GEMBA

The Rotman - SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA

Truly global, distinctly personal.

Next Start 27 Sep 2024
Duration 18 Months
Language English
Format Modular
Avg. working
experience
15 years
Where Milano, Roma, Toronto, Mumbai, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Shanghai, SĂŁo Paulo

The Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA (Master in Business Administration) is a modular program that combines the expertise and perspectives of a leading European and a leading North American business school in a transformative journey hosted in international business hubs. A launching pad for future career phases and an integrated preparation for senior management roles, GEMBA provides a highly personalized focus on leadership development, and introduces participants to a global network of exceptional managers, faculty, executives and thought-leaders.

 

This unique 18-month program, spanning eight cities in four continents, will change the the way you think, network and do business in some of the world’s biggest markets and will give you a wider range of opportunities, contacts and experiences. The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA is offered in partnership with the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto in Canada.

 

Who is it for?

The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA will expand your global understanding, and personal horizons as a future leader. GEMBA is the right program for you if:

  • You want to benefit from an inclusive outlook that bridges continents as you earn two credentials from top-ranked Schools with connections worldwide.
  • You want to experience a transformative program hosted in seven key business hubs, immerse yourself in local cultures, while building knowledge and skills for an ever-changing, interconnected world.
  • You want to gain insights into sectors where our schools have special expertise, and compare perspectives in our home cities: Milano - Italy’s entrepreneurial, industrial, and financial center - and Toronto - Canada’s multicultural financial capital and innovation hub.
  • You want to develop a highly personalized focus on leadership challenges and enter a global network of exceptional managers, executives, and thought-leaders.

 

 


 

My GEMBA in 60 seconds - Alfonso Lavorgna

My GEMBA in 60 Seconds - Salome Pirtakhiya

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Why choose us?

1. Global Advantage: Europe, Americas, Asia

Milano, Roma, Toronto, Mumbai, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Shanghai, São Paulo: immerse yourself in the local cultures of eight international business centers, cross borders, bridge continents and transcend insular thinking.

2. Two credentials and two networks

A Global Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. The combined strength of these brands will position you for lifelong success.

3. Insight sharing with thought leaders

Learn from globally focused faculty, who can offer guidance, act as mentors and open doors to new opportunities. And share firsthand insights into global business challenges with corporate leaders on campus and on site tours.

4. Flexible format, timing and location

Combine professional, personal and learning opportunities no matter where you are located, through the flexible executive format that blends residency modules around the world with distance learning.

5. Personalized Leadership Development Program

Grow your potential as a leader through regular personal assessments, skills workshops, coaching conversations and a leadership retreat.

Highlights

#8
WW

QS Executive MBA Rankings 2023:
Joint Programmes

2
Credentials

from top-ranked Int'l schools

8
Cities

Milano, Roma, Toronto, Mumbai, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Shanghai, São Paulo

Rotman

In partnership with
Rotman School of Management

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

The GEMBA Class

15
Years

Average Work
Experience

40
Years

Average Age

36%

Women

33
Participants

Class Size

Inside My GEMBA SDA Bocconi programs offer a unique and personalized learning experience. Enter the world of GEMBA to discover its unique contents.

“At SDA Bocconi we take the GEMBA meaning seriously. It is a “global” executive MBA, designed to equip future leaders to manage global challenges: an indispensable prerequisite to prosper with your organization and reinforce your career development.”

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Ferdinando Pennarola
Director

"It is not easy to create truly sustainable value for a business — or for yourself. In this program, we teach you the former and help you achieve the latter, all with a truly global lens."

Jan Mahrt-Smith
Academic Director, University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management

What they say about us

Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?
The quest for my Executive MBA began in 2017 in Singapore, fueled by a strong passion for personal and professional growth. Moreover, I am constantly in pursuit of knowledge. I embarked on an extensive research endeavour, visiting numerous esteemed business schools worldwide. But the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA program profoundly resonated with my aspirations. Firstly, it provided a pathway for intellectual expansion and skill augmentation. Secondly, it offered a comprehensive global perspective that entailed travelling to different regions of the world. This aspect enabled me to fully immerse myself in local cultures, comprehend diverse mindsets, and gain profound insights into the intricacies of successful business operations in various settings. Lastly, Satisfying my innate curiosity to explore the world and forge connections with people from varied backgrounds fulfilled my desire for exploration and fostering diverse relationships. The decision to enrol in the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA program went beyond a mere educational choice; it encompassed a comprehensive experience that perfectly aligned with my aspirations.

Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
Both personal and professional factors played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue the SDA Bocconi GEMBA program. From a professional standpoint, I aimed to augment my leadership abilities, broaden my understanding of business principles, and gain a global perspective on strategic approaches. Interacting with accomplished faculty members and diverse professionals was a captivating prospect, as it would significantly enrich my knowledge of international business practices.

Additionally, a strong desire for self-improvement and intellectual development propelled me forward. I recognised that learning is an ongoing voyage, and I eagerly embraced the opportunity to challenge myself and venture beyond my comfort zone. The prospect of immersing myself in diverse cultures and gaining first-hand exposure to global business environments was equally compelling.

Furthermore, I was highly motivated by the potential impact that this program could have on my career trajectory. The skills and knowledge I would acquire through the GEMBA program were bound to enhance my leadership capabilities and unlock fresh career prospects. Ultimately, my decision was driven by an earnest aspiration to grow, learn, and make a meaningful contribution to my chosen field.

How is this choice satisfying your needs?
The GEMBA program at Rotman-SDA Bocconi has surpassed my initial expectations. The outstanding faculty members offer valuable insights into the business realm and generously share their extensive knowledge and personal experiences. One aspect of the program that I found particularly enriching is the emphasis on learning from my cohort. My fellow participants' diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences have been invaluable for learning and growth.

The GEMBA program has presented me with formidable challenges, stretching my abilities to their limits. GEMBA has catalysed me to explore uncharted territory, fostering the simultaneous development of my personal and professional spheres. Armed with a comprehensive array of resources, a wide-reaching network, and an enhanced self-belief, I now possess the necessary skills and confidence to adeptly navigate the complex landscape of the global business arena.

What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
Attending international modules across the globe has provided me with a profound comprehension and deep appreciation for the role of cultural diversity in the business realm. Immerse in the distinct business landscapes of various countries, each shaped by its unique culture, history, and economic context, I have gained valuable insights from diverse perspectives. Experiencing such situations has expanded my views and allowed me to excel in varied business settings.

In the contemporary age of globalisation, proficiency in effective cross-cultural communication has emerged as an indispensable competence. These encounters have not only influenced the formation of my professional identity but have also fortified my ability to empathise, be patient, and embrace diverse perspectives.

These experiences are a powerful affirmation of our collective human journey, which we all actively participate in. Despite our differences, we are united by common aspirations and shared obstacles. As a result, I am committed to fostering collaboration and cultivating mutual understanding in my professional pursuits, recognising their transformative potential. Consequently, I now approach collaborations with individuals from diverse backgrounds with greater self-assurance and motivation.

Describe your GEMBA experience in 3 words/adjectives.
Enlightening. Transformative. Empowering.

Personal Note:
Embarking on the GEMBA journey at SDA Bocconi has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It has not only equipped me with advanced business acumen but also instilled a sense of confidence to face the evolving global business challenges. The program has catalysed personal and professional growth, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me. To anyone considering the GEMBA program at SDA Bocconi, embrace the challenge; the rewards are immeasurable.

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Mohsin Iqbal - Dutch - Pakistani
GEMBA 2024

Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?

My reasons behind choosing Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA were mainly driven by my desire to combine a groundbreaking and innovative learning experience with a solid global perspective provided by two of the top business schools in the world.

Over the past few years, I’ve been reflecting a lot about my career strategy and how my job and expertise will change and evolve in the future, coming to the conclusion that we are in a rapidly changing business environment like never before: to keep up the pace you must keep moving and learning.

