EWLP Alumna Interview: Lucia Guerrieri

Earlier this year, several of our English Writing, Literature, and Publishing majors graduated and began their next chapters in different countries and careers. I interviewed one of our recent graduates, Lucia Guerrieri, about her experiences since graduating in May, as well as her plans.

Lucia, originally from New Jersey, moved back home after graduating and said that "the transition at first was strange." After living in the wonderful and busy city of Rome for four years, most alumni feel this abrupt change, especially when it comes to their daily routines and the people they have grown so close to over the years. Lucia said: "The hardest thing was not having my friends only a bus ride away. I always miss Rome and feel so

lucky to have come to know it so well after four years."

Since she was sixteen, Lucia has worked on and off at a local bookstore back home, where she went back to work part-time after graduation. Meanwhile, she began looking at jobs in New York City. She described this as a very "tedious and difficult process" due to the competitiveness of having many post-graduates looking for similar jobs. "I eventually found an internship I was very passionate about and excited at the prospect of it," Lucia told me. "I felt that it aligned with my interests, and I was also qualified for it." A tip that Lucia gave to students and recent graduates looking for jobs is to not only check for positions on platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed, but also to keep an eye out for job listings on specific companies' websites tailored to each individual's interests. "That’s how I found my current internship," she said.

Lucia is currently working as a Press Intern with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in New York City: "I just finished my second week, and it has been amazing! We are currently preparing for ABT’s Fall ballet season and Gala in October, held at Lincoln Center."

I was curious as to how Lucia's experience as a student at The American University of Rome helped her after earning her Bachelor's degree. She said: "Living in a foreign country taught me a lot about independence, rolling with the punches, and also taking the time to appreciate my surroundings and how far I've come." During her time at AUR, Lucia interned at The Italian Insider after strong encouragement from her professor, Dr. Lisa Colletta. "During my time writing and editing for them, it helped me to feel comfortable in a press room and grow in my writing. I think all of the lessons I learned while at AUR and interning at The Italian Insider allowed me to mature and feel prepared for whatever next step I choose to take."

This certainly applies to all undergraduate students: learning how to be independent and facing challenges head-on prepare you for future obstacles and opportunities. Expressing your interests and aspirations to those close to you, especially your professors, can open doors that will help you in your desired career. Now, Lucia hopes to "continue in the journalism or publishing field" and is looking forward to seeing where her chosen path takes her next.