The Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance (FDEF) and corporate partner Ferrero Luxembourg, were proud to honour the 2022-2023 Ferrero fellows at an in-person ceremony held at Casa Ferrero, Ferrero’s corporate headquarters, on 1 March 2023. Like their predecessors, this sixth cohort of Ferrero Fellows was selected from a large pool of applicants based on academic excellence, motivation and drive, as well as engagement and dedication to studies and extracurricular activities.
2022-2023 Ferrero Fellows:
- Diletta Elena Blangero – Master in European Law
- Nelsi Mezini – Master of Science in Finance and Economics
- Issa Sombe – Master of Science in Finance and Economics
- Nigar Valizada – Master of Science in Finance and Economics
- Pouria Jafari Chamazkoti – Master of Science in Finance and Economics
The Fellows are given a tour of Casa Ferrero by Clémence Poinsignon from Ferrero HR.
The group of fellows was treated to a guided tour of the Casa Ferrero, where they will each begin their internships in the spring of 2024, before gathering for the formal ceremony. After an introduction by Recruitment Centre Manager, Marion Bihouee, HR Luxembourg Director, Filippo Busceti, welcomed the fellows and gave some background on the family-owned Italian company’s relationship with the University of Luxembourg. Through six years of partnership, 29 fellows have completed the programme, with many of them joining the company following their internship. The Fellowship programme is not the only area in which the University and Ferrero have built up a partnership, explained Mr. Busceti, referencing the Ferrero case-study included in the 2021 Well-being at Work (W@W) project, led by Department of Law professor Luca Ratti.
HR Luxembourg Director, Filippo Busceti, addresses the audience.
Mr. Busceti also touched upon the international dimension of the company and how this vision fits into the uniquely global context of Luxembourg. With 62 different nationalities represented among the 1400 employees at Casa Ferrero, integration and interaction are two core principles which support Ferrero’s goals of best-working conditions, sustainability and well-being among employees. These ideas were reinforced by former Fellow Louis-Kevin Gambut’s testimonial. A 2022 graduate of the Master in Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme, now a Junior Brand Manager at Ferrero, Louis gave advice to the incoming Fellows, “be curious, ask questions and don’t hesitate to interact with experienced professionals.” “You will soon feel at home,” Louis said, speaking further about the personal development tools and support available to help Ferrero Fellows find their path.
Louis-Kevin Gambut, a former Fellow and current Ferrero employee, shares his experience.
Fakhrdine Bendaoud, Ferrero Hazelnut Company CFO, found his path at Ferrero. Speaking to the incoming Fellows, a majority of which are studying Economics and Finance, Fakhrdine shared his journey from auditor to CFO during 11 years with the company including his key role in the strategic acquisition and integration of the hazelnut company, Oltan group, in 2014. For Fakhrdine, Ferrero, as a family company, provided him with a shared set of values and an environment where he could grow as a professional. Drawing on his own experience, he encouraged the Fellows to actively seek out learning and mentoring opportunities within the company.
Fakhrdine Bendaoud, Ferrero Hazelnut Company CFO, walks the Fellows through his career at Ferrero.
FDEF Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor Arnaud Dupuy, spoke about the significance of the fellowship and financial support for the students who often struggle to balance their studies with the high cost-of-living. Furthermore, Prof. Dupuy explained that the Fellowship helps students create bridges between the market and their academic programmes by providing an opportunity for them to apply the skills that they learn in the classroom, as well as access to a professional network.
Prof. Arnaud Dupuy, Vice-Dean for Academic Affairs at the FDEF, speaks about the long-standing partnership.
Before concluding the ceremony with a celebratory cocktail, Mr. Busceti offered a few words of advice to the students, “Be open, be curious,” he said, “keep chasing your dreams and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.” Reminding the audience of Ferrero’s deeply held values, he officially welcomed and congratulated the group of five fellows into the Ferrero family.
About the Ferrero/University of Luxembourg Fellowship Program
The Ferrero Fellowship is a 2 year-program between Ferrero Luxembourg and the University of Luxembourg (Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance) which was initially launched in 2017. Every year, Ferrero selects up to six students specializing in Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship and Law and sponsors them through an instalment scholarship, as well as the possibility of a paid internship at the Ferrero Luxembourg Headquarters upon completion of their degree.