“It’s a journey, not just a job, and it’s yours to navigate.”

Navigating a career can be unpredictable, bringing with it a level of uncertainty that, let’s be honest, can be really uncomfortable when you’re looking for your first job.

And when you throw in not knowing exactly what you want to do, and the endless possibilities out there, the pressure to choose the “correct” path can be daunting.

Meet our Director of Member Relations and Communications, Michelle Roverelli . As someone who learned to embrace this unease early on, we grabbed some time with her to discuss her career path, her experience as a woman in leadership and some pieces of advice for those of you feeling at a bit of a crossroads. Spoiler alert: this may involve tractors... 🚜

🗳️ From political science to communications – by chance! 👀

Michelle’s career began in Italy – and it has not been linear. “I graduated with a degree in political science from Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome. After that, I did a short stint at the Union of Italian Industrialists,” she reflects. “The only role they had available was in the press office. And so, I said: ‘I might as well go to the press office.’ And that's where my passion and interest in communications began - by chance!”

This role provided significant opportunities, and within six months, Michelle secured her first contract in Brussels at the Italian Business Association offices, marking a new chapter and subsequent roles in Brussels’ most important lobby organizations and consultancies encompassing everything from public affairs, spokesperson duties, communications, and awareness-building campaigns for clients such as the European Commission and international corporations.

She also pursued a master’s in European politics and economics at the Institute for European Studies, ULB (IEE-ULB) , linking her studies to her work for a pan-European lobby that represented farmers and the agricultural cooperative interests.

“My most memorable press call was standing on a tractor outside the EU Parliament in Strasbourg surrounded by dozens of farmers asking for a reform of the controversial Common Agricultural Policy. To date, only the Song Contest tops that level of action!"

🤝 Finding Her Place at the EBU 📍

After six years in Brussels, Michelle moved to Geneva to work with an international consultancy, engaging with diverse clients including banks and NGOs, before joining the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in 2007.

“I wasn’t initially familiar with the EBU,” she admits, “I discovered a true pandora’s box of excellence and expertise in all aspects related to public service media (PSM).

“I started as a press officer and now I'm part of the EBU’s management team, responsible for Member relations and communications. Its been a fascinating journey so far and I am very proud of what the EBU is today and how it has transformed itself as an organization over the years, supporting its Members in a rapidly changing media environment.”

Her motto is “Life is short. Do what you love. Love what you do.” Michelle’s talented multi-cultural team works with colleagues across the EBU to ensure the delivery of the EBU’s value proposition and the marketing of its activities, products and services to Members, public service media organizations, in 56 countries.

“EBU Members are the front and center of everything we do.

“We’re also responsible for institutional relations, internal and external communications, digital marketing, strategic branding, event production & organization, crisis mgt for global events as well as translation services.

“The breadth of topics we get to work across is very enriching, and the impact we generate is super rewarding. Believe me, there is never a dull moment in Member relations and communications!"

🏆 Championing Gender Balance 🙌

Michelle is positive about the change she’s seen in EBU throughout her years here. “Today, we are a very diverse, gender-balanced company – even at a management and at Member Board level. I think women are very well represented, and it helps that our Director General Noel Curran has been passionate about shaping this culture.

“We have a good story to tell in terms of women in leadership, and the lack of barrier to progression here no matter your gender. Over the past years the EBU has been consistently fostering a culture of inclusion and employee well-being.  Workplace flexibility, including hybrid and remote-work options, are a testament to this. Something we introduced mostly in response to the pandemic, but that continues to be our successful modus operandi today.”

🚀 Advice for Aspiring Leaders 💯

For young professionals seeking career progression, Michelle offers this:

“Carefully, consciously and deliberately choose roles that fit your values.

"We have the privilege of working in a purpose / value led sector here at the EBU. Our belief is that strong public service media organizations are the cornerstone of democracy and that the important PSM values, of trust, universality, independence, diversity, excellence, are now more important than ever."

From her past experience Michelle points out that the career journey can indeed be bumpy with twists and turns, but it is also a chance to learn and ‘reset’.

 "Believe in yourself and your abilities. It will be a bumpy road at times no matter the stage of the career you’re in, but -believe me! - those ‘bumps’ are there for you to learn & grow and may also lead you to explore new exciting avenues.

“Invest time in building relationships. Relationships are the foundations on which all learning is built.  Start to build a strong network early on and find mentors who can guide you through your career journey. My inbox is open!"

Michelle is also a big believer in taking charge of your progression.

"Own your development. Don’t wait for someone to tell you what to do or show you the way. Your manager, team or colleagues should inspire you, but ultimately you need to figure out the strings you need to pull and the people you can learn from. The journey is yours to navigate.”

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