At the beginning of this year I decided to take on a new adventure and to move to Milan to pursue a Master in Fashion, Design and Experience Management MAFED at SDA Bocconi.
As the lasts week of my master’s degree are approaching and with my graduation set for next month, I wanted to look back at some special moments throughout this year.
During this master, I got acquainted with many subjects, from corporate finance, to buying to CRM and many more. Within these subjects, I have had the opportunity to meet many important people from the fashion industry, from brands such as Fendi, Valentino, Moncler, Prada Group and Hermès, who shared a look into their professional career and useful insights from the industry. Moreover, working on branded projects together with my classmates, provided me with first-hand experiences.
These experiences not only took place in Milan, but together with the rest of the class, we have travelled to Paris and New York to take part in fashion-related activities. Furthermore, we have been invited to the CHANEL Métiers D’Art Fashion Show in Florence, which was an incredible opportunity.
All of the above mentioned moments, have shaped my master’s into a multi-faceted, creative and insightful experience.
Today, together with my fellow teammates Nicole Degreas, Cecilia Pierobon and Marilena Cozzi, we are finishing up our last group project for Bottega Veneta.
I am proud of my achievements thus far, grateful for the many friendships, the opportunities I received and am excited for what my future holds.
Lastly, I would like to thank Emanuela Prandelli, the director of MAFED for the amazing opportunities, Lucia Paladino for organising our trips to Paris and New York, and to my professors for providing me with useful insights and preparing me for my professional career.
Testimonials
Great experience, with great professors who are always prepared to answer any questions one might have about the courses we undertake. I can’t hide the fact, that this is an intense and very demanding master program, but I can assure you that by giving us real life examples of real companies’ case studies and projects it gives us the right professional preparation for our future careers.
On a personal note, this master is being a life changing experience as it’s teaching me how to manage and cope with difficult tasks under the pressure of time, and how to work in a team in an effective way!
MAFED is the perfect starting point for those who want to work in the industry, an intensive, comprehensive, international Program full of guest speakers like department managers from big brands, for example Hermes, Chanel, LVMH, Luxottica. They passed us real life experience and of case studies in collaboration with big brands such as Fendi, Sephora, Swarovski and more. I gain a lot from the professors' up-to-date courses every single day. MAFED offers me a unique opportunity to have a peep of how these companies operate and what brings them to success - it equips me for life.
MAFED has provided me with an incredible opportunity to meet key players in the field, and leverage my quantitative background to enter and understand the exciting and glamorous world of fashion and design.
I am Eugenia Giorgi, 26-year-old, MAFED class of 2022, awarded with a partial merit-based scholarship and graduated Cum Laude. Besides being the most enriching and unforgettable journey of my life, MAFED really taught me how to enhance beauty and style into completely different environments with a global perspective. With luxury brands having to interact with consumers in an omni-channel, AI-powered world, MAFED gave me the chance to deep dive into customer experience and centricity through an insightful week-long Digital Strategy & E-commerce course in partnership with YOOX Net-a-Porter, learning how to proactively react to a fast-paced and forever changing online environment. I am now working as a Brand Specialist at Amazon, the most customer-centric, data-driven and innovative company in the world. My job encompasses consulting some of the most renowned Italian top-tier family-based companies within the wine industry providing them with business advices to improve their presence on Amazon and consequently on other marketplaces. I am glad I put in practice every day MAFED's fundamentals.
My professional journey started in EY consulting firm in Milan, after graduating with a Bsc in international economics and a Msc in general management at Bocconi University. I first approached consulting to further develop the soft and hard skills any good manager needs: the ability to work under pressure within strict deadlines and to always come up with a solution. During my two years as finance consultant, I had the possibility to travel and to experience the dynamicity of such a job, which enabled me to enrich my skills portfolio in terms of client relationships and familiarity with IT tools. Nevertheless, following my rooted attraction for the Luxury industry, I decided to enroll in SDA Bocconi’s MAFED program, which revealed to be an unforgettable experience: from joining conferences on the latest business matters to networking with outstanding guest speakers, great CEOs and managers and, most of all, to establishing a deep bond with my classmates and future colleagues. Last month I started working in the Global Retail Merchandising team in Balenciaga HQ in Paris. I can claim that the environment is extremely stimulating and challenging, with intense schedules and rhythms which inevitably require a strong commitment. I realized how my experience in consulting provided me with the efficiency and speed to face the daily activities, while my specialized Master in SDA Bocconi taught me the language and the technical knowledge needed to understand the Luxury and Fashion mechanism.
MAFED was a whirlwind, life changing year that I will never forget, and by which I am forever changed. In the middle of a global pandemic, I, like many of my classmates, took the crazy chance to move to a new country while the whole world was still upside down, unsure of how classes would be held and what our daily lives would look like. We felt the fear and we did it anyway - our very own crash course in learning to trust our instincts.
