Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
This is the story of Silvia Di Rosa, a graduate in Materials Engineering from the University of Trento and currently a Project Manager at the multinational company EnginSoft. Her work takes her around the world, collaborating with clients and colleagues to optimize engineering processes in various companies. However, her journey is not only about technical expertise—it’s a story of challenges, bold choices, and continuous professional growth.
As she recounts: “I’ve always had a strong inclination toward scientific subjects,” and “after attending a science-focused high school, I decided to pursue engineering. When I first visited Trento, I was fascinated by the city, but above all by the engineering faculty in Mesiano—with its striking white structure and deep red interior walls, perched on a hill with a spectacular view over the city.” It was this combination of setting and academic offer that convinced her to enroll in Materials Engineering, a pioneering program in Italy. “It was an innovative course, and the idea of delving into such a specific field really intrigued me. That’s how my adventure in Trento began.”
During her academic journey, she found a stimulating environment filled with experienced professors and enthusiastic young researchers. Among them were some of the first graduates in Materials Engineering in Trento, including the current Rector, Engineer Flavio Deflorian. “I can’t deny that I had a strong, mutually inspiring relationship with many of them. Seeing their outstanding academic careers was a great source of inspiration for all of us.” Those years became a time of deep personal and professional growth, leaving a lasting impact on her future career.
Her thesis at the Industrial Anticorrosion Laboratory, focusing on sintered and zinc-coated automotive components, followed by a scholarship-funded internship at the Fiat Research Center, broadened her perspective. “For a while, I thought I might stay in academia,” she recalls, “perhaps because I felt safe in that environment. I loved preparing samples, polishing them, and conducting electrochemical impedance tests. It was a year of work with the seasons passing outside the window. But that internship experience completely changed my plans and opened the door to the industrial sector.”
Her career thus began in the automotive industry, a field that, then as now, demanded advanced technical skills and continuous learning.
At that time, the interaction between academia and industry was less structured than it is today, making the transition from theory to practice a real challenge. Unlike today’s young engineers, who benefit from more opportunities to engage with companies, Silvia notes: “I believe that academia’s current positioning relative to the outside world helps create more aware and better-prepared engineers—ones who are ready to face the challenges of today’s job market.”
Today, Silvia works as a Project Manager at EnginSoft, a company specialized in engineering software that recently became part of the Brazilian multinational ESSS. “Internationalization is something that truly enriches and helps me grow. Collaborating with colleagues from three different continents is one of the most stimulating parts of my job.”
Challenges are, of course, ever-present: the engineering sector is constantly evolving, and staying up to date is essential. “We always have to study, train, and deepen our knowledge. It’s not a journey with an endpoint. To truly keep up, we must commit ourselves every day.” Among the most fascinating innovations, she highlights the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, which is transforming how engineers work. “We must let machines handle repetitive tasks and focus on those requiring creativity and strategy.”
Beyond technical skills, Silvia sees soft skills as essential—time management, teamwork, and
conflict resolution. “The real difference lies in management, planning, and interpersonal skills. A good technician can become an excellent manager only if they know how to communicate and work in a team.”
A particularly important part of her journey has been learning project management methodologies, which help organize and monitor work efficiently. Communication, in particular, is a key element of her role. “Listening is fundamental, but it’s also important to be able to synthesize and highlight the value of each team member. A successful project is always the result of collective work.”
Alongside her corporate work, Silvia also serves as President of the Order of Engineers in the Province of Trento, a role that allows her to engage with over 3,000 members and with national representatives from other local orders, contributing to the growth of the profession. “This role is incredibly enriching and is providing me with amazing opportunities for growth and new inspiration.”
One of her goals for the future is to increase the female presence in engineering. “Even today, women face many challenges in reaching leadership positions. To succeed, they often have to develop an extra skill: the ability to interpret rules established by men. We need to create opportunities for dialogue and tell the success stories of women who have built a life in engineering with tenacity and determination.”
To those starting their journey, Silvia advises following their passions and instincts. “The job market will always have space for those with skills and determination. And for those who choose engineering, there will be no shortage of opportunities.” Determination and self-confidence are the keys to success: “Believing in your own value is fundamental. Every contribution can make an impact and drive innovation.”
Looking to the future, she hopes for a sector that is increasingly inclusive and dynamic, where talent can flourish without gender barriers. “Engineering has always accompanied the country’s transformations. In the coming years, engineers will continue to be key players in driving change.”
