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.”

Read more

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?
After changing my career from public accounting and consulting to the sports industry, I spent several years considering the type of program that would best suit my professional and personal interests. The opportunity to travel internationally, study in-person, and network abroad made it clear that the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA was the best choice for me.

Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
It was important to select a program that would allow me to best manage the coursework and travel despite professional commitments. It was this balance that would enable me to put into practice the key learnings from courses in between modules.

How is this choice satisfying your needs?
I began realizing the value of the GEMBA early on. The takeaways from each module accelerated my professional and personal development, and better prepared me for the next chapter in my career. That immediate sense of return validated the reasons why I chose the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA and further stressed the importance of continuous education.

What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
The international modules provided me with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and experiences inside and outside of the classroom. They also enabled me to network and create new connections in my industry.

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

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Christopher (Chris) Savino - American
GEMBA 2023

Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?
SDA Bocconi is internationally recognized for its excellence in business education. The school consistently ranks among the top business schools globally, attracting top-tier faculty and talented students from around the world. It provides a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters valuable connections with fellow students, alumni, and industry professionals. The program offers numerous networking events, guest lectures, and career development opportunities, allowing students to expand their professional network and build lasting relationships. When I knew that the program is dual with a well-recognized Rotman School of Management that is famous for its classic academic background and research, my choice was made.

Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
GEMBA from Rotman-SDA Bocconi can significantly enhance career prospects. The program equips students with essential business skills, leadership capabilities, and practical knowledge to excel in a competitive business landscape. The school maintains strong connections with leading companies, offering access to internship and job opportunities through dedicated career services from both schools. It offers a truly international learning experience. The program attracts a diverse cohort of students from various cultural and professional backgrounds, providing a rich multicultural environment. The curriculum incorporates global business cases, study trips, and exchange programs with partner universities worldwide, enabling students to develop a global mindset and expand their perspectives.
GEMBA program also combines rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities. The curriculum integrates theory and practice, emphasizing real-world business challenges and case studies. Students are encouraged to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and apply their knowledge in practical settings. It has a strong and extensive alumni network comprising successful professionals and business leaders. The alumni community provides ongoing support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, opening doors for career advancement and future collaborations.

How is this choice satisfying your needs?
I am delighted to embark on GEMBA program. During the modules it provided me with a sense of personal fulfilment and accomplishment as I acquired new knowledge, overcame challenges, and achieved my academic goals and now I’m in the transformation phase to achieve my career goals, so the most important for me was the network expansion. Building a robust professional network is invaluable for future collaborations, especially on executive MBA program.

What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
The most important for me was living the unprecedented experience from learning safaris and learn leadership, strategy and business development from top companies across the globe. Nevertheless, social development project that we worked on in San Paolo was one of the most heart touching and valuable experiences.

Describe your GEMBA experience in 3 words/adjectives.
Transformative. Comprehensive. Life-changing.

Anything else - like a personal note - you may wish to add.
Be ready! It will be an inner change journey!

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Oksana Kyrianova - Russian
GEMBA 2023

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
Learn More
Upcoming online sessions
6
Apr 2024 10:00 - 15:45 | CEST
MBAs Open Day - Online
Language ITALIAN / ENGLISH
Learn More
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
Learn More
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