Introduction:
We’re excited to have Valerio with us today. He’s a Senior Brand Specialist at Amazon, where he works with brands to help them grow on the platform. Valerio graduated from Bocconi University, where he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management. In his nearly three years at Amazon, he’s gained valuable experience in e-commerce and brand management. Today, Valerio will share his career journey, what it’s like to work at Amazon, and some of the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Q1)
Host: To begin, what drew you to this field and position?
Valerio: I’ve always been interested in e-commerce, and when the opportunity at Amazon arose, I embraced it. I was attracted to Amazon’s customer-centric approach, which simplifies the shopping experience and has a transformative impact. Additionally, Amazon’s data-driven culture appealed to my preference for working with numbers. I also value the supportive culture, which has been especially helpful in the early stages of my career.
Q2)
Host: You graduated from Bocconi two years ago, correct?
Valerio: Yes, in 2022.
Q3)
Host: Was that for a master’s degree?
Valerio: Yes, I completed both my undergraduate and master’s degrees at Bocconi, beginning my bachelor’s in 2017 in CLEAM (Bachelor’s in Economics and Management), followed by a Master of Science in Management in 2020.
Q4)
Host: Did your master’s play a role in helping you secure the position at Amazon?
Valerio: Definitely. My master’s provided both the knowledge and confidence I needed, opening doors to opportunities like this one.
Q5)
Host: How did your career at Amazon begin?
Valerio: I joined as an intern in February 2022. I needed an internship to graduate, and Amazon offered me a Product Management (PM) intern role. It was a valuable learning experience, and I soon realized that I enjoyed the work. After completing my internship, I transitioned to a brand specialist role, marking the true start of my career.
Q6)
Host: Which companies have you worked with in this role?
Valerio: During my internship, I worked with brands like Samsung, Philips, and Gantt to understand their buying processes. Later, as a brand specialist, I managed brands like Benetton, Sisley, Gantt, and currently BBH, which includes Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.
Q7)
Host: What challenges did you encounter when starting out?
Valerio: Like many new professionals, I was initially nervous about making mistakes. However, Amazon promotes a growth mindset, where learning from mistakes is encouraged. The experience taught me the value of resilience and continuous improvement.
Q8)
Host: Outside of work, how do you spend your time?
Valerio: I stay active by going to the gym three times a week, playing paddle, jogging, and occasionally swimming.
Q9)
Host: Could you elaborate on your specific responsibilities at Amazon?
Valerio: Certainly. As a Senior Brand Specialist, I support vendors in growing their businesses on Amazon by increasing their market share and ensuring Amazon’s profitability. I also work on projects within Amazon Fashion, assisting vendors with new seasonal collections.
Q10)
Host: Do you see growth potential for Amazon Fashion in the coming years?
Valerio: Yes, both Amazon Fashion and the broader e-commerce industry have significant growth potential. Amazon aims to establish itself as a major player in the fashion industry, focusing on enhancing the customer experience through tools like virtual try-ons and other AI-driven personalization features.
Q11)
Host: Does your role involve onboarding new brands?
Valerio: Not directly. A separate team is responsible for scouting and onboarding new brands, which are then transitioned to our team for ongoing management.
Q12)
Host: Which skills have been most valuable in your role?
Valerio: Two key skills are essential: proficiency with numbers and strong account management abilities. Amazon is a data-driven environment, so being able to interpret data and understand business trends is crucial. Account management is also vital, as it involves balancing the needs of vendors with Amazon’s objectives.
Q13)
Host: Did Bocconi prepare you well for this role?
Valerio: Yes, Bocconi prepared me for the job market and set realistic expectations. However, there’s still a great deal of learning that happens on the job, and Amazon offers comprehensive training to support that process.
Q14)
Host: What do you appreciate most about Amazon’s culture?
Valerio: I appreciate the supportive environment. Amazon assigns new hires a buddy and a mentor to help them integrate and encourages networking for career growth. If I have an interest in another role, such as a PM position in AWS, I can reach out for a quick coffee chat, and colleagues are open to sharing insights.
Q15)
Host: What’s your next career goal?
Valerio: I was recently promoted to Senior Brand Specialist, so I’m currently focused on excelling in this role and further developing my skills. I’m open to new opportunities as they arise.
Q16)
Host: What experiences have contributed to your success in this field?
Valerio: Working as a real estate agent in my father’s agency during my bachelor’s provided valuable client and business relationship experience, which developed my business acumen and relationship management skills.
Q17)
Host: Do you have any advice for students considering a similar career path?
Valerio: Be proactive and open to learning. Apply widely, network, and seek informational meetings with people in roles you’re interested in. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience and refine your career interests.
Q18)
Host: What do you foresee for the future of e-commerce?
Valerio: E-commerce will continue to expand, driven by advancements in AI that enhance personalization and user experience. The convenience of online shopping will only grow as technology becomes more integrated.
Q19)
Host: Are there any resources you recommend?
Valerio: Bocconi offers resources like Statista and the Financial Times. Reading industry reports and financial data helps you stay informed on trends, which is beneficial for personal knowledge and potential interviews.
Q20)
Host: Are industry trends typically discussed during interviews?
Valerio: Not necessarily but being informed shows a genuine interest in the field and can be valuable for day-to-day work.
Q21)
Host: Finally, do you have any advice for Bocconi students?
Valerio: Be courageous and embrace learning from mistakes. There will always be individuals who excel in certain areas but focus on your strengths and use those to your advantage.
Q22)
Host: Last question, do you think Amazon Prime is worth it?
Valerio: Yes, I find it worthwhile. I use it regularly, though I pay for it myself.
A HUGE THANKS TO:
Valerio Hu
Radio Bocconi
BOARD:Angelo Hu, Lucia Wu, Isabel Fraioli
Business Team: Wenjing(Gioia) Wu, Gianni Zhang, Luca Zhuo, Paris Chang, Alessandro Gallone
Marketing Team: Jimmy Dong, Lina Ying Ying Zhang
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