What is it really like to intern in a startup? For ESCP Business School student Eric Rossi Patriarca, the answer started with a conversation at the 2025 Startup Career Night in Turin — and turned into a summer internship at Navisio AI, a startup that uses AI to help insurance brokers work more efficiently, protect their revenue, and manage complex information. His experience offers a clear, honest perspective on what startups really offer: fast learning, real responsibility, and a level of intensity that is not for everyone.

From Startup Career Night to real impact

Eric first encountered Navisio AI during the Startup Career Night, when he was a student in the Pre-Master Year of the Master in Management (MiM). What drew him in was not just the opportunity itself, but the nature of the environment.

“What immediately struck me about the startup environment was the possibility of having a tangible impact on the business from day one.”

Equally important was the team dynamic.

“It was young, dynamic, and genuinely driven by a shared vision. Decisions were made quickly, ideas were welcomed regardless of hierarchy, and there was a strong culture of experimentation.”

For Eric, this made the startup path “more challenging but also more meaningful” than a corporate alternative.

Getting hands-on from day one

At Navisio AI, there was no gradual onboarding phase. Eric was immersed directly into the commercial side of the business.

“My role was highly vertical in sales, which gave me exposure to the entire commercial process.”

Rather than observing from the sidelines, he was involved in real business interactions from the start.

“I had the opportunity to see and actively participate in client outreach, negotiations, and strategic conversations.”

This level of exposure accelerated his learning significantly.

“This hands-on experience allowed me to understand the psychology of sales, the importance of listening, and how to adapt communication depending on the client.”

High pressure, steep learning curve

However, the experience also came with clear challenges.

“Working in a startup is definitely intense and demanding. You are expected to be proactive, to take initiative, and to think beyond your job description.”

There is little room for passive learning.

“Passive work simply does not exist. If you see a problem, you are expected to help solve it.”

One of the most difficult aspects was managing priorities in a constantly shifting environment.

“In a fast-moving environment, there are always multiple urgent tasks competing for attention. Learning how to focus on what truly drives impact is essential.”

Uncertainty is another defining feature.

“Processes are still evolving, strategies can change quickly, and you need to be comfortable operating without perfectly defined structures.”

For this reason, Eric is clear: this path is not suited to everyone.

It is ideal for students who are ambitious, adaptable, and comfortable with responsibility — particularly those interested in entrepreneurship or leadership roles. Those who prefer structure and clearly defined tasks may find it more challenging.

What startups expect from ESCP students

From the company perspective, adaptability and speed are critical.

“ESCP students adapt much more quickly to the environment and can reach a high level of performance within just a couple of weeks.”

In fast-evolving markets, the ability to move quickly from learning to execution is essential.

“What matters today is being ready to navigate rapidly changing contexts with a flexible mindset, focused on testing and validating in fast-paced and fragile markets and ecosystems, while maintaining a strong capacity for concrete, results-oriented execution.”

A turning point for career direction

Beyond the skills developed, the experience had a strong impact on Eric’s career ambitions.

“This experience has left a lasting mark on me. It made me realise that I have a genuine passion for sales.”

More specifically, he discovered an interest in the strategic dimension of business development.

“I enjoy building relationships, understanding client needs, and turning conversations into concrete opportunities.”

Why Startup Career Night matters

The annual Startup Career Night, organised by ESCP Careers Centre and Blue Factory in Turin, plays a key role in enabling these kinds of opportunities.

By bringing together startups operating across AI, digital innovation, sustainability, venture capital, and creative industries, the event reflects the diversity of career paths available within the startup ecosystem.

More importantly, it creates direct access, something rare in traditional recruitment.

For students, it is a chance to engage with founders, explore real projects, and position themselves for internships in dynamic environments.

As Eric’s experience shows, one conversation can be enough to move from curiosity to concrete opportunity.

Startup internships offer more than just experience — they offer exposure, responsibility, and rapid growth. They are demanding and sometimes uncertain, but for students ready to take initiative, they can be a defining step in shaping both skills and career direction.