Alumni and Students Career Talk (Italian Edition) 

Italian Alumni Share Their International Career Journeys

On February 20, 2026, the Italian Edition of the Alumni and Students Career Talk brought together a group of Italian graduates of Tohoku University for an engaging online conversation with current students and fellow alumni. Organized by the Tohoku University Alumni Network, the event welcomed around 20 participants and created an open space to reflect on international careers, cross-cultural growth, and the evolving meaning of leadership in a global context.

Moderated by Davide Bitti from the Alumni Network, the session featured presentations by Irene Melinu and Carlandrea Melegari, along with a special contribution from Professor Jonathan Stimmer of the Tohoku University Career Support Center.

Supporting International Careers from Campus

The event opened with an introduction to the Alumni Network and its mission: to connect graduates worldwide, encourage collaboration across borders, and support students as they transition from academic life into professional paths.

Professor Jonathan Stimmer, Specially Appointed Senior Assistant Professor at the Career Support Center, presented the wide range of services available to international students. These include on-demand career seminars, individual advising sessions, career planning support, a dedicated Google Classroom platform, as well as job fairs and networking events.

He also introduced upcoming initiatives such as a DEI seminar, the university career fair, and a Fukushima Service Learning Trip, encouraging students to take proactive steps and reach out to the Career Support Center to make the most of these opportunities.

Irene Melinu: Leadership Across Cultures and Industries

Irene Melinu, who studied at Tohoku University in 2018 as an exchange student from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, shared a candid and insightful account of her professional journey between Japan and Europe.

After graduating, she joined UNIQLO in Japan, where she faced the realities of a demanding retail environment. She spoke openly about the challenges of adapting to a new corporate culture and how those early experiences shaped her resilience and perspective. A later transfer to Milan broadened her exposure to international business operations. Her career eventually expanded into retail strategy and international business roles, including work with the Italian luxury brand Zegna.

Throughout her presentation, Irene emphasized several key lessons: the importance of cross-cultural leadership, data-driven decision-making, and strong project management skills. Above all, she reminded students that leadership is ultimately about people—not titles—and encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones to unlock real growth.

Carlandrea Melegari: Engineering a Global Career

Carlandrea Melegari reflected on his time at Tohoku University as a graduate research student working on robotic arm control using 3D imaging technologies. After completing his degree in Automation Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, he joined Tetra Pak in Sweden.

Carlandrea explained how his academic experience in Japan played a decisive role during the hiring process, demonstrating both technical expertise and cultural adaptability. His career at Tetra Pak has since taken him across functions and continents, including software development, a marketing rotation in Thailand, and customer service assignments in Mexico.

He underlined how exchange programs help build professional networks, flexibility, and cultural intelligence—competencies that are increasingly essential in multinational organizations.

Davide Bitti: A Journey Shaped by Tohoku

As moderator, Davide Bitti also shared his personal journey as a Tohoku University alumnus.

He first arrived at Tohoku University in 2010 as an exchange student from Sapienza University of Rome, joining the very first IPLA Program. During his stay, he experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011—an event that deeply influenced both his academic path and personal outlook.

After graduating in Rome later that year, he returned to Tohoku University in 2015 as a MEXT Scholarship student. He completed a master’s degree in Japanese Intellectual History in 2018. Following a professional experience in a local company in Sendai, he eventually rejoined Tohoku University—this time as a Global Exchange Officer in charge of the International Alumni Network.

Today, his work focuses on keeping international alumni connected, organizing events with alumni associations around the world, and coordinating the annual Tohoku University International Awards. His story illustrated how academic exchanges can evolve into long-term professional and personal commitments.

Academic Perspectives: Japan and Italy Compared

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the contrast between academic life in Japan and Italy. The speakers described their experience at Tohoku University as strongly research-oriented, characterized by close interaction with professors and a structured yet flexible environment.

Compared to their Italian institutions, they found the Japanese system more focused on applied research and laboratory-based collaboration—an approach that significantly shaped their professional trajectories.

Sendai: More Than a Study Destination

Beyond academics and careers, the alumni spoke warmly about their time in Sendai. They described the city as peaceful and community-oriented, offering a unique balance between urban convenience and easy access to nature. The proximity to mountains, the sea, and cultural activities contributed to a well-rounded and formative experience.

For many, Sendai was not simply a place to study—it became a defining chapter of their lives.

A Shared Message: Adaptability and Vision

The central message emerging from the event was clear: international experiences cultivate adaptability, resilience, and a broader worldview. Whether in robotics engineering, retail strategy, or alumni relations, the ability to navigate different cultural and professional environments has become a defining advantage.

The discussion concluded with an invitation to students to actively engage with career services, pursue exchange opportunities, and remain connected to the alumni network as a long-term professional resource.

The recording of the event is available on the Alumni Network’s official YouTube channel. Please enjoy!