Around the world, organizations are rethinking what it means to attract and retain talent. Recruitment alone is not enough: companies need people who can grow with them and bring a long-term vision.
One example comes from QSRP, a leading European group in the quick-service restaurant industry. Their International Talent Program (ITP) identifies high-potential candidates and develops them through international rotations, mentoring, and tailored training.
They recently did a Company Presentation at Rome Business School to meet our students and share insights into their corporate culture and approach to talent development. During the event, QSRP representatives illustrated how their ITP helps young professionals strengthen key managerial and leadership skills.
The session offered our students a concrete look at how a dynamic, multinational company invests in people’s growth, turning potential into experience and preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an international context.
Through the program’s international rotations, participants gain exposure to different cultures, business models, and operational challenges. This hands-on experience helps them strengthen leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, crucial competencies for managing complex projects and leading diverse teams.
This approach reflects a mindset we deeply share: talent should be nurtured, challenged, and supported through real-world experiences. It’s not only about finding the right people, but giving them the right opportunities to learn and lead.
In the past, hiring was mainly about matching candidates to specific roles. Today, talent acquisition has evolved into a long-term strategy focused on potential, adaptability, and growth. Companies are looking for professionals who can navigate change, work across cultures, and contribute creatively to shared goals.
This shift requires collaboration between education and business. Academic institutions provide the foundation (critical thinking, global awareness, and ethical leadership) while companies offer practical experience, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
When these two worlds align, they create a powerful ecosystem where learning continues beyond the classroom, and talent becomes a driver of innovation and sustainability.
Investing in people is one of the most effective ways to ensure long-term success. A well-structured talent program goes beyond filling open positions: it creates the leaders of tomorrow.
Through international experiences like QSRP’s International Talent Program, participants learn to work across cultures, adapt to new markets, and manage complex environments. They develop not only technical and managerial expertise but also cultural intelligence, creativity, and resilience.
For today’s professionals, understanding this shift is essential. Building a meaningful career requires a balance of education, adaptability, and hands-on experience. Companies, educators, and individuals each play a key role in this process: businesses must create environments that encourage growth, schools must prepare learners for real-world challenges, and professionals must take ownership of their development. When these forces work together, they create a more innovative, ethical, and inclusive future of work.
Developing talent is a shared responsibility, but professionals can accelerate their growth by choosing programs that combine theory, practice, and career guidance. Our International Master in HR & Organization is designed with this in mind. It equips students with the knowledge, tools, and global perspective needed to take on leadership roles, manage teams across cultures, and drive meaningful change.
True growth comes from embracing challenges, exploring new perspectives, and continuously pushing the boundaries of what you can achieve. Professionals who are curious, adaptable, and willing to step outside their comfort zone do more than succeed: they shape the future. By understanding how talent develops and seizing opportunities to learn and lead, anyone can transform potential into meaningful impact and take their place as a driving force in a changing world.
