Living on the EDGE: Matteo Rubbettino
START small, but dream big. That’s what Master of Arts student Matteo Rubbettino learnt when he saw his uncle transform a small publishing house in a remote village in Italy into a media empire.
What’s your name, and how old are you?
My name is Matteo Rubbettino and I am 24-years-old.
Where are you from? Where and what course or program are you doing?
I am from Italy and I am currently enrolled in the RMIT Arts Management Master of Arts.
How long have you been in Melbourne for and why did you choose to come to Melbourne? Did you come alone or with family?
I have been here for one year and a half and I originally came to do gain some professional experience. I came with my girlfriend who had been in Australia previously and knew already what the country could offer.
What got you into the EDGE program?
The EDGE seemed, since the beginning, a great opportunity for me to meet a number of very interesting people and have those cross-cultural conversations that can take place only in a city like Melbourne. The idea of having the top 20 students all together for two months working on challenges and tasks immediately encouraged me to apply.
And what are you expecting to get from the program?
The opportunity to reconsider my skills and my achievements in order to grow up as a professional and as an aspiring leader.
What does leadership mean to you?
To be able to communicate effectively with people from very diverse cultural backgrounds, and at the same time inspire people to do their best to overcome great challenges. It means also to be able to deal with risk and to face the unexpected with patience and lucidity.
What or who do you draw inspiration from, and why?
My great inspiration will be my uncle who started a publishing house in my very small village of 3000 people in the south of Italy, when everyone was skeptical about the possibility of the success of something starting in such a remote centre and that is now one of the major Italian publishing companies.
If you could champion one cause for international students in Melbourne, what would it be?
Equal opportunities as Australians when being considered for working positions – in order to help employers make the best choice, and reward merit instead of falling back on the “easiest solution” available.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Play soccer, watch a good movie or do some trekking around some of the amazing natural parks around Melbourne
What are your other talents/hobbies outside the classroom?
I am a DJ, an organizer of artistic events and I love cooking.
Where is your favourite spot to hang out in Melbourne?
Labour in Vain Hotel in Fitzroy.
What song gets you pumped or excited? Think Eye of the Tiger or Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” or any Bon Jovi track.
James Brown & The JBs – You Can Have Watergate
If I had a million dollars I would…. travel and experience all the 193 countries of this world.
If I only had $5 I would… buy the ingredients to make some pizzas for my EDGE colleagues.
Matteo is among the 20 international student leaders selected to take part in the City of Melbourne’s EDGE 2012 program.