Alumna Chiara Danna hails from Viterbo, Italy. After graduating from John Cabot University in 2022 with a Political Science major and a Legal Studies minor, she carved a path into the world of European politics.Today, she serves as a Local Assistant to Italian politician Antonella Sberna, one of the Vice Presidents of the European Parliament.
Can you tell us what you are currently working on and what a typical day looks like for you?
A “typical day” is almost impossible to define, because no two days are the same. My job revolves around handling last-minute events, managing urgent issues, coordinating communications, and constantly adapting to a fast-paced political environment. There is a lot of running around, very little downtime, and an ongoing need to stay focused. Over time, it has become more than a job; it is a lifestyle. You are either fully committed to it, or it might end up being overwhelming.
How did your experience at JCU help shape the path you are on today?
John Cabot University shaped me in ways I didn’t fully realize until after I graduated. My Political Science major and Legal Studies minor gave me the academic foundation I rely on every day, but what truly made the difference were the people, the environment, and the experiences I had. JCU taught me how to think critically and speak with confidence, but also how to collaborate, manage responsibility, and approach complex situations with clarity.
What made JCU special for me was my sense of being genuinely supported. My professors didn’t just teach, they paid attention to me. They noticed when I was improving, when I was struggling, and when I needed to be pushed a bit further. That kind of guidance stays with you. It gave me the confidence to picture myself in demanding roles and to actually pursue them.
Some of the most meaningful conversations I had happened after class, when a professor would take a moment to ask about my goals or challenge me to think bigger. Those moments helped me trust myself and believe I was capable of entering the world of politics.
In many ways, JCU was the place where I slowly grew into the person who could take on the job I have today. It didn’t just prepare me academically, it helped me grow into someone who was ready for the world.
What have been the most meaningful challenges and rewards of working as a Local Assistant to the Vice President of the European Parliament?
The challenges are constant: last-minute events, urgent issues, unpredictability, and a pace that rarely slows down. There are days when it feels like every task is a crisis to solve, and you have to be alert at all times. But these same challenges are also what make the job so meaningful. Being able to support the vice president’s work and contribute to initiatives with real impact is incredibly rewarding.
Another unexpected and deeply enriching aspect of this role has been the opportunity to meet so many people. I have built genuine relationships with individuals I never imagined I would work with, including ministers, MEPs, ambassadors, and advisors. Those human connections, built through shared work and trust, are among the most gratifying parts of this experience.
Were there any professors, classes, or moments at JCU that left a lasting impact on you?
Absolutely! Two professors in particular had a profound influence on me: Professor Michael Driessen and Professor Isabella Clough Marinaro.
Professor Driessen is someone I admire immensely. He is one of the most prepared and knowledgeable professors I had, but what stood out even more was his character, his patience, and the way he genuinely cares for his students. He has the remarkable ability to challenge you intellectually while still making you feel supported. His classes were thoughtful, rigorous, and grounded in reality. The way he approached political theory and dialogue shaped how I think, how I listen, and how I carry myself professionally. He truly set a standard for the kind of person and professional I aspire to be.
Professor Clough Marinaro brought an incredible level of passion and presence to her teaching. She had a way of turning every lecture into something dynamic and meaningful. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter was contagious; you walked into her classroom feeling curious and walked out feeling inspired. She pushed us to think critically, to question deeply, and to engage with the material in ways that stayed with me long after the semester ended. Her drive and energy made her classes something I genuinely looked forward to, and they played a significant role in strengthening my commitment to the field.
What advice would you give to current JCU students who hope to follow a similar path?
If there is one piece of advice I would emphasize above everything else, it is this: make networking your priority. In this field, relationships open doors that hard skills alone never could. Use the events JCU organizes, go to the talks, approach speakers, and apply for internships. These experiences aren’t just boosters for your resume – they are stepping stones. Politics often works through people: it’s often about meeting someone who knows someone who eventually becomes the link to your next opportunity.
At the same time, embrace the challenges that come your way. The political world rewards resilience, adaptability, and initiative. Build strong relationships with your professors and peers: those connections can guide, mentor, and support you long after graduation. As I said, my professors played a huge role in shaping the professional I have become.
And finally, be ready for intensity. Roles like mine demand long hours, quick problem-solving, and full dedication. It is not a 9-5 job – it is a commitment, and sometimes a lifestyle. If this is the path you want, dive in fully with curiosity, discipline, and the willingness to show up even when it is challenging.
