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Global Perspective and Lifelong Network: Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global EMBA

It is more important now than ever to build bridges across nations and business communities rather than erect barriers. The new Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) program, delivered jointly by SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, is designed to equip executives with the strategic know-how, practical tools, creative insights and hands-on experience that future leaders look for in a transformative program for this emerging world.

Over 18 months, the network of senior professionals from around the world, now sharing the student experience together in the program, will travel to 7 of the world’s most dynamic cities for management and culture.

7 of the world’s most dynamic cities

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The GEMBA program draws on the strengths of the two leading business schools. Based in Milan, Italy, SDA Bocconi School of Management is the graduate business school of Bocconi University and is considered one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. From SDA Bocconi, students can expect to learn more about specialty industries including luxury brands and automotive manufacturing. From the Rotman School of Management, based in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and its financial, commercial, and commercial capital, students get up to speed on the latest advances in fields like fintech and financial risk management.

“I must say the program played a vital role in getting selected for such a senior role. The value of being attached to two of the leading business schools in North America and Europe is astounding. The knowledge I have obtained in just two modules helped me to really stand out in the new company.”

— Zeenat Zahir, GEMBA ’21 | Associate HR & Management Consultant, ZUNOKS Consulting, Pakistan

A global management education would not be complete without visits to two of the largest economies in the world: India (Mumbai) and China (Shanghai).

The program also takes students to San Francisco, USA, the epicentre for design thinking, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Denmark (Copenhagen) provides a north European business perspective and is well known for its strong social safety network. It is a country with business clusters focusing on renewable energy and biotech.

A module in Latin America showcases the region as one of the world’s business hubs, and a growing market. Sao Paulo, Brazil is one of the most dynamic markets in the world and the economic base for manufacturing, finance, and other service industries in the region.

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A Lifelong Network

A highlight of the Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA program is the bond between classmates;it is a powerful network that could last a lifetime.

When the Global Executive MBA class of 2016 completed their last module, they were reluctant to say good-bye, so they organized their own annual learning modules around the globe. With professionals in education, film, finance, IT, law, life sciences and physics, they had no shortage of topics to tackle amongst themselves.

“I always feel inspired when I return from these modules. The ideas generated while away stay with me for months afterward,” says Jan Mehner, GEMBA ’16 managing director for a pharmaceutical company in Prague.        

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“The class is like an advisory committee. If someone is considering a major career move, the rest of the class doesn’t hesitate to bring up tough questions. We’ll often drill each other about all the possible consequences and contingency plans. At the same time, we are aware of each other’s strengths, so we want everyone to reach their potential,” says Eva Baumgartner, GEMBA ’16 an attorney based in Vienna.

After earning her MBA, Baumgartner, started a law practice in Vienna. She credits the support from classmates and the program in helping her with the transition.

“We’ve been able to help each other so far, and most of us are in the early to middle stages of long careers,” she says. “This is just the beginning. It’ll be exciting to see where we are 20 years from now.”


The Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA is an 18-month intensive program designed for working professionals who are looking to expand their global understanding and business skills. Develop personal horizons as a future leader with this unique program spanning seven cities on four continents.

 

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