From Iran to Italy: How a Scholarship Shaped My Career in Project Management

When I left Iran to move to Italy, I wasn’t just pursuing a degree; I was stepping into the unknown, hoping it would lead to something meaningful.

I enrolled in a Master’s program in Building Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. What made that decision possible was receiving the Topolito scholarship, a merit-based award for international students. At the time, it felt like recognition. Looking back, it was also a turning point.

Building the Foundation

My background was in engineering, and I wanted to develop skills that could translate into real-world impact. Building Engineering gave me exactly that: a mix of technical knowledge, design thinking, and problem-solving.

I approached the application process strategically, submitting both the university and scholarship applications in parallel. It wasn’t complicated, but it required discipline and attention to detail.

One challenge I underestimated was the GRE. It required more time and consistency than I initially expected. If I could go back, I would start earlier and prepare more systematically.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At Politecnico di Torino, the academic environment was demanding but rewarding. The program was entirely in English, which made it accessible, but adapting to daily life in Italy still required effort, especially learning the basics of Italian.

The Topolito scholarship also came with a condition: maintaining at least 20 CFU per term. That requirement forced me to stay focused and manage my time carefully. It wasn’t just about studying; it was about planning and execution. Looking back, this was my first real exposure to what I now recognize as project management: balancing constraints, deadlines, and performance targets.

From Engineering to Project Management

After graduation, I transitioned into the professional world in Italy. Today, I work in a photovoltaic (FTV) company as a Project Manager.

My role goes beyond technical understanding. I coordinate projects, manage timelines, align stakeholders, and ensure that each phase, from planning to execution, is delivered efficiently.

In many ways, my academic background gave me the technical foundation, but the real shift was learning how to manage complexity, people, and decisions in real time.

A Personal Reflection

While I’m grateful for the path I’ve built in Italy, part of me still wishes I could have developed this career in Iran. The reality is that many talented individuals don’t have the same opportunities due to current limitations.

It’s a thought that stays with me, and a reminder of how much access and environment can shape a career.

What Actually Made the Difference

• Consistent academic performance
• Strong preparation (especially for the GRE)
• Clear direction and goals
• The ability to stay organized under pressure

Advice for Those Considering a Similar Path

• Start early, especially with standardized tests.
• Apply strategically and stay organized.
• Understand the requirements, not just to get in, but to sustain your progress.

And don’t let uncertainty stop you; most of the process becomes clear once you begin.

Where I Am Today

Today, I manage projects in the renewable energy sector, contributing to photovoltaic implementations that have a real impact.

That journey, from a student in Iran to a Project Manager in Italy, didn’t happen all at once. It was a series of decisions, efforts, and adjustments over time.

If you’re at the beginning of your path, you don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to start and stay consistent.