If there’s anything covid-19 has taught us, it’s that we are resilient. Things may not always go as planned, but we were able to adapt and persevere. Covid-19 also taught us just how quickly the world moves, just how quickly the world changes. Our year flew by quicker than I would ever have imagined. When I look back, I wonder how we managed to fit it all in: all the classes we started, all the project and exams we carried forward. Nevertheless, amidst the stress, the late nights, the many group projects, and the hours spent pouring over slides and notes we made it, yet another reminder that nothing worth having comes easy.
Most importantly, I can say, without a doubt, that this year was well-spent, having learned a lot about business, fashion, and myself. We learned, we grew personally and professionally and we will all become better people and employees for it. And one day, I can only hope we will each be invited back to Bocconi to tell the future MAFED students how this incredible experience had helped us achieve our dream career.
After graduating in Business Economics and Management at Bocconi University, destiny decided to bring me back to what had been my second home for three years, and on 25 February I proudly graduated cum laude from MAFED. “Students for a while, Alumni forever”. Only six words that perfect embody the concept of a choice that will guide me for the rest of my life. This quote keeps coming back to me: being part of the large Bocconi family does not end at the end of my Master course, but it is precisely in this moment that the added value of my choice reaches its maximum expression. I have always believed that Bocconi's intrinsic value is made by the people who, through their diversity, can bring richness to themselves and to others, every single day. The Bocconi Alumni Network is exactly what transforms your academic path at Bocconi into a life changing experience that makes me feel part of a community of extraordinary human beings that share the same passion for achieving what we love the most allowing us to transform our lives into a masterpiece. Three weeks ago, I started a new and exciting chapter as Junior Controller at Chanel in Milan, and I firmly believe that this will be only the first step of a path in which Bocconi has played the major role in ensuring that my biggest dreams can come true. MAFED represents the most insane year of my life but I truly believe that belonging to the Bocconi Alumni community will be the beginning of a never-ending path to bringing some beauty in this world: change is in our hands!
If I were to think of one word to describe the MAFED journey, it would be - extraordinary. This year was truly not ordinary. Here, I am not only addressing the covid-19 and the extraordinary circumstances we started this year but also the extraordinary learnings, life experiences, and friendships we gained. Since we joined the program, we had the opportunity to learn about 22 courses spanning management, marketing, finance, fashion, and digital fields. We were extraordinarily lucky not only to learn about these topics through our amazing professors but also through more than 30 other industry leaders. Nonetheless, there were the extraordinary times spent as a group together – the celebrations, trips, including Paris, Madrid, Vicenza, company visits, late studies, and many group projects in which we laughed, cried and in the end celebrated all the learnings. I cannot thank enough our amazing Program Director Emanuela Prandelli, all the professors, guest speakers, other valuable members of the MAFED community and my classmates for making the past year extraordinary and for giving me the confidence and knowledge to overcome future challenges in the industry and the society we leave in.
The MAFED program at SDA Bocconi was truly an enriching experience! Having worked for several years prior to entering the program, I wanted to enhance what I had learned in the workplace and fill gaps in my knowledge. The MAFED gave me unique exposure and insight into the luxury fashion industry and equipped me with a broad skill set, from merchandising to corporate finance. I had access to interesting teachers, guest speakers and inspiring classmates and gained confidence in areas I had previously overlooked. For young professionals seeking first-hand experience and knowledge in the luxury fashion industry, I would highly recommend MAFED.
The MAFED program at SDA Bocconi is an extremely well rounded and unique learning experience. The course content is exceptional, as it is a top tier business program that is tailored to the fashion & luxury industry. There is a perfect balance of analytical and creative courses to ensure students are exercising both skill sets. What really sets the program apart is the amount of real-world experience. Many assignments were in partnership with some of the biggest brands in the world. Being able to present your ideas to executives at these companies is an opportunity unlike any other. Having now completed the course in the year 2020, I can confidently say the MAFED program exceeded my expectations even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.
MAFED is a true masterclass in the business of fashion and an invaluable investment for anyone looking to pursue a career in such a competitive and fast-moving industry. SDA Bocconi is one of the world’s leading business schools and attracts the very best global talent, creating a diverse mix of highly ambitious and accomplished people and a stimulating environment of academic excellence. The MAFED programme is structured by industry experts to include in-depth study of the fundamental pillars of business, delivered in the context of luxury fashion. There is a focus on data-driven analytics, merchandising and corporate finance alongside in-depth courses in digital marketing, customer experience and retail. Perhaps the biggest strength of the MAFED programme is the direct access to professionals at the very top of the luxury industry, with many opportunities to meet and learn from CEOs and benefit from valuable networking opportunities. As a professional in the luxury industry, MAFED gives you a real edge.
The MAFED program at the SDA Bocconi was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to not only meet key people in some of the biggest luxury brands but also get a unique behind the scenes look at how these brands operate and why their products are so cherished. SDA Bocconi has worked hard to grow an expansive network within the luxury world and allow their students direct access to it by organizing company visits, guest speakers, and helping the students find job placement within the most coveted names in the industry. They have also set up a framework that helps each student decide on a career path and feel prepared after graduation. I truly believe this is a key program for anyone looking to learn about and enter into this highly sought-after industry.
