Alumni Testimonials

Sanja Jevđenijević, EMSHRM 2009
HR Director, DELTA MAXI Group, Belgrade

Why did you choose a master about strategic HRM?
I needed professional experience from theory and practice on how to treat the human resources as a unique asset that can provide sustained competitive advantage. The changes in the business environment with increasing globalisation that have led to increased importance of managing human resources made me choose a master about strategic HRM. Delta Maxi Group made a decision to have the HR personnel as a strategic business partner and therefore to align its HRM system with the business strategic goals. Wishing to make human resources a strategic component of business, instead of a support function department, I needed to strengthen my knowledge through learning, feedback and exchanging ideas with HR Executives from all around the world. Our company needed to discover the key to improved business performance, and I decided to help by achieving a Master degree in strategic HRM from a prestigious University like Bocconi.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
EMSHRM helped me develop multi-dimensional view and provided me with tips that I can immediately put into practice. Highly - tailored programs have deepen my understanding of the principles and practice of managing HR department within an international company. The consistency of the programs made me examine my current practices and beliefs and apply the results of my learning to my position and senior role in Delta Maxi Group. I got fresh ideas, explored and evaluated various options, stretched the limits of knowledge through discussing questions, issues and concerns. Also, studying in an international class made me more aware of cultural differences, and provided me with an opportunity to develop global business networks. The teachers covered a variety of significant topics, showing us the broader view of the topics, but letting us focus on details by ourselves. In their attempts to synthesise the myriad significant ideas I found the ones applicable to my company.

Susan Mc Laren
Strategic Resource Manager, OpenReach, BT, Edinburgh, UK - EMSHRM 2009

Why did you choose a master about strategic HRM?
The HR profession never stands still and it is important to keep both your thinking and application up to the minute. This was one of the attractions of the EMSHRM. A Masters which focused on the HR field and its strategic input exactly matched what I was looking for at this point in my career. My experience as an HR Business Partner leant itself to execution of HR strategy and I wanted to develop my experience to include setting the strategy. The EMSHRM was a perfect fit and matched both the theory and practical application back at the workplace. The content recognised those areas in which HR professionals are looking for strategic insight. The international flavour, for me as someone based in the UK, only added to the attraction of working alongside a diverse group of HR professionals in terms of experience and organisational culture.

What did you get from the EMSHRM?
At a practical level the EMSHRM gave me a set of tools and frameworks that make strategic application simple in the workplace. Some I have already used to great effect so not only have I benefitted at an individual level but my company has made a return on the investment it made in me. At a strategic level the EMSHRM gave insights and great networking opportunities on which to build and manage my career. The quality of the conversations both inside and outside of the classroom were second to none and developed me as an individual. The acid test is whether I would recommend the EMSHRM to my HR colleagues and I have to say since I returned from my Boconni experience I have been a passionate ambassador for this programme. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a great springboard for those looking to move into a more strategic space and for those with experience of developing strategy it is a great consolidator and at times challenge which can only serve to enhance existing knowledge.

Maria Sole Aliotta, EMSHRM 2008
Human Resources Manager Rome Complex Starwood Hotels, Italy

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
Because although in Starwood Hotels & Resorts, the Company I work for, the HR role covers all aspects of a generalist role, ie. Recruiting, Selection, Assessments, unions relations, cost control, C&B, etc., a master like the one at Bocconi gives participants the chance to be on the edge of the newest techniques and tools, as well as different points of view. It is not only a benefit for the participant. Given the role of a HR, you can make the difference for the whole Company, and for the others once back to you desk.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
Regarding the course I had a deep dive into many topics which gave me an international overview of all aspects regarding the HR role. On top of that I had the chance to exchange ideas, experiences and projects with professional colleagues of big companies, comparing best practices and HR role interpretation at 360°. The connecting network has been reinforced internationally, and, although from remote, we still exchange opinions, advices and projects among us and with professors. And that adds value to the Master itself.

