Student profile: Eleonora Rugiero

After spending most of my schooling in Italy, I joined Sciences Po's Menton campus in 2013. My interest in the Middle East and my attachment to the Mediterranean led me to choose a third year in Beirut, Lebanon, where I spent a year at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Beirut taught me a lot, and for the first time in my life, I perceived urban space as being alive and political. The city told a story. Then, I discovered my passion for the urban, which convinced me to pursue a double degree in Urban Policy at Sciences Po and LSE in 2016. 

First of all, Sciences Po and LSE were complementary in terms of teaching methods, approach to territorial public policy and theoretical and bibliographical references from both the French and English-speaking academic worlds
My first year at Sciences Po, in the Regional and Urban Strategies Master's programme, gave me a better understanding of the territorial scale, its geographical component, and its administrative and political aspects. It was there that I discovered local authorities and how they operate. 
When I joined the geography department at LSE, I discovered a working method centred on ethnography and field research. The human dimension of the city, territorial inequalities and the importance of mobilizing civil society to fight for a fairer city for all finally came to the fore, complementing a previously incomplete territorial vision. 

The position of chief of staff usually involves an organizational function, particularly managing the mayor's schedule. In an elected official's office, such a management function takes on an essentially political dimension. Therefore, it is essential to have a more global understanding of the political issues specific to the region and the political sequences that punctuate this agenda.  
While these organisational and prioritisation functions are at the heart of my day-to-day work, I am also the cabinet's point of reference for specific themes such as housing, urban development, and ecological transition. I, therefore, act as a link with the relevant city departments, enabling us to move forward together on actions and projects that give concrete expression to the political vision and will of the Mayor and the municipal majority. 

My day-to-day work is characterised by the diversity of the tasks I have to accomplish and by a high intensity of social interaction. This requires, first and foremost, a great capacity for adaptation and what we call situational intelligence, i.e. a good appreciation of the context around us, the people, the logic of actions, and the stakes. 
More than skills, it's a question of knowing how to behave professionally when dealing with emergencies and crises. So, I must be available, build trusting relationships, and be clear-headed. 

Pursuing a career in political cabinets requires much energy and commitment. We must not underestimate the importance of choosing the area of action and the elected official with whom we commit to working. 
Follow your instincts and choose what you're passionate about, what inspires you and drives you deeply. If you give meaning to your mission and respect your convictions, working in a political office can be the best job in the world!