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Se avessimo studiato biologia, ci specializzeremmo in questo settore.

Se avessimo studiato biologia, ci specializzeremmo in questo settore.
If we had studied biology, we would specialize in this sector.
From Lesson 321:Mixed conditionals: past condition, present result·Italian

Questions & Answers about Se avessimo studiato biologia, ci specializzeremmo in questo settore.

Why do we use a past tense in the 'se' clause but a present tense in the second half?
This is a mixed conditional. The action in the se clause didn't happen in the past, so we use the pluperfect subjunctive (avessimo studiato). However, the imaginary result is happening right now in the present, so we use the present conditional (specializzeremmo).
Why is there a ci in front of specializzeremmo?
The verb 'to specialize' is reflexive in Italian: specializzarsi (literally 'to specialize oneself'). Because the subject is 'we' (noi), the reflexive pronoun must be ci.
I sometimes mix up the conditional and the future tense. How can I tell specializzeremmo is conditional?
Look at the double 'm'. The present conditional 'noi' form always ends in -emmo. The future tense 'noi' form ends in -emo with a single 'm', so ci specializzeremo would mean 'we will specialize'.
Is it possible to say in questo campo instead of in questo settore?
Yes, campo (field) is a perfect synonym here. Both in questo settore and in questo campo are very natural ways to say 'in this field' or 'in this sector' when talking about academics or careers.

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