Manuela Bärtsch, EMSHRM 2008
HR Business Partner F&A, ABB Ltd., Switzerland

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
I decided that it was the perfect time to take a step back from my daily work as HR Business Partner and learn more about HR strategy in theory. I was also interested to build up an international network with experienced HR professionals. Moreover, I wanted to develop to the next level by gradually having a more strategic view on HR issues. Finally, it was very appealing to have two prestigious universities' faculties jointly offering this executive master which enabled us to get both the European and American view.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
I got a great and condensed overview of all HR themes, seen from a business strategy perspective. I feel that I became a better business speaking partner. Moreover, it was very beneficial to exchange ideas and best practices with experienced HR professionals and great professors. It stimulated the daily job back home. Finally, the program structure enabled me to finish the program in a very short period of time.

Bastian Becker, EMSHRM 2009
HR Project Specialist, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India
Valspar, Switzerland

Why did you choose a master about strategic HRM?
I was looking for different programs to update my knowledge and boost my opportunities. It was important for me not to follow old routes but enter a new world. Especially HR faces challenging and changing environments - understanding strategic HRM helps me to anticipate business' needs. That's why I have chosen a master about strategic HRM.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
The EMSHRM offers what I was looking for: an International, New and Fast program. The Master opened a new view to me. I increased my knowledge in a very short time and established a network with other professionals. Although it is a tough time, it is a wonderful time, and I would choose
the program any time again.

François Carloni, EMSHRM 2008
P&D, Recruitment Manager SER, Insight Technology Solutions

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
With a solid experience as head hunter, I wanted to deepen the strategic management of human resources at 360° degree to create a strong value for my clients and to acquire all competencies to project my future in a high level role in HR. The possiblilty to manage my professional activity with a high level education and the partnership with Cornell University definetely convinced me to apply for EMSHRM.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
A global vision of Human Resources, throughout the quality of the program and the professors of SDA Bocconi and Cornell University. The presence of HR Managers from international organisations to share professional experiences and develop a strong network. A global vision of HR management 100% business & developpement oriented. The capacity to interact with all HR services and all departements of large organisation. A visualisation of the strategy of HR in a company and the key role played by the HR managers in the board.

Anna Cocca, EMSHRM 2008
Global Business HR Partner ABB Ltd., Switzerland

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
My aim was to find a course that would help me be become an excellent Business HR Partner. I was looking for a course that was able to demonstrate the link between the business strategy and the HR strategy. At the same time, I wanted to stay focused on HR during the Masters, rather than doing a general business Masters that covered HR as only one of the many topics. This course fully satisfied my expectations.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
A full rounded understanding of strategic HR with an international focus. The most important factor was that the course was practical, allowing me to apply some of my learnings immediately, including developing a more strategic mindset towards my work . Having been with my company for many years, I was also happy to get the outside ABB perspective of HRM.

Gian Luca DellePiane, EMSHRM 2010
HR Director Spain, Pirelli Tyres

Why did you choose a master in strategic HRM?
In line with my desire to expand my professional growth coupled with an international experience, I felt the Master in Strategic Human Resources Management was important for developing some skills not yet in my personal toolkit. I was particularly drawn to the highly professional and qualified context of SDA Bocconi, where professional interchange could occur among different cultural backgrounds. The result was an added value that represents an unmeasurable enrichment.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
A complete, global and strategic perspective about HR Management that is closer in line with business needs.

Valentina Gertosio, EMSHRM 2008
HR Business Partner, Goodyear Dunlop Iberia

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
To get a full and complete understanding of the newest HR theories, going beyond "buz" words and fashion. My objective was to get the real trends and an innovative and different way to look at HR as a support function totally integrated into the business.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
Great networking, an international environment in which best practices sharing has been one of the greatest value of the program. Some interesting modules focused on enhancing HR's holistic approach to the business, to organizations' design, to the people.

Mårten Lundberg, EMSHRM 2010
Senior Vice President, Swedbank AB, Sweden

Why did you choose a master about strategic HRM?
The transparency in the global market makes each product more standardized and easily copied. The key issues about attracting and retaining customers will be dependent upon your companies capability to deliver non-tangible extra values to the customer. Strategic HRM identifies a roadmap for how to reach this and addresses the challenges for HR functions and executive management.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
World class theoretical environment and the latest research findings within the field of HRM. This in combination with a truly global mix of senior participants creates the best platform for personal as well as professional growth.

