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 spent several months evaluating top ranked Global Executive MBA programs. I was looking for a broad and international program to get the chance to connect with a wide and diverse range of senior professionals, top business schools across the globe and outstanding teaching.
I found that SDA Bocconi had the most compelling offering: a 20 months intense program going from Innovation to Financial Markets modules, 4 to 6 weeks abroad in top notch business schools, from US to China, as well as a selection process carefully balanced and able to attract as many cultures and backgrounds as possible. The whole study plan was extremely clear from the beginning, giving me the opportunity to match study and work activities.
The actual experience is even more outstanding: my GEMBA classroom is made of 12 different nationalities out of 25 people. Everyone has extensive international experience. The program is intense: it requires working in teams during and in between modules. Managing virtual teams becomes a core competence, as participants are often on the go. Nonetheless, commitment is at the highest level, driving motivation and passion. Contents are immediately applicable in the daily job to manage teams, evaluate investments and transform businesses, regardless of the industry.
Alongside that, you get to use all the Bocconi databases and access the alumni network, which is an invaluable network of professionals located all around the world. I could not be more satisfied with my decision to join SDA Bocconi!
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.
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
