Where are you based and how long did your experience last?
I am part of the Employment Advisory department at Baker Tilly Spain, based in the Madrid office, and my stay in Bologna lasted fifteen very intense days, which I tried to make the most of.
What was it like working for another Baker Tilly country?
Actually, rather than working for another country, I had the opportunity to work from another country. Let me explain!
During my stay in Bologna, I continued carrying out my usual responsibilities within the Employment Advisory department in Spain, staying in daily contact with my team, my clients and the matters I normally handle.
However, one of the greatest advantages of this secondment was the incredibly warm welcome I received from the Baker Tilly Italy team. From the very beginning, they made me feel like one of their own and gave me the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into how they work and even attend several hearings at the labour courts in Bologna.
This was particularly interesting for me, as it allowed me to gain a closer understanding of Italian employment law, identify similarities and differences with the Spanish legal system and discover another way of approaching legal matters that are part of my everyday work.
So, although my main responsibilities remained focused on Spain, I was also able to get involved in the Italian team's activities, making the experience even more rewarding.
Why did you want to take part in this experience?
It was an opportunity I knew I didn't want to miss!
Ever since I joined Baker Tilly in 2024, I had always been very interested in the possibility of taking part in an international mobility programme. I consider myself an open-minded, curious person who loves travelling, discovering new cultures and stepping outside my comfort zone.
So, when the opportunity arose to undertake a secondment in Italy, I didn't have to think twice and immediately said yes.
Now that the experience has come to an end, I can confidently say that it exceeded all my expectations. I return with so many new experiences, valuable lessons and, above all, the satisfaction of having met some wonderful people.
I also believe that initiatives like this are incredibly valuable because they allow us to strengthen relationships between Baker Tilly's different offices, get to know our international teams better and truly feel part of the same organisation, regardless of the country we work in.
What was your experience like? How did you find your team? What places did you visit?
The experience couldn't have been better! During these two weeks, I became part of the Legal team at Baker Tilly Bologna, which consists of around eight people. This allowed me to get to know each of them on a much more personal level and feel part of the team from the very beginning.
If I had to highlight one thing about the Italian team, it would undoubtedly be their kindness and warmth. They are excellent professionals, but even better people, and they made me feel incredibly welcome.
As for Bologna, I absolutely fell in love with it! It is a welcoming city full of charm, perfect for wandering through its streets and famous porticoes. I took the opportunity to visit Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio and some of the city's most iconic spots, and, of course, to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Ultimately, beyond the places I visited, what I will remember most are the moments shared with the team, both in and outside the office.
What would you highlight most about this experience? Would you encourage your colleagues to take advantage of these secondment opportunities?
Without a doubt, what I would highlight most is the human side of the experience. One of the most rewarding aspects of working at an international firm is realising that, even though we are based in different countries, we have much more in common than we might think. I arrived in Bologna knowing practically no one and, just fifteen days later, I was saying goodbye to people I hope to stay in touch with for many years to come.
I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to take part, even if only for a short period. You don't need to spend months abroad for an experience like this to be worthwhile.
If there is one thing I have learnt from this secondment, it is that Baker Tilly is not just the office where we work every day, but also all the people who are part of the firm around the world.
