.::GIUGNO 2006::.

Italian business professionals spark an interest for students seeking career opportunities

On Tuesday, April 4^th 2006 the Collegiate Italian American Organization (CIAO) at Pace University hosted ITALIANISSIMA, an event in which speakers were kindly welcomed to attend and speak to the Pace community. The discussion was about the importance of embracing diversity by expanding the Italian culture. Students were advised ways in which they can connect their own heritage with a career field in the future. Mr. Tiziano Thomas Dossena,  Editorial Director of L'IDEA Magazine, spoke about the publication, from its birth to its present days and how it has transformed and grown over the years. Mr. Dossena also spoke about anti-defamation of Italian/ Italian American Culture in the life of a professional and ways in which we as a society can overcome these stereotypes. There was a question and answer session at the end of the speaker’s presentations allowing students to voice their opinions and thoughts.

The CIAO was established in 1975 and is one of the longest running organizations at Pace University , located in downtown Manhattan . With a calendar of planned events, CIAO is focused on providing and sharing with the public our mission which is to being further dissemination of the Italian culture, to foster interest in the study of the Italian language and to bring together all that are interested with a collaborative effort. The CIAO embraces diversity and brings awareness and knowledge of the language and culture to the community.

The objective of this event was to further develop an appreciation and importance for the study of Italian as well as the important influence Italians have had on today’s businesses. The speakers began with discussing how their affairs correlate with Italy and the countless ways in which the Italian language has played an important role in their occupations.

Several students found themselves encouraged and grateful that their ability to speak a second language in Italian will certainly be an asset to what they can expand upon and offer in their future careers. When a student is in their twenties and surviving college, it is extremely difficult to narrow down all the choices in the different majors that are offered to you. It is very easy to get lost in the crowd and find yourself without a niche.  Belonging to an organization like the CIAO, where students are welcomed, makes the decision making a lot more enjoyable and less tedious. Students are able to share a common interest and at the same time gain a sense of self-satisfaction and appreciation of their heritage. The CIAO leads several students into diverse international career paths many of which the Italian language can be incorporated in to the full potential.

It is very important that we embrace and welcome diversity and be proud of our heritage and all the sacrifice our ancestors went through for us. Our heritage makes us who we are today. We can keep educating ourselves by having complete immersion and embracing ourselves by attending these types of events and by having continued support from L’Idea and businesses that seek to promote the importance of preserving the Italian heritage.

For more information or suggestions on ways to improve our organization please email: CIAO@stmail.pace.edu

Daniela G. Mansella

IDEA GIUGNO 2006