Should you learn English or Chinese? What path of study, which university should you choose to make yourself an attractive "candidate" to companies? Travelling, learning about different cultures, volunteering: these are all experiences that count? The questions were so many, formulated directly, via twitter or video, coming from young students getting ready to make their major choices for study and work. 

They responded on Saturday, September 27, at the Triennale of Milan. During the open discussion “The Girls are doing well. Joining vocation and projects, wishes and strengths to face the working world" promoted by Luxottica. Who are they? “Normal” women with exceptional stories: Barbara Stefanelli, Deputy Director of Corriere della Sera, Marta Luca, Luxottica’s Director of Training and Development, Ilaria Capua, scientist and university professor, Geppi Cucciari, comedienne.

Common matrix of the stories: the importance of identifying our personal vocation to build, consistently, our career path and life project. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight and no vision” - says Ilaria Capua citing the deafblind writer Helen Keller. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself to the test, raising the bar” - is one of Barbara Stefanelli’s messages. “The training before the game is very important” - replies with a sports metaphor Geppi Cucciari. A tip from the only man on the stage, Antonio Ambrosetti? “Combine your vocation with what the working world considers appealing and useful”. 

Luxottica is strongly committed in enhancing women’s talent and in developing new projects in order to support women’s leadership (35% of key roles are currently entrusted to female leaders). The company participates in the discussion with the contribution of Marta Luca, interviewed by Maria Luisa Agnese, Carlotta De Leo e Kibra Sebhat. The ideal candidate? Not perfect, but aware of her/his strengths and ready to work on her/his weaknesses. For a young person who is preparing to enter the working world, it is essential to gain experience, travelling and learning about different cultures. Volunteering is a value, it teaches us to understand how we can affect the lives of other people.

Sharing experiences, different cultures and traditions, volunteering. This is the air you breathe in Luxottica: with its strong global presence in more than 130 countries all around the five continents, 35 different languages, global sponsor of the OneSight Foundation which works to restore the gift of sight to people in need around the world.

A final message (not only) to women? Ilaria Capua says “We must dare to dare”. To seize opportunities, conquer our own space, challenge preconceived schemes and be determined to pursue our own ideas. "Being a woman is so fascinating. It is an adventure that requires such courage, a challenge that never bores."(Oriana Fallaci).