Marco Mingolla, EMSHRM 2008
Senior Director, Head of Transformation, Centre Process Excellence, Maersk Line, Denmark

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
I was looking to expand my many years of practical HRD experiences, with a masters level programme which would enable me to both learn to apply better practices here and now, and provide me with a wider range of choices in my career going forward.
I defined the following criteria:
- The right school: an internationally accredited and leading business school, recognised for both its curriculum and faculty, and leading within HRD practices.
- The right programme: a master level education, which would enable me to balance personal life/work and the education and whose duration wouldn’t exceed one year and which didn’t put too much of a burden on my family. A programme, which would enable me to leverage on my past experiences and enable me to achieve learning experiences which would not be possible through my work with A.P. Moller Maersk. A programme, which would enable me to combine and apply theory and practice in my day-to-day work.
- The right participants: a programme, which would attract HRD and business practitioners from a wide variety of countries and businesses that I could learn from, and whose experience would include working or having worked with internationally leading companies with strong HRD practices.
- The right price: a business school in Europe (to reduce the travel cost), and a price, which was affordable and which could provide a positive return within two years after completion.
Having reviewed the available programmes in Europe, the EMSHRM quick stood out as in reality the only programme, which would enable me to fulfill all of the above criteria.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
I got all the learning experiences I had hoped for – both in and outside the classroom. Having attended the EMSHRM enabled me to not only apply a wider range of tools and methodologies to address business issues from an HRD perspective, but also enabled me to have a wider perspective on both issues and possible solutions compared to before. Moreover I got a theoretical and practical boost to my performance.

Andrew Mountfield, EMSHRM 2008
Managing Director and Partner, Horváth & Partners Switzerland

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
I work as a consultant in the area of strategy and performance management. In my projects I increasingly manage initiatives cross-functionally with HR directors, as well as with CEOs and strategists. A key issue is to better align and link strategy processes and content to individual goals setting and MbO approaches, and I was looking for a programme which took a strategic approach to HRM. I felt that a master degree would allow me to link theory and practice, while at the same time better understanding how HR managers approached strategy and performance issues.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
The EMSHRM master programme allowed me to profit from first-class academic teaching and research both from Bocconi and Cornell, while pacing my learning with a series of work-related assignments which added real value to my firm. The interaction between the participants in the classroom and the discussion of important business and social issues allowed me to gain valuable insights into alternate perspectives. And lastly, the EMSHRM programme makes a real effort to be multi-disciplinary, confronting students with questions of finance, strategy or organizational theory and linking these to the core elements of HRM.

Ida Sirolli, EMSHRM 2008
Training Manager, Human Resources / People Development Dept. Telecom Italia

Why did you choose a master in Strategic Human Resource Management?
I chose to attend a Master on Strategic HRM for two reasons. First, I wanted to reinforce and update my expertise on HR strategy with a challenging top-level program in a prestigious school, in order to help my career development and give a value-added professional contribution to my company. Second, I wanted to meet and benchmark with colleagues from different industries and countries to broaden my outlook on HR practices.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
EMSHRM fulfilled my expectations and I have had the chance to meet both outstanding professors and great classmates. The international atmosphere was really very enriching. The program allowed me to look at familiar topics from a different and interesting perspective and at new ones with a very practical and interactive approach, which made it easy to deal even with topics that HR professionals usually do not manage (i.e. Finance). The assignments gave me the possibility to apply my learning and insights to real and tangible situations, enhancing my strategic view on HR’s role. Last, the Bocconi setting was really great! Facilities and services were impeccable.

Peter Xiao, EMSHRM 2010
HR Director China, PRYSMIAN (China) Investment Co., Ltd., China

Why did you choose a master about strategic HRM?
With Globalization and China more and more integration with worldwide economy, China needs strategic HR professional who can manage all the HR challenges. EMSHRM offers a worldwide perspective from HR strategy to practical tools to fill my gap between a Chinese HR Director and International HR professional.

What did you get from EMSHRM?
A strategic and global perspective combined with diversified alumni networking and Italian experience with arts and culture.