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".
Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?
I selected to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA as it is the best program in the market that encompasses executive professional education, international exposure to various business practices in the world and is the testimony of creating a sustainability-driven change across the globe.
Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
My personal motivation is activating growth potential and reaching the next level on my personal journey, in expanding a business division, launching a new product and setting the new system thinking.
How is this choice satisfying your needs?
I've been impressed with the program all the way from the organisation, material quality, learning safaris, interaction between professors, program directors, and participant selection.
What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
Attending international modules across the world is a life-changing experience, which I take with the most gratefulness, as it requires full attention in absorbing concepts, experiences, diverse perspectives and offering unique viewpoints among the multitude of participants involved.
Describe your GEMBA experience in 3 words/adjectives.
Accelerating. Intensifying. Upgrading Experience.
Why did you choose to undertake the Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA?
I decided to undertake Rotman-SDA Bocconi GEMBA program since I strongly believe that learning is a never-ending process. I chose a program that, more than others, offered an innovative and global learning experience provided by two of the top business schools in the world. I was looking for a learning experience in a global environment and the program was the perfect match: modules in different business schools across the globe to leverage the diversity that comes from travelling, engaging with professionals from all over the world, understanding different cultures and ways of doing business.
Which personal/professional needs/motivations lie behind your choice?
I decided to apply for GEMBA in a period of fast changes of the business environment in which I was working. At the point in time, I realized I needed new “tools”, new “lenses” to read the business context, and a new mindset to keep the pace and enhance my leadership skills.
How is this choice satisfying your needs?
GEMBA was an 18-months’ journey out of my comfort zone, I learnt that everything is impossible until you make it happen. I learnt how to feel at ease even if I’m out of my comfort zone and how to leverage of fast changes to progress even faster in my career. My needs were fully satisfied thanks to the outstanding faculties I met, in the different modules, across the globe and thanks to the continuous interaction with my peers, 42 talents from different regions and different businesses.
What is your most important takeaway in attending international modules across the world?
The program is built to expose participants to diversity: travelling, engaging with professionals from all over the world, understanding different cultures and ways of doing business pushes out of personal comfort zone and allow to challenge personal beliefs. Openness to change and being confident out of the comfort zone are pivotal to gain managerial confidence to approach complex settings in the work business environment.
Describe your GEMBA experience in 3 words/adjectives
Mind-blowing, as this program pushed me out my personal beliefs and comfort zone.
Challenging, as this program is a demanding lifetime experience, my work-study – family balance was quite stretched during the program but … I learnt that everything is possible if you really believe in it.
Teamwork: GEMBA is for people who are eager to learn from peers and, together, go above and beyond expectations.
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