Describe your MAFED experience.
The MAFED program has truly been a unique learning experience. Not only learning through the classroom but also from the different aspects of life that mold you into who you are overall. As an international non-EU student, life in Milan is very different for me, the combination of foreignness and the MAFED program have helped me view life in a very different perspective.
What is the strength of the SDA Bocconi MAFED network?
The strength of SDA Bocconi MAFED Network lies in community the MAFED program has built around its students (current/ alumni). The program faculty and director have helped create a warm and heartfelt environment where all the students feel they are always welcome to come back. This is also elaborated by the SDA Bocconi through their many networking events that bring together people from across the world to learn, teach, and inspire one another.
Why would you recommend the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
I would recommend it because the overall structure of the program has truly raised my bar to the next level in terms of my mindset on the fashion industry. My understanding, in such a short period of time, of the processes and operations that govern the fashion industry have helped grow my interest in the field. To indulge into the complexity of the fashion industry requires a mindset that only the SDA Bocconi MAFED can help you achieve.
What has impressed you most about the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
The network opportunities that you build, not only with fellow students or graduates but also our own professors and mentors. In my personal experience at MAFED so far, I managed to explore many opportunities that started with the exchange of business cards to becoming profitable transactions in under two months.
Your MAFED in 3 words.
Exciting, bold, inspirational.
What is the Milano advantage?
The Milano advantage is having the privilege to study in the fashion capital of the world. The city gives you access to so many events, locations, and people that you would not have access to in any other city.
What has impressed you most about the SDA Boccon MAFED?
What has impressed me most is the network the program has built and shares with its students. Students have the opportunity to utilize this network and have exceptional company visits that you would not get to do with any other school or program. In addition, the diversity of the student body is impressive, with over 20 nationalities present in the class, which makes for a great learning environment.
Why would you recommend the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
I would recommend it because it offers unparalleled knowledge about the fashion industry, and so many doors to enter the industry, especially for students like myself who have no fashion background. In addition, you get experiences that you would never get at other schools such as luxury company visits, networking cocktails, and guest speakers coming from a multitude of different companies. Being in Milan is like no other experience - being in the center of luxury gives you experiences like no other.
Why would you recommend the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
The MAFED program is extremely well-rounded for an individual who wants to enter the business of fashion and related industries. The program is formulated in a way that provides one to build their business knowledge but with a heavy focus on fashion, retail, customer experience, luxury and also within other areas such as luxury automotive and hotelerie. The program also has unique exposure to executives within the industry due to being in Milan. The ability to meet executives from top brands and to also visit many companies to see production of leather goods to flagship stores is not something every program in the field can offer.
What has impressed you most about the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
The diversity of the courses offered along with the large number of opportunities to meet executives from many different companies, brands and fields. It is definitely a program where a student can take the initiative to meet high-level executives with the many opportunities presented to them in class and during company visits.
What didn't you expect from your Master that has positively surprised you?
I don’t think I realized how much I could learn and take away from the program. I feel I can partake in many positions within a brand now and I have a knowledgeable perspective on the fashion and luxury industry that I would not have had otherwise.
Describe your SDA Bocconi experience and the importance of taking an International Master in Milano, at SDA Bocconi.
My SDA Bocconi experience was incredibly memorable. As an American, it was challenging yet so exciting to partake in an International Master and to be immersed in Italian life for nearly 12 months. I had the ability to work with students from 26 different nationalities and to experience fashion and luxury from one of the fashion capitals being Milan. In addition, I loved being able to see many different companies and brands first hand whether it be a tour of a production facility in Northern Italy or Florence, or visit an haute couture atelier in Paris. I also feel that the Master was very well-rounded and I am the most satisfied with the level of knowledge I obtained from the program.
Why would you recommend the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
MAFED equips you with the edge you need to become an international and well-networked fashion/design management professional. You have the opportunity to build up relevant management knowledge tailored to the respective industries, whilst gaining valuable "real-world" experience in projects with leading companies of the fashion/design industry. This combination of academic excellence, practical application of learnings and networking opportunities is unique from my perspective and sets the stage for the next step in your career.
What has impressed you most about the SDA Bocconi MAFED?
The strength of MAFED relies upon a diverse student body from different professional backgrounds, countries and all ways of thinking. Even if I had studied and worked abroad before, I had never experienced working with such an international crowd of people. It was demanding, but also very intriguing to overcome cultural differences, learn about different ways of working and to work on great projects together. This way I could not only build a strong professional network for the future, but also real friendships with people from all over the world.
Describe your SDA Bocconi experience and the importance of taking an International Master in Milano, at SDA Bocconi.
Milan is one of the fashion and design capitals in the world. Fashion brands such as Prada, Gucci and Versace have their headquarters in the city as well as the leading luxury e-commerce Yoox Net-a-Porter. The proximity to the industry was a great benefit for my learning experience as we had the opportunity to discuss with guest speakers, participate in company visits and worked on field projects with major Italian fashion brands.