graduating from the University of Bristol with a BSc and MScR in Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry, I'm now working at Imperial College London on gene drive and self-limiting technologies in mosquitoes to help eradicate malaria. The IB taught me to take initiative, stay focused under pressure, and communicate complex ideas with clarity—all while approaching problems from multiple perspectives. Its emphasis on global issues inspired my drive to pursue solutions with real-world impact.
The Story of Alessandro Gherardi (Class of 2017)
Having graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management, I worked at LeagueApps, NBC Sports, and I am currently overseeing Lega Serie A’s operations in North America as Head of Marketing & Commercial. ISB’s global approach to education and rigorous IB training equipped me with a strategic, multicultural mindset and analytical depth that have been instrumental to leading initiatives for Serie A in the dynamic and diverse U.S. market.
Continuing the Journey
These stories represent just a glimpse of the many paths our ISB alumni have taken after the Diploma. Each journey is unique, yet all are connected by the values, skills, and perspectives gained during their years at the International School of Bologna. With diploma in hand and eyes on the future 🌍, our graduates continue to shape the world in meaningful ways, and we look forward to sharing more of their inspiring journeys with our community.
