Truly global, distinctly personal.
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:
My GEMBA in 60 seconds - Alfonso Lavorgna
My GEMBA in 60 Seconds - Salome Pirtakhiya
“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.”
"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."
"GEMBA is not only an exceptional program, remarkable for its depth and the international exposure it offers participants, but it also provides a truly transformative experience. It seamlessly combines valuable knowledge with meaningful relationship-building, both professionally and personally. I would describe it as a life-changing journey. Being part of this and accompanying participants along the way is a privilege and an immensely rewarding experience".
I had been working in very different positions over the years as well as in cross country and cross cultural business environments when I was encouraged to apply for GEMBA by my employer, Prysmian Group. I have been particularly excited with the international content and context of the program. The program has provided a more extensive understanding of international business environments, complexity and opportunities. I have found the program just the right add on to my existing professional portfolio and toolbox. It is important for me to be able to immediately take to work some of the ideas and methods learned during the sessions. These tools I will need even more, because Prysmian has just promoted me to a new position in a new county.
My expectation for the program was also to get to know professionals from other companies, by networking and learning from others. That expectation has also been fulfilled. My GEMBA class is a diverse and interesting group of people with different ages, genders and backgrounds. Even though following the program is hard work, as a group we do have a lot of fun!
Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?
I joined the Rotman - SDA Bocconi GEMBA program because the structure was a great fit for my professional development. I liked that the program would allow me to continue to progress my career while studying and integrate travel which I have always been passionate about.
Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
I wanted to boost my learning, challenge myself and get an opportunity to travel and network. The programme gave me the opportunity to broaden my understanding of business beyond the area of procurement I specialise in. Challenged me to balance work and study helped me develop my ability to focus on strategic priorities. Above all, the programme has given me an incredible network and a lot of new friendships.
How is this choice satisfying your needs?
I’m really happy I joined the programme and in many ways it has exceeded my expectations. I have enjoyed interacting with academic staff, learning new concepts and applying them to real business problems. In addition, every module gives you the local context and an understanding of how business works in the country you are in. The Learning Safaris we do are a real value-add where we get to connect with executives of the companies we visit and discuss the challenges they face.
What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
The key takeaways from the programme for me go beyond the classroom. Outside of the inspiring academic environment, I have learned key lessons about time management, working in diverse teams and adapting your approach to business to the local environment you’re in.
Describe your GEMBA experience in 3 words/adjectives.
Exciting. Enriching. Energising.
Anything else - like a personal note - you may wish to add.
Time on the programme goes incredibly fast and you’re fully engage every minute of the residential modules. My advice to future participants in the programme is to make the most of every opportunity they get. This can be extremely exhausting but an incredibly rewarding experience.
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.
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
