A Passion for Tech: Alumna Ilaria Colasanti
Originally from Rome, Ilaria Colasanti graduated from John Cabot University in 2016 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in International Affairs. Since completing her studies, she has worked in Italy, Australia and the UK, gaining experience in stakeholders, account and operations management. Ilaria is currently the Build to Rent Account Manager at Movebubble, helping renters find a brand new, exciting lifestyle in London.
Ilaria Colasanti
Why did you decide to move to London from sunny Perth, Australia?
I decided to move to Perth right after I graduated. I knew I wanted to work in the tech industry, but I also wanted to take a gap year before going into the job market. However, when I was living in Perth, I took a job in a small digital marketing agency as a Social Media Coordinator where I learned about content writing, social media campaigns and eventually how to successfully liaise with small-medium businesses. Once my time was up due to my visa, I decided to go back to Europe and move to the biggest tech hub I knew – London.
Tell us more about your experience at carwow and Movebubble.
I joined carwow (a UK based platform for buying new and used cars from franchised dealers) as an intern and after just three months I got offered a full-time job in commercial operations. I got exposed to many areas of the business and the learning curve spiked exponentially in my time working for this company. I learned how to effectively implement processes aimed at improving wider business operations and how to manage a portfolio of 100+ key accounts. In September 2019, I got head-hunted by Movebubble, a fast-growing startup in the PropTech industry, the application of information technology and platform economics to real estate markets. I was hired to be their first account manager and to be responsible for their most important portfolio of Build to Rent clients. “Build to Rent” is a term used to describe private rented residential property, which is designed for rent instead of for sale. The company was raising series A investments (the first venture capital funding for a startup), and they needed someone who knew not only how to be an account manager, but also how to read through the data, especially when it comes to discovering upselling opportunities and ensuring the accounts’ performance drove revenue growth. These two experiences gave me great exposure to the tech industry as well as the chance to meet amazing inspiring mentors and experienced professionals, from whom I learned a great deal.
How has your Business degree from John Cabot prepared you for working in scale-ups?
Studying at John Cabot gave me the most well-rounded knowledge of the business world. The lessons and teachings of John Cabot’s professors are something I still carry with me every day. Their approach to business studies is very practical and dynamic. I was actively involved in JCU’s student organizations and working with the Institute of Entrepreneurship when I was President of the Business Club gave me an invaluable opportunity to work with start-ups, from which I got inspired later on to pursue a career in the tech industry.
You’ve attended JCU Alumni events in London. What is your biggest takeaway?
Meeting up with alumni and new graduates from JCU is always an amazing opportunity to catch up with old friends, and network with people to exchange life and work experiences. I find these gatherings extremely beneficial also from a career perspective, and I would highly recommend attending, especially if you have recently moved and you are seeking new job opportunities. I like to make myself available for my fellow alumni, especially for recent graduates, because I have been there, and I know how frustrating moving to another country and entering the job market can be. It is important to remember that being part of the JCU network is like being part of a big international family, where everyone supports each other, from every part of the world, always.
