Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
When it comes to innovation, there are stories that not only inspire but also pave the way for the future. Lorenzo Menaldo’s professional journey is a perfect example of this continuous pursuit of pioneering solutions.
Graduating in materials engineering from Trento in 1998 with a thesis on composite materials, Lorenzo quickly learned the value of the scientific method:
“I graduated with an experimental thesis on composite materials, particularly nylon-6 reinforced with glass fiber, under the guidance of Professors Fambri and Pegoretti,” he recalls. “This experience taught me a lot about the importance of the scientific method: formulating a hypothesis, collecting data, and verifying it.”
It was a time of great excitement—the department was still in Mesiano, in a building they called “the attic,” and every day was an opportunity to learn.
After graduating, Lorenzo completed his military service as an officer, applying his technical knowledge to bridge construction. Following this experience, he entered the workforce, first in the glass bottle industry, where he worked in production engineering for a multinational company, and later at MOMO, a company specializing in high-end and Formula 1 steering wheels.
“Working at MOMO was thrilling: in four years, I filed four patents and collaborated with some of the most prestigious luxury car manufacturers.”
His next step took him to COMAR SPA, where he developed barrier films for food packaging, and then to GKN, a leading company in the agricultural axle sector. Here, he held executive roles in Italy, Spain, and the United States, broadening his international vision. After a corporate restructuring, he returned to his former company, which in the meantime had become KSS Italia and later Joyson Italia, taking on the role of technical director.
He didn’t stop exploring new fields, working in plastic molding for the automotive industry and cast iron foundries.
After 24 years of experience, he took a major leap and became a consultant and fractional manager, helping companies grow even with limited resources. At the same time, he strengthened his connection with academia, thanks to Professor Fambri:
“I started giving university seminars to explain to students how materials engineering is applied in the industrial world and how to launch a successful product in the luxury and automotive sectors.”
For Lorenzo Menaldo, soft skills are essential in today’s job market.
“Beyond technical skills, companies seek communication abilities, assertiveness, and teamwork. Soft skills can be trained, and it’s crucial to do so because they are decisive for professional success.”
His advice to university students focuses on three key aspects:
“You need to master the concepts studied and know how to apply them, develop lateral thinking to solve problems from different perspectives, and gain experience in problem-solving. The thesis is essential precisely to learn how to solve problems independently.”
He adds:
“A true professional reaches the goal by exploring different paths without fixating on just one. Flexibility and dialogue with others are key—often, external insights provide valuable solutions. It’s also important to step out of your comfort zone: don’t be afraid to explore new or unusual fields. Often, these experiences bring the most valuable knowledge and the best growth opportunities.”
Regarding collaboration between alumni and universities, Lorenzo sees it as crucial.
“These exchanges help update knowledge and show students the importance of a structured method. Above all, they prove that there is room for everyone in the job market. Mistakes and difficulties are part of the journey. At first, you make mistakes—it’s normal. But those very mistakes become our footholds, like crampons that allow us to advance on tricky terrain. At the end of the journey, you look back and see how far you’ve come.”
A key improvement in the relationship between universities and the job market will increasingly be the organization of practical seminars where external professionals share the language and skills of the corporate world.
“It’s important to understand that not everything studied in books is directly transferred to the workplace, but it still forms an essential cultural foundation to tackle professional challenges. This way, students learn to face future challenges with greater awareness and confidence.”
