japanese maple

I love my country, I really do. But if someone asked me today whether I mean to go back to Italy to work after my Master’s I wouldn’t answer yes at once. When I decided to study journalism I definitely didn’t think it would be easy to achieve the aim. Yet, I thought that if I worked hard I might have a chance. It was a tough blow to find out that it was not exactly so.

Italian journalism is, to be kind, stagnant. One strike follows another, publishers and owners often make their own rules. Journalists are a closed caste, they are not keen on giving up any of their privileges to create room for new generations. The latter, when lucky, become temporary trainees with neither pay, nor rights.

I have actually experienced this situation personally, and at some point I decided I deserved something better. Therefore I moved abroad to see what goes on outside my country. And abroad is where I would see myself in 12 months’ time. Ideally I would like to train in some UK newspaper. Before moving to Cardiff I exchanged e-mails with The Independent deputy editors office, getting an invitation to contact them again once I had obtained my Master’s.

A traineeship at the European Commission would be another great experience. Although it is not pure journalism, it would surely open my mind to an even more international view. Besides, with a bit of luck, it might act as a bridge towards some other goals.

However, I don’t expect to be well paid. I know I will face massive competition. I would only like my capabilities to be given an opportunity.