In the rapidly evolving world of higher education, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. As we adapt to these technological advancements, we not only enhance our academic experiences but also prepare ourselves for the ever-changing professional landscape. This evolution is akin to Darwin's theory of survival of the fittest, where the ability to embrace change quickly becomes a critical skill. In this tech-driven era, the ability to adapt to new tools and platforms are paramount for both higher education professionals and students.

Gloria, for example, had to employ the capability of diversifying qualities during moments in her life, like when she switched professional tracks and had to delve into the technological world, which spoke this foreign digital and technical “language” considerably different from the one she was accustomed to using. Gloria Lupo Pasini, a graduate of Università Cattolica with a degree in Modern Languages for International Relations, initially embarked on her professional journey as a language enthusiast. Her passion for diverse languages led her to specialise in German and English and gain international experience in Germany and Australia. She started her career at her home university, Università Cattolica, working for the Global Engagement and International Education department, assisting students going abroad for exchange programmes.

What began as a part-time role during her university thesis research eventually turned into seven years of professional growth. Gloria's experience with both home and international students sparked her passion for the world of higher education. She became deeply invested in this niche but vital sector.

Reflecting on her journey, Gloria mentioned, “I discovered the international higher education world, a niche and a specific environment that you don't know that exists until you come across it somehow. It was a great discovery for me because I loved the time that I spent in the field." Gloria met wonderful people and seized valuable growth and learning opportunities. Her dedication allowed her to develop a unique capacity for adaptability, a skill she didn't fully realise until she embarked on a different career path.

Due to various circumstances or perhaps a stroke of luck, as Gloria humorously states she transitioned from student services to a more business development-related role, discovering the intriguing world of technology and innovation during her travels. Her curiosity and desire for personal growth led her to pursue an MBA at the IE Business School in Madrid, which marked a significant shift in her career path. “If I want to change my career and do something different, I need to have a different education as well, to learn something new.” She embarked on a journey to explore tech-related jobs and landed at Slack, a prominent cloudbased messaging service.

At Slack, Gloria's role as an Account Executive introduced her to a world with different responsibilities from her previous positions. As she delved into her new job, she realised that the skills and the knowledge she gained at Cattolica could be applied in innovative ways. Gloria's capacity for adaptability and lifelong learning not only made her a leader within her team but also empowered her to redefine her professional identity. She observed, "If you engage in self-discovery and a huge amount of work, you can do anything. I was able to get great value from everything that I had been doing at Cattolica workwise and to be able to resell myself in a different way."

Gloria's journey highlights that the realm of technology is accessible to everyone. It is not limited to certain individuals or professions. The language of technology can be learned, adapted to, and embraced. Gloria emphasised, "Through this job, I've learned that there is a way to combine technology and higher education. Salesforce, the parent company of Slack, is heavily investing in higher education, and there's great potential for synergy between the two."

Gloria's story is a testament to the ever-expanding role of technology in higher education and the limitless possibilities for personal and professional growth in this dynamic landscape. As higher education professionals and students, we can take inspiration from her journey and embrace the continuous evolution of technology in our academic and professional lives.