The second reason is linked to the global nature and modular format of this program. I like to consider myself a citizen of the world and an addictive learner: having the opportunity to experience this journey with an international community is an accelerator of the experience itself. The diversity that comes from travelling, engaging with professionals from all over the world, understanding different cultures and ways of doing business pushes you out of your comfort zone while giving greater managerial confidence to approach complex settings. The modular format of the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA revealed to be the best solution for managing my work commitments and making the best use of my time.

Finally, I strongly believe that the joint expertise of the two leading business schools is the perfect match to meet my desire of broadening my mindset, refining my business skills and being able to spot and capitalize future challenges faster than I ever have.

How is this choice satisfying your needs?

So far, I couldn’t ask for more. The faculty is made up of outstanding professors and the classroom environment is extremely empowering. The Directors and program management team are highly committed to continuously supporting the class throughout every single step of this journey by offering stellar guidance that lets us really focus on learning. Every module so far has been a blended experience which balances interdisciplinary knowledge, new hands-on strategic tools for business, and a strong focus on leadership and team skills development. We could also boast the opportunity to experience memorable “learning safaris” by visiting leading companies around the world, that are intended to give us concrete insights and shape our understanding of the concepts covered in class.

Concerning networking, it’s impressive how the class was able to connect and make strong bonds since the beginning: sharing, forming trust and helping one another towards deliverables and goals is allowing us to develop new ways of thinking and, why not…even offering potential business opportunities, career advice, personal growth, or simply new knowledge. We all have diversified backgrounds and roles, we come from 26 different countries and from several industries with various seniorities and generations, but everyone is striving for excellence and we all share the same vision and passion for learning and business challenges. That’s key to getting the most from the program.

What are your expectations for the upcoming international modules?

Keep fostering my network inside and outside the program by leveraging all the hands-on opportunities, keep learning and I can’t wait to translate into action all the insights learned so far to positively influence my job and my life.

Your program in 3 words/adjectives.

I would say:

#NextGlobalLeaders which is the hashtag we voted on as a class to represent our team in this transformative path together. It fully represents our strong team spirit and our commitment to always keep looking ahead.

Challenge as this program is an intense lifetime experience, powerful enough to completely change our personal and professional lives from now on.

Energy since GEMBA is for people who are willing to go the extra mile, to go above and beyond the expectations and make a bigger effort to have a real impact.

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Giulia Burani - Italian
GEMBA 2022

Meet GEMBA

Upcoming face-to-face meetings
9
Apr 2024 17:00 - 20:00 | LOCAL TIME
Orientation Meetings - New York
Language ENGLISH
Learn More
10
Apr 2024 09:00 - 13:00 | LOCAL TIME
Orientation Meetings - New York
Language ENGLISH
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Upcoming online sessions
6
Apr 2024 10:00 - 15:45 | CEST
MBAs Open Day - Online
Language ITALIAN / ENGLISH
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22
Apr 2024 18:30 - 19:30 | CEST
GEMBA: One to One with the Director
Language ENGLISH
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Personalized Orientation

The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA is a challenge to be taken on with a strong dedication. The Recruiting & Admissions team will be happy to arrange an individual informational interview at school to answer your questions and give you personalized advice. We can also do this when traveling to your part of the world, and by phone or remotely.

 

Moreover, every year the school presents the Master through a series of public events, both online and offline. This is an opportunity to speak directly with directors, faculty, alumni, and staff.

 

See all events 

Contact us for more information, to arrange a meeting, request to visit the school, or attend a class.

 

To learn more about our partner Rotman School of Management, visit the page University Of Toronto’s Rotman School Of Management

 

Next Steps

Nov 2023
Application Review Start

Go to admission

5 June 2024
Final Application Deadline
27 Sep 2024
Program Start
Mar 2026
Program End

News & Social

11 December 2023
When you touch the sky thanks to your GEMBA
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24 April 2023
Eni’s Giacomo Silvestri shares his passion for innovation and meets the challenges of the Great ...
GEMBA The Rotman - SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA
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More about the Global Executive MBA

Program

Structure, Learning Model
MBAs Open Day
06 Apr 2024

Want to discover more about the MBAs at SDA Bocconi and interact with the Directos, Students, Alumnae and Alumni, Recruiting & Admissions Team and Career Development Center?

Find out more