Students and Alumni from the RBS had the honor of participating in the third session of the Fair Employability Workshop, titled “Your Unique Value Proposition,” led by Professor Maria Luisa Garofalo. With over eight years of experience at Medici Senza Frontiere, Maria Luisa has held key roles in training and people development, contributing to building a culture of growth and collaboration. Currently, as the Culture and People Development Coordinator, she is dedicated to enhancing leadership capabilities and promoting talent within the organization.
During the workshop, students and alumni had the opportunity to explore fundamental themes for their professional growth. Professor Garofalo encouraged participants to reflect on what makes them unique in a fast-paced, highly competitive, and constantly evolving market.
To this end, she guided the participants through a process of personal exploration, posing a fundamental question: “Who are you?” This inquiry allowed participants to go beyond their job titles and academic qualifications, exploring their distinctive characteristics, values, and passions.
A key concept that emerged from the workshop was the unique value proposition, representing the intersection between skills, passions, and market needs. Professor Garofalo explained that to build an effective value proposition, it is essential to integrate these three elements in a harmonious way.
A well-defined unique value proposition not only enriches the resume, but also becomes a powerful narrative to use during job interviews. Maria Luisa shared practical examples of how to tell one’s professional story in an engaging manner, emphasizing the importance of using concrete experiences. This approach not only demonstrates the application of one’s skills but also makes the value proposition more authentic and memorable, fostering a stronger connection with potential employers.
Participants were then encouraged to reflect on their drivers, which are the personal and professional motivations that push them to make certain choices and actions. These drivers can vary from person to person and may include aspects such as the desire to achieve meaningful goals and to succeed, the search for approval and recognition for their work, and the aspiration to continuously develop and improve. Other drivers might include the need to work independently, the desire to make a positive impact on the world or on those around them, and the pursuit of stability and security in their professional journey.
This reflection allowed students and alumni to better understand what is truly important to them, guiding their career choices towards opportunities that reflect their values and personal goals. Understanding one’s drivers is crucial for building a satisfying career that aligns with one’s aspirations.
After exploring their drivers, participants were guided in analyzing the “bricks” of their professional profile. These bricks represent the various skills and qualities that make up their professional identity. Among these, one can include specific technical skills, behavioral skills, leadership abilities, a propensity for innovation, project management skills, and in-depth industry knowledge.
As Professor Garofalo pointed out:
It is not enough to praise one’s own skills; it is essential to demonstrate how they have been used in real contexts.
Recognizing and valuing these bricks enables students to present themselves authentically and distinctively to employers, sharing concrete examples from their experiences. Describing how they managed a complex project or exercised effective leadership makes their value proposition much more convincing.
Subsequently, Professor Garofalo emphasized the importance of understanding the job market context. Participants were invited to reflect on the available opportunities and which skills are most in demand. She explained that it is essential to align one’s profile with the current and future needs of the market, for instance, if they possess skills in emerging areas like artificial intelligence or sustainability.
In conclusion, this workshop provided students and alumni of RBS with valuable tools to reflect on their professional identity and develop an authentic and persuasive value proposition. Thanks to the practical and engaging approach of Professor Garofalo, participants gained greater awareness of their motivations, skills, and the dynamics of the job market.
