Nour’s experience at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games

Date

16 February 2026

Thanks to Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), Nour El Dana - a student in the Master in Fashion Marketing and Communication - took part in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games as a Games and Services Assistant.

“The most exciting thing of working in the Olympics is being part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Knowing that I'm contributing to the Olympics alone is a very special feeling. The team behind it all has also been extremely remarkable and I've met the most amazing people ever. The memories I have made will forever be cherished, especially being able to work in such a high pressure, fast paced environment where every moment truly matters. It’s an experience that has pushed me, inspired me, and reminded me why this work is so meaningful.”

Can you tell us what your role is and what a typical day is like?

I work in the games and services department as an assistant and every day is different: I learn and get to experience new things every day. Some of the tasks I have done consist of creating posters and graphics for the office, working in the uniform distribution department, working with the food and beverage team, rechecking and finding accommodation for the employees staying in Milan and in the mountains, I get to work with new people and different departments daily, completing tasks together and learning from professionals who have worked on the Games for many years.

How does what you learned at IED help you in this job?

I completed my Master’s Degree in Fashion Marketing and Communication. It may seem very far from the job I do now but actually it has helped me on the graphic side as I create presentations, posters and graphics daily. And I have strengthened this during my studies at IED as for every exam I was working on that and the digital techniques courses have been a huge help.

How important is teamwork?

Teamwork plays a huge role in the work we do, and my time at IED really highlighted its importance. Working in a team is part of my everyday routine, within a truly international environment. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible people from all over the world, and through this shared experience we constantly learn from one another. The diversity of backgrounds and perspectives strengthens our work and makes the experience both enriching and inspiring.

If you had to describe this experience in one word, what would it be?

Unforgettable

What does it mean to work in such an international and multicultural context?

Working in such a diverse and international company has allowed me to learn so much about different cultures, each bringing different perspectives and ways of thinking. It requires open-mindedness, adaptability, and strong communication, but it’s also incredibly enriching. You learn to respect differences, find common ground, and work together creating something bigger and better than what one person could achieve alone.