Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
A professional path does not always follow a clearly defined direction. Sometimes it develops through the combination of different passions, unexpected experiences and the ability to recognize new opportunities along the way. This is the case for Matteo Boccato, currently Sales Manager at ddchem srl, whose background in Materials Engineering led him from applied research to managing international markets in the chemical sector.
During his university years, the world of materials represented above all a great curiosity to explore further. “I have always had an innate curiosity about how the things around us work, the production processes required to create them, and the materials they are made of.” An interest that found in Materials Engineering the ideal environment to transform into professional expertise.
His passion for this discipline also grew thanks to the encounter with professors who were able to transmit enthusiasm and curiosity. “During my Master’s degree, I found great inspiration in the professors teaching subjects related to Metallurgy and Corrosion Protection.” Those disciplines represented a connection between theory, material behaviour and concrete industrial applications.
Before university, however, his professional future was not yet so clear. “Honestly, I would never have imagined reaching where I am today.” His path gradually took shape through different experiences that helped him understand not only what he wanted to do, but also which working environment best suited his personality.
The transition from academia to industry began with his Master’s thesis, developed in collaboration with Isopan S.p.A. (Manni Group) and the Industrial Coatings and Corrosion Protection Laboratory, under the supervision of Professor Michele Fedel.
“The thesis involved electrochemical analyses, such as EIS and ACET, and the characterization of samples through standard, cyclic and acetic salt spray tests.”
The final goal was to identify methodologies capable of predicting more accurately how materials would behave during their actual service life. A complex topic requiring continuous interaction between research, experimentation and industrial applications.
The company experience also played an equally important role in shaping his career path. “During my internship at Isopan, where I worked in the technical office and R&D department, I became fascinated by the role of my colleagues in sales. I realized that a job that was too repetitive and routine was not for me. I was fascinated by the idea of travelling, visiting customers and presenting the company and its products.”
The transition from theory to practice represented one of the most important challenges. “After university, you think you understand the rules of the game, but then you enter a completely different championship: the world of work.” A world where there is often no perfect predefined solution, and where you need to learn how to adapt, make decisions and find effective answers.
Today, Matteo works as Sales Manager at ddchem srl, where he manages several international markets, including North and South America and Western Europe.
His role involves managing commercial relationships, developing business opportunities and promoting chemical products, particularly epoxy resins and hardeners, among international customers. “I am responsible for selling the company’s products, promoting the brand and Made in Italy abroad, attending industry trade fairs and travelling regularly to monitor business development.”
His professional journey first took him to Fincibec S.p.A., where he gained experience in sales and negotiation, and later to ddchem, where he developed a more structured approach focused on planning and managing complex projects.
“At Fincibec, I learned how to make quick decisions and manage commercial situations that often required immediate responses. At ddchem, instead, I learned the importance of planning and monitoring opportunities, because our products often require long validation processes from customers.”
The greatest satisfaction comes from building long-lasting relationships. “Receiving an order from a new customer is the result of many efforts: it means that the work done on relationships, trust and understanding customer needs has produced results.”
One of the main challenges, however, is managing decisions under pressure. “You have to accept that those who do things also make mistakes. Errors can become opportunities for growth if you are able to analyse them and improve.”
Engineering knowledge continues to play an important role in his daily work. “A technical background certainly helps when dealing with highly qualified customers and understanding the application requirements of products.”
Alongside technical expertise, interpersonal skills become essential. “Being able to listen carefully, identify the details that make a difference, develop problem-solving skills and make timely decisions are fundamental aspects.”
Over time, he has also learned the value of teamwork and delegation. “Listening is a fundamental phase in team dynamics. Active listening allows you to identify important aspects from different perspectives.”
For him, effective communication also means being able to transfer an idea by involving others. “If you have a valuable insight, you need to communicate it clearly, effectively and convincingly.”
The chemical sector is undergoing an important transformation driven by the search for more sustainable solutions. “Many products still contain substances that need to be replaced with greener raw materials while maintaining the same performance levels.”
This evolution represents one of the most interesting challenges for the future. Epoxy resins are used in many different fields, from adhesives to flooring, from coatings for steel structures to composite materials.
“I am fascinated by the many final applications of our products because they often become innovative solutions to practical problems.”
Curiosity continues to be the main driver of his professional journey. “What excites me is working towards objectives: organizing business trips, meeting customers, attending trade fairs, analysing new markets and developing new opportunities.”
Professional development also remains a priority. “I positively welcome new challenges. Knowing more languages is certainly essential: I learned Spanish through experience and would like to improve it further, as well as learn French.”
To students and those entering the professional world, his main advice is to gain practical experience. “Even just three months in a company can help you understand a working environment, meet new colleagues and discover different roles, allowing you to understand which direction to take after graduation.”
For those who want to pursue a career in sales, his advice is to approach this profession with enthusiasm. “You have to enjoy it, not be afraid to gain experience and always be hungry for knowledge.”
The most important characteristics for building a career like his are determination, openness to dialogue and listening skills. “Being proactive, dedicated, having a touch of ambition and being positive, outgoing people are fundamental qualities.”
Looking ahead, his goal is to continue growing through new professional challenges, perhaps managing different markets or more structured teams. “The major transformation of the sector will certainly be towards increasingly sustainable and eco-friendly chemistry, capable of combining innovation and respect for the environment.”
A journey that started with Materials Engineering, but was built above all through curiosity, relationships and the ability to adapt to change.
