GEMBA

The Rotman - SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA

The Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA
Truly global, distinctly personal.

Next Start 29 Sep 2023
Duration 18 Months
Language English
Format Modular
Avg. working
experience
15 years
Where Toronto, Milano, Mumbai, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Shanghai, São 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 seven 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

My GEMBA in 60 seconds - Mauro Stocchi

Why choose us?

1. Global Advantage: Europe, Americas, Asia

Toronto, Milano, Mumbai, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Shanghai, São Paulo: immerse yourself in the local cultures of seven 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

7
Cities

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

40-50
Participants

From 30+ countries

Rotman

In partnership with
Rotman School of Management

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

The GEMBA Class

15
Years

Average Work
Experience

39
Years

Average Age

28%

Women

40/50
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. We strongly believe that business schools should practice what they preach. This is what we do at SDA Bocconi, and, consequently, our GEMBA learning experience talks AND practices globalization challenges, thanks to a contextual learning model that takes you around the world.”

Read more

Ferdinando Pennarola
GEMBA Director

"We are at a time when it has never been more important to build bridges across nations and business communities rather than erect barriers. I’ve worked with my colleagues in Italy and Canada to design a program for this emerging world and its leaders."

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Brian R. Golden
GEMBA Director

What they say about us

Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?
To “strengthen my shoulders” when I will be in charge of running the company I am working for. Also, I believe this program, besides allowing me to reach my goals of personal and professional growth, represents the "icing on the cake" for my management education. 

Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
I wish this program will help me in life to enhance my self-esteem and be braver.
My professional motivation is simply becoming the CEO of the company with full support of partners and colleagues.

How is this choice satisfying your needs?
People in the company look at what I am doing with admiration and respect. They somehow appreciate it, because they know I am doing this for the good and the future of the company.

What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
Live globally and stretch your mind to be always open. Also, always combine a module around the world with a customer or supplier/ Principal visit. 

Describe your GEMBA experience in 3 words/adjectives.
GEMBA = Challenging your personal and professional routine.

Anything else - like a personal note - you may wish to add.
It’s not only you that apply for GEMBA, but your whole family. Don’t do it if you don’t have their full support.

linkedin profile

Edgar Wenzel - German
GEMBA 2024

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.

linkedin profile

Lyuboslava Kirilova - Bulgarian - British
GEMBA 2024

Meet GEMBA

Upcoming face-to-face meetings
29
Sep 2023 14:00 - 21:00 | LOCAL TIME
Orientation Meetings - Istanbul
Language ENGLISH
Learn More
29
Sep 2023 17:00 - 21:00 | CEST
Orientation Meetings - Parigi
Language ENGLISH
Learn More
Upcoming online sessions
12
Dec 2023 18:00 - 19:00 | CET
Let's talk about GEMBA
Language ENGLISH
Learn More
15
Feb 2024 13:30 - 14:30 | CET
GEMBA: its true Global side
Language ENGLISH
Learn More
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, or remotely by phone or Skype.

 

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

Oct 2022
Application Review Start

Go to admission

29 Sep 2023
Program Start
22 March 2025
Program End

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Program

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