For many students, the final semester of university is both exciting and demanding. At John Cabot University in Rome, seniors often balance rigorous academics with internships, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities that help prepare them for life after graduation.
Benedetta Sparvieri, an Italian student majoring in International Business with a minor in Entrepreneurship for Profit, is currently completing her final semester at JCU. Studying International Business in Rome has allowed Benedetta to combine her academic interests with real-world professional opportunities in one of Europe’s most international cities.
Over the past three years, Benedetta has built an impressive academic and professional path — serving as a research assistant, working as a student ambassador, and securing an internship at a global online travel agency. In this reflection, she shares how she balances six classes, an internship, and her senior thesis, while offering advice to students who want to make the most of their time at John Cabot University.
Hi everyone! For those who don’t know me, my name is Benedetta Sparvieri. I am a senior majoring in International Business, currently in my last semester here at JCU in Rome.
My journey at JCU has been full of meaningful experiences — I have been a research assistant, an ambassador, and I am now working as an intern at a global online travel agency. All of these opportunities came through JCU, and now that I realize these are my final months here, I’ve been thinking about ways to help other students take advantage of as many opportunities as possible during their time at the university.
Throughout my academic journey, I have also been on the Dean’s List multiple times, which not only recognized my academic performance but also helped support my tuition. Staying academically consistent can truly open doors and create tangible benefits.
My first suggestion is to stay updated with what the Center for Career Services posts on their official pages across different platforms. This is especially helpful for finding internships, both for-credit and non-credit opportunities.
If you are interested in becoming a research assistant, I recommend reaching out directly to professors or checking the JCU website regularly for openings.
Many people ask me how I manage six classes alongside my internship and thesis. While it may sound overwhelming, the workload feels manageable because the courses align with my interests and academic goals.
Two of my classes are part of my Entrepreneurship minor, which I decided to pursue during my sophomore year because I found the subject genuinely interesting — Early Stage Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship.
Two other courses are electives I chose simply out of curiosity: Sport Management and Mergers and Acquisitions.
The final two courses are requirements for my major: an English class and my Capstone course.
What has made this semester easier is already knowing many of my professors.
Professor Maiolini teaches several engaging and practical courses, especially within the Entrepreneurship minor. Having taken five of his classes over the past three years has allowed me to deepen my understanding of different topics while developing a strong academic connection.
Professor Ojobor’s classes stand out because of their interactive and unconventional teaching approach. I have taken four courses with her — including my Capstone — and also worked with her as a research assistant, which has been an incredibly valuable experience.
These three years truly flew by. I feel grateful and, honestly, a little sad to be leaving this environment. JCU has seen me grow up — I arrived as a teenager, and now I am leaving as an adult ready to enter the job market, with a strong background thanks to this university.
If I could give one recommendation, it would be to fully live your experience here and try as many things as possible. Join a JCU club or organization, be part of an athletics team, become an ambassador, and build friendships that will truly last.
Distance doesn’t matter — the connections you make here can stay with you for life. Take everything in, be present, and genuinely seize every moment.
As of now, I don’t know exactly what emotions I will feel during my thesis discussion and commencement, but I am certain that I will feel grateful and a little emotional.
Benedetta’s story reflects the dynamic academic experience that students can build at John Cabot University. Through internships, research opportunities, challenging coursework, and mentorship from professors, JCU students are able to develop both academically and professionally while studying in the heart of Rome.
As Benedetta prepares to graduate, her journey highlights the many ways students can shape their university experience by embracing opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and pursuing their academic interests. At John Cabot University, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, explore new paths, and prepare for successful global careers.
Inspired to learn more about John Cabot University? Visit our Academics page or email admissions@johncabot.edu to schedule an informational call and start your own experience in Rome.