Sara Mileo: growing up between study and work. My story at Italtel

The beginning of a journey

It was October 26, 1994, when I first stepped into the industrial buildings of Settimo Milanese. I remember that autumn day vividly—foggy and damp, just like the season. I had been assigned to the Data Networks department, and my first task was to reach Building 8, where I would begin working with my new team.

At the time, I was attending a para-university course in Statistics at the Faculty of Political Science in Milan. When the opportunity came to take the entrance test for Italtel, I decided to go for it. My father advised me to continue with my studies, but I knew exactly what I wanted: to work, to be independent, and to stop being a financial burden on my family. I dreamed of building my future on my own terms.

That first day at Italtel is etched in my memory—just like all the days that followed. I found a friendly and stimulating environment from the very beginning. Even though some people had planted doubts in my mind about whether IT and telecommunications were the right path for me, I’ve always faced every challenge with passion and determination.

Projects that marked my professional growth

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on innovative projects that significantly contributed to my career development. I started by integrating Italtel equipment into ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) architectures, which gave me the chance to collaborate with the product engineering team and to develop a cross-functional approach combining both hardware and software.

With Siemens entering the picture, my journey expanded into the realm of fiber optic access, where I participated in testing Passive Optical Network (PON) technology and verifying the ATM functionalities of network equipment.

Later, I moved into Research & Development, contributing to the design, testing, and certification of hardware and software solutions for the WAN (Wide Area Network) of Italy’s leading telecommunications operator. A pivotal moment was the start of our collaboration with Cisco, which allowed me to gain hands-on experience in managing bug reports and system malfunctions through dedicated tools, while interfacing with engineering teams around the globe.

The natural evolution of the telecommunications industry eventually led me into the IP world. I earned several Cisco certifications and took on the role of Network Solution Engineer. In this capacity, I supported the development of the IP EDGE network for Italy’s main telecom operator and deepened my expertise by working on the Optical Packet Metro (OPM) network—helping implement services for both fixed-line and mobile customers.

Balancing study and work: a challenge I overcame

Meanwhile, my growth extended beyond the professional realm. In 2005, I earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a focus on Information Systems. After being hired by Italtel, I decided to shift my academic path from Statistics to Computer Science.

Italtel offered great support to working students, allowing them to leave one hour early for university classes, provided they completed at least two exams per year. I studied on weekends and evenings after work. Balancing study and work taught me that determination and consistency are essential to achieving your goals.

A career in continuous evolution

Today, after three decades in the telecommunications industry, I can confidently define myself as a Senior Network Engineer. I now collaborate with managers who were once my peers, and I find it fulfilling to work in an atmosphere of mutual trust and collaboration.

In recent years, I’ve also begun working directly with clients—including telecom operators and large enterprises—which has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Memorable experiences and advice for women interested in STEM

A couple of experiences stand out in my memory: one is participating in the SMAU trade fair in 1998/1999 in partnership with Hewlett Packard. It was an exciting and rewarding experience, allowing for meaningful engagement with both our partner and the public.

Another milestone was the recent Fast Shift 2023 project, where I transitioned from the physical to the virtual world—working on Cloud and Data Center technologies. It was a demanding yet transformative step that opened the door to a new, ICT-focused future aligned with the company’s strategic evolution.

For young women considering a career in STEM, my advice is to always maintain a broad perspective and never lose your creativity. Even in a technical field like STEM, creativity is key to approaching challenges with innovative solutions.

Italtel: a school of life

Looking back, I can only be grateful to Italtel. For me, it has been a true school of life—a place where I built lasting friendships and gained skills that continue to make me a sought-after professional in the telecommunications market.

But above all, Italtel has been like family—a place where I’ve grown both professionally and personally.