Alumnus testimonial
Federico – Safe Food Advocacy Europe
Even though the Italian Federico was not particularly close to the European and political aspects of the food system at first, his mind quickly changed because of this master’s program. Now, European politics is the centre of his work as a lobbyist in Brussels.
Wageningen certainly helped me to reach my current position. Thanks to the professors’ competence and particular courses that allowed me to engage with the food theme from a political and institutional perspective
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you and what did you study?
"My name is Federico and I was born and raised in Italy. I followed and successfully completed the Food Law and Regulatory Affairs specialisation of the master's programme Food Safety at Wageningen University & Researcch.
I currently work at Safe Food Advocacy Europe, which is a consumer organisation based in Brussels; the same organisation where I carried out my internship before graduation. My work activities predominantly revolve around lobbying, with a particular focus on food, agricultural, and environmental regulations and policies."
What types of jobs have you had since you graduated?
"When I started my studies at Wageningen University, I was entirely focused on the topic of food as to build upon my agricultural background. The Food Safety master's was therefore not a difficult choice at all.
However, in the beginning, I was only marginally interested in the European and political aspects of food. But I quickly gained a deep interest in these subjects during my first period course “European Union Institutions and Policies”.
At the moment, I am very happy and satisfied with my job as I can help European consumers and am advocating for healthier and more transparent regulations and policies in matter of food. For this reason, I hope to continue working in this sector, because it is what I like most and I know it to be beneficial for many people all around Europe.
Wageningen certainly helped me to reach my current position. Thanks to the professors’ competence and particular courses that allowed me to engage with the food theme from a political and institutional perspective."
What choices have you made that have helped you to get where you are now?
"I will always be proud of my stubbornness in finding an internship in the city of Brussels, with the goal to getting closer to the heart of the European Union. This internship in Brussels helped me getting acquainted with the city and understand the dynamics behind it.
The beginning of this working experience was hard, since I entered in an unfamiliar office environment and I had to be patient in order to carry out my tasks smoothly. Nevertheless, I feel very comfortable and satisfied now. With passion and with the competence acquired at Wageningen University everything is possible."