From technology to luxury, how the MBA is helping me reach my Why

What is your why?

It is an easy answer for some, but for me and some of my colleagues it has been a longer journey to discover it. The definition itself is subjective, from your drive towards your career, or your raison d’être. Some of us separate our professional why from our personal why, or we have one guiding point for our lives. Before entering the International MBA program at MiP, I had an idea of what I wanted, and I knew a degree could help me get there because I wanted to change from the technology sector to the luxury market. However, I could not precisely describe what I wanted to do once I got there. For many of us, including me, higher education has helped us to get to our why and define what it is.

Exposure to new perspectives

One of the most important things that higher education has to offer is the exposure to new perspectives. You are immediately immersed into a new ecosystem of people, from your classmates, to teachers, tutors, and administrators. Each person brings a background and experience different from your own, opening your mind to possibilities you may not have considered. I am fortunate to learn not only from my experienced teachers, but also my international colleagues.

New Subjects

There are always new subjects to take advantage of in any program. I knew I wanted to take more marketing classes because that was a general interest of mine, but I didn’t know how applicable omni-channel marketing would be. Exposure to different topics can help narrow your focus or lead you down the path to your why.

Emerging Trends

Because higher education provides the opportunity to focus on research, its participants are usually the first to notice emerging trends. This is a huge benefit to students as we get to learn these trends as they are happening and apply that to our knowledge in the professional world. We’re on the brink of the fourth industrial revolution, and I have discovered how important that will be in my future career.

Innovation

Putting all the previous pieces together, in higher education you get the opportunity to innovate. With a cohort of new perspectives, learning new topics and emerging trends, you can collaborate with your colleagues and invent new solutions to current problems. These could be problems you’ve been looking to solve, or ones you didn’t know existed before. Some of the best ideas started at universities (including MiP!), because they create the perfect environment to pioneer new ideas and inventions.

Finding your Why

Choosing to continue your education can be a huge decision based on finances, location, time, personal life, and many other factors that vary from person to person. It was not a decision I took lightly, to move my entire life to another country for at least a year. Many of my colleagues moved their whole families, or are living long-distance from their partner, and left their jobs to pursue higher education. The benefit of all these choices is that we are coming closer to defining and achieving our goals. If I didn’t know my why before, I have a much stronger definition now.

 

 

About the author
Chelsy Greenman

I’m a current International Full-Time MBA student, originally from the United States. I’m enthusiastic about brand management and customer experience, particularly in the luxury industry. Yogi, WSET3, and art museum connoisseur. I love creating memorable occasions, one customer at a time.

 

Marvelous Milano

It is difficult choosing a university, especially one abroad. The school needs to be a good fit, but so does the city that you will be spending so much time in and moving your life to, even if temporarily. Milan is one of those amazing locations that offers not only some of the best schools in Europe, but it is also a great place to be an international student.

  • Come si dice?

Obviously one of the benefits of moving to a new country is the opportunity to learn a new language. Something of note though, is that you don’t have to speak Italian right away. Milan is a very international city, and many people speak English or a multit ude of other languages. With so many international companies and schools offering programs in English you can feel confident coming here with a very basic knowledge of the language (but you should learn Italian once you get here!).

  • Let’s Eat

What more can be said about Italian food? It is world-renowned for a reason. Milan is in the very North so not only do we have food from all over Italy, but we also have influences from the surrounding regions like Austria and Switzerland. The international influence provides all types of cuisines to explore, from sushi to hamburgers. Something uniquely Italian that the Milanese have perfected is the aperitivo – a time before dinner where bars and restaurants serve food with any drink you order. It is perfect for a student budget, and a lovely way to relax after classes with colleagues and friends.

  • Bella Arte

Another thing Italy is known for, the art and architecture. Milan is highly underrated in this regard, there are so many museums from antiquity to contemporary. You can see Roman pottery and

Banksy in the same day, or you can be shopping in a modern store and the building next door is from the 16th century. Plus, many traveling exhibitions come through Milan, so there is always something new to see and explore. You never have a dull weekend or evening.

  • Getting Around

Coming from another country, most international students don’t have cars here so public transportation is crucial. Milan has every type imaginable from bus, to tram, to trains, and even bikes or scooters to rent. Getting around the city is speedy and easy, so you can make to school on time, or to your friend’s house that lives across town. Milan is super connected when you want to

travel to other cities or countries as well. With the speed trains Rome and Florence are not far away,

and with two airports the rest of Europe isn’t either.

  • The Great Outdoors

Since Milan is so connected, it’s very easy to spend time in nature. Milan itself has parks all over the city, including Parco Sempione in the center w ith a beautiful castle to roam around. If you want to be even more remote than that, you can get to the mountains or the beach by train in a matter of hours (sometimes less). There is skiing and hiking in the mountains, or swimming in the ocean and lakes. You can be outdoors in every season in Milan.

There really is something for everyone here in Milan but I think the best part of studying abroad here is that it attracts so many other international students. You’re never alone with such a large community.

 

About the author
Chelsy Greenman

I’m a current International Full-Time MBA student, originally from the United States. I’m enthusiastic about brand management and customer experience, particularly in the luxury industry. Yogi, WSET3, and art museum connoisseur. I love creating memorable occasions, one customer at a time.

 

A talk between MBA classmates: Interview with Dina Yassin

What drove you to pursue an MBA at this stage in your life?

I’ve always wanted to do my postgraduate studies, and pursuing an MBA seemed the right fit. Coming from a creative field and incorporating that business knowledge and perspective was just what I needed to better understand the luxury market, along with providing innovative strategies to help me tackle the future of fashion and design. I was also hungry for a new challenge, and of course, a different experience  ̶  and with the pandemic, it was just the right time.

Was there any particular reason behind picking MIP over other institutions?

Well, a good friend of mine highly recommended MiP, and after doing thorough research, I knew it was just what I was looking for in terms of a good and prestigious European business school, as well as what it had to offer when it comes to a theoretical approach to teaching.

Describe your journey. Were there any particular moments you recall?

My journey was a challenging one yet filled with so much excitement. Due to Covid and the related delays, I had to carry out my studies remotely while working throughout. It wasn’t easy, but I looked forward to my classes, the assignments, the collaborative projects with my peers, everything. We definitely were a great group of people and together, we built a strong unit. I have to say, I learned so much from many of them, I felt I belonged to something substantial, and I gained strong ethics and leadership qualities I had never imagined before, because of the calibre of my peers and professors. There were many moments I recall, but the one that has stuck with me was working on The Mark Challenge with a fantastic and resilient group: we may have not won, but we made it far enough as a team and with a brilliant idea!

Did you face any particular challenges with the hybrid model of the program?

Well, for the most part, it was fine, but challenges of being in front of my laptop for over 7 hours daily came with its effects of exhaustion. Sometimes, I’d be working in areas with limited Wi-Fi access and attending classes would be difficult, so I’d have to catch up later. Time management was key, so utilizing it to the best of my abilities was something I strived for. I was lucky to be surrounded by good people who always wanted to help, and for that I’m grateful. Now looking back, I’m glad to have experienced a hybrid model of the program as it strengthened my focus and prepared me for an unpredictable global future.

Do you have any words to share about your colleagues/professors/MIP staff?

They were all a wonderful bunch of people and I learned so much from them. My professors’ abilities to deliver such great lectures remotely was an incredible experience, their patience and the overall knowledge that they shared with us was exceptional, incomparable, and valuable. My colleagues were amazing; I’ve made some good friends I could call family who came with strong ethics and backgrounds  ̶  without them, this MBA journey would not have been the same. The MiP staff were great too, they delivered well and accommodated our needs during a challenging time. The pandemic hasn’t made it easy for many, however, they made it work… I’ll never forget Martina and her dedication to us… Thank you!

How was the experience of finally meeting everyone at the graduation?

It was surreal! I was so happy I made it to the graduation to meet everyone! After a whole year of hard work online, the least I could do was stand there with everyone and share in the moment of accomplishment. I wish I had more time to spend with everyone, but it was short and sweet… hopefully next time!

Do you have any particular plans for the future?

Well, the sky is the limit! I’m currently looking to move back to the USA as an exciting opportunity has presented itself. Hoping to share more soon!

 

About the author
Rakshit Behel

A results-oriented marketing communications professional helping brands achieve objectives with integrated marketing campaigns built around branded content. From creatively developing and implementing digital marketing and content strategies to measuring performance with analytics and providing insights into useful data, aligned to brands’ business goals; experience of working with clients from different industries: Hospitality, IT, Fintech, Media and Healthcare.

 

Corporate Leadership & Different Types of Leaders

A key part of our MBA at MIP, Politecnico di Milano, has been about developing an understanding of our future career path. Since the course admits high-calibre individuals with prior experience, a lot of its graduates find themselves in a leadership position.

Therefore, it’s important to understand what kind of a leader you wish to grow into as an industry professional! Let’s start with an overview of some different styles of corporate leadership:

Laissez-faire leadership
The laissez-faire leadership type, also known as delegative leadership, is a style of non-intervention and is characterised by a lack of regular feedback.

Autocratic leadership
Autocratic leadership allows supervisors to make decisions and set guidelines without group participation. The leader concentrates all the power and no one challenges his/her decisions.

Democratic leadership
Usually called participatory leadership, this type of leadership is characterised by creating enthusiasm among workers by prioritising the participation of the entire group.

Transactional leadership
Transactional leadership is based on transactions, that is, an exchange of processes between leaders and their followers. Followers receive awards for their job performance and the leader benefits because they fulfil the tasks.

Transformational leadership
Transformational leaders use high levels of communication to achieve the objectives and provide a vision of change that they manage to transmit to the employees.

If I could only pick one, I would choose to be a transformational leader; someone who is able to generate maximum output with a vision towards the future. A leader should try to ensure clear communication coupled with empathy among his/her teammates. It is important to understand the motivations of your team and what drives them at an individual level.

In view of the way businesses have had to adapt to the hybrid model that combines working in an office with working at home, as a leader I would like to keep my team congruent with the overall goals. A leader should exhibit a certain sophistication in emotional intelligence in ensuring that nobody feels like they have been left out, whether they are slogging away at their desk or at home. It becomes important to learn quickly and to be comfortable with the technology that allows for efficient communication and for daily operations to run on schedule.

Despite classifying leadership in different styles, we have often seen that it doesn’t happen in a “one-approach-fits-all” style. As a team is composed of diverse individuals, various situations might require us to be a different kind of leader while leading a team. As an individual, I have to try to take responsibility for my work, so I love working with laissez-faire leaders. A leader should keep his/her team motivated by always acknowledging their work. Sometimes you will have a view that is a little different from that of the rest of the group; a democratic leader would try to understand my perspective in order to achieve better results.

As a professional looking to grow into the role of a leader in your own field, you should try to understand which approach suits you best and keeps the morale of your team high, while simultaneously achieving the goals you have set for them. If you manage to stay involved, have good  communication in place and a clear vision of your objectives, the knowledge gained from the International MBA will help you implement successful corporate frameworks to optimise the results achieved by your team.

 

About the author
Rakshit Behel

A results-oriented marketing communications professional helping brands achieve objectives with integrated marketing campaigns built around branded content. From creatively developing and implementing digital marketing and content strategies to measuring performance with analytics and providing insights into useful data, aligned to brands’ business goals; experience of working with clients from different industries: Hospitality, IT, Fintech, Media and Healthcare.

A Holistic Education for an Ideal Future

As business professionals and entrepreneurs, I believe everyone at MIP (faculty, staff, and students included) has a desire to improve the professional ecosystem. We choose to experience and create an atmosphere of continuous learning to ameliorate the professional world, making it better for ourselves and future generations. The MBA accomplishes this by giving students a holistic approach to business. We take a step back, look at businesses, and then dive into the minutiae.

Pillars of the MIP MBA

The International Full-Time MBA begins with four pillars of management basics. We get to look at a business from every angle, from financial accounting to project management. While some subjects like supply chain aren’t my area of interest, it is important for me to understand their role in the ecosystem so I can improve the entire business. It also allows us the opportunity to experience areas we enjoy but may not have thought about before the program. As the pillars progress, we can see the business as a network, and the importance of each part working together. For me, as someone with business work experience but a humanities education, this allowed me to learn the fundamentals, but also put them into practice with business cases and absorb the experiences of my diverse colleagues.

Experiential Gym

While we are amid the essential pillars, we get to really apply our learnings in the real world, working with actual companies to provide innovative solutions. This takes a real ‘learn by doing’ approach to practice our skills obtained earlier and implement them in real time. It is one thing to learn the theory of something, but it’s another to see the theory put into practice. Viewing the impact of our education so early in the program will empower us to take these learnings into our future careers with confidence.

Bootcamps

The third part of our experience will be spent in specific areas of our choosing. This is where we will dive into the topics that pertain to our path, or our new chosen path. For instance, I am making the shift into the luxury market, so I will be able to learn the specifics of this sector, applying the general business tools I learned in the pillars, and taking them a step further.

Project Work

Finally, we will finish our program with project work, where we will bring our education into full-time operation. Whether we are doing an internship, starting a new job, or bringing our skills back to our previous position, we get to practice our new abilities with the guidance of our professors and mentors.

Putting it all Together

Taking all these pieces, my classmates and I will be able to improve the business ecosystem we enter with a holistic view of the company. For example, I will be able to confidently enter the luxury market knowing how the supply chain affects my final customer, and I can work empathetically with the supply chain to create a better business internally and externally. This step-by-step approach, viewing businesses holistically, allows us to find the gaps in between departments and processes, and creates an understanding as future leaders that every piece of the business has its importance. The more understanding we have, the more we can implement positive change.

 

About the author
Chelsy Greenman

I’m a current International Full-Time MBA student, originally from the United States. I’m enthusiastic about brand management and customer experience, particularly in the luxury industry. Yogi, WSET3, and art museum connoisseur. I love creating memorable occasions, one customer at a time.

 

Walking Down Memory Lane as an MBA Graduate

Almost a year ago to the day, I can vividly remember landing in Milan, with unbridled excitement and nervous anticipation! After multiple delays, I had finally managed to make it to my destination of Milan, and I was about to start on arguably one of the most challenging and adventurous paths of my life; that of coming to Italy to add to my professional skills and gain international experience with an MBA from the MIP Graduate School of Business.

What followed has been a life-changing experience! I found myself among a group of some of the sharpest minds from different parts of the world, brought together by a common goal of growing as a professional and adding to their repertoire of skills. The first striking feature of the program was the structure, with lectures having group presentations, encouraging active engagement often graded in assignments produced by people from different backgrounds, with no prior acquaintance, working together. Having random teammates meant we were able to get to know our colleagues on a better level than just as batchmates. On occasions when we thought we were running tight deadlines or the work needed improvements, I found myself working with people from Italy, the UAE, China, Hong Kong, Ethiopia, Argentina, Brazil and with the five other classmates from India. With different backgrounds came different perspectives, different solutions to the same problems. In the process, it has not just broadened our own personal perspective, but some have become a lot more than just colleagues; they have become friends.

A gruelling schedule of lectures and assignments meant that we were always, always, kept on our toes but being a course for experienced professionals, the flexibility of revisiting lectures in MIP’s Digital Gym was a huge advantage. The hybrid model allowed us to keep up with all the coursework as well as giving us valuable practice of managing digital technologies in the most efficient ways. All this was interspersed with company presentations, where people from different industries gave us insights into their professional lives, as well as series of workshops on improving our presentation and soft skills.

The program also provided the scope for industrial exposure to go hand in hand with the classroom teaching. This was immensely helpful to the candidates coming from abroad, such as myself, as it gave us our first experience of working as a consultant with a company from the Italian market, known as the Organizational Check-Up. While OCU is a team project, during the twilight of my course, I also had the pleasure of working on a marketing project with another Italian company as part of my internship. Both projects have added to my professional understanding of European markets, have helped me find new mentors too, and friends with whom I can share the aperitivos over the weekends.

While no journey is without its share of challenges, I can gladly say that most of the challenges I have faced have been outside the classroom. Having to keep up with the visa paperwork, the local bureaucratic work, etc, can get overwhelming when you’re new, but the International Students’ Office has always been available at our beck and call to help us out with any information we might need.

Almost a year ago to the day, I look back at the experience of having graduated with an MBA with a feeling of gratitude! I am thankful to the professors who added to my knowledge, the colleagues who shared their own ideas with me and helped me improve mine, the MIP team, including the course coordinator, the ISO and the CDC for being always available to help. Alas, all good things must come to an end and so did our MBA, as we all flung our graduation hats into the air on 24th of November 2021. A new beginning awaits us all, and I hope that we are all able to implement our vision as Managers in the business world of the future.

About the author
Rakshit Behel

A results-oriented marketing communications professional helping brands achieve objectives with integrated marketing campaigns built around branded content. From creatively developing and implementing digital marketing and content strategies to measuring performance with analytics and providing insights into useful data, aligned to brands’ business goals; experience of working with clients from different industries: Hospitality, IT, Fintech, Media and Healthcare.

 

MBA Experience between physical and digital: the synergy of a hybrid path

The world of education is undergoing major changes and aligning itself with the latest technological solutions, to make education accessible as well as train students to be the professionals of tomorrow. There are several key trends which have accelerated over the last couple of years in the wake of the pandemic; one emerging key trend relates to the rate of adoption of technology in delivering full-time professional courses such as the International MBA at MIP Politecnico di Milano.

As one Europe’s premier business schools, MBA Graduates here don’t just add to their academic skills but also gain a unique hybrid experience, combining both digital technology and the physical on-campus learning with their peers. As industries in most sectors are switching to a hybrid model of working, one can see the practical benefits of doing an MBA in a similar environment. As an International MBA candidate in 2020-21, the experience of pursuing my studies with complete flexibility in terms of my schedule has been a key highlight.

There is the digital platform, which helps me keep track of my academic calendar; studying in a hybrid model has helped me plan my week and allowed me to complete all the official formalities like immigration, etc, without having had to miss out on any of the lectures. Just as it gave me the freedom of flexibility, it also required me to be responsible in terms of time management. The beauty of the hybrid model is having a choice between whether to go  to the campus to attend a lecture or, when juggling multiple commitments, being able to attend the same lecture from the comfort of home. A recent chat with a member of the administrative personnel revealed that she had noticed that participations in competitions, workshops, etc, had risen this year, as students could manage multiple projects from home as well as save time normally spent commuting to the campus.

The biggest advantage of a hybrid model though, was the ability to connect with people from distant parts of the world, while sitting with a few colleagues on campus. As a modern-day MBA program, comprising of multiple corporate presentations, professional bootcamps and various other course extensions, the hybrid model removed any barrier to people joining in from their homes or offices. I have had a wonderful experience working with people from Dubai, France, China, etc, while making new friends on campus over countless aperitivos.

Another major advantage of working via a hybrid model is the focus on health and safety. Thanks to the technology at our disposal, we have all our lectures uploaded for viewing later; so if someone wakes up not feeling well, they can stay at home and catch up on the lectures at their convenience. By focusing on designing course delivery around improved wellbeing outcomes, b-schools can contribute to healthier, happier and more engaged students. The hybrid path of learning has prepared me for the challenges of working in the evolving work environment of the future. It has trained me to accept that the success of remote working is the shared responsibility of all team members; I have also learned the best ways to utilize collaboration tools for virtual meetings, the benefits of real-life networking and, most importantly, the responsibility for defining a proper work-life balance by being able to manage my time in a more efficient and productive way.

 

About the author
Rakshit Behel

A results-oriented marketing communications professional helping brands achieve objectives with integrated marketing campaigns built around branded content. From creatively developing and implementing digital marketing and content strategies to measuring performance with analytics and providing insights into useful data, aligned to brands’ business goals; experience of working with clients from different industries: Hospitality, IT, Fintech, Media and Healthcare.

Tales of an Expat in Italy: the Benefits of Studying in Milan

Milan is the commercial hub of Italy but also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and quality of life. If you’re a student like me, looking to add to a global experience, then you’ve come to the right place. As a cosmopolitan city, Milan celebrates cultures and people from all over the world. There are a few things you can do to get the maximum out of Milan and remember your time here with a smile on your lips. Having been here for the last six months, today, as part of Tales of an Expat, I will share with you my experience of enjoying la dolce vita while studying at MIP.

Invest in Fashion & Style

Looking trendy in the streets of Milan is a way of life here. The Milanese have a wonderful sense of aesthetic appeal and they take their fashion rather seriously. Whether you want to look casual, chic or dapper, take those additional 5-10 minutes each morning to look your classy best. If you want to revamp your wardrobe, Milan offers plenty of options for shopping. The most famous of these are Corso Buenos Aires and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; however, you will also find some really interesting local shops in the Navigli area. The options are plenty so you can get the look you desire. Every street has local hairdressers, apparel and accessories stores that will surely stoke your imagination.

The Aperitivo is a Ritual

The Italians love their aperitivo and it’s a great way to experience local culture, to people-watch, and to unwind with a drink after a long day of sightseeing. Since the aperitivo is a northern-Italian custom, Milan is hands down the best place to savour its bitter-sweet taste. It’s a low alcohol pre-dinner drink enjoyed with small nibbles of crackers, olives, meats and cheeses. The best time to have one is during the evening while you wait for that scrumptious dinner.

Food is a Mouth-Watering Culinary Experience

Being a global city, in Milan you will find food options from not only different parts of Italy but also the rest of the world. There are so many options that you’ll be left wondering which ones to try. Of course, if you’re living here on a long-term basis, you might get to try everything. The Italians take a lot of pride in preparing their meals. The restaurants and bars will have plenty of options to choose from and cater to your senses. The crowds are often lively, and the vibe is wonderful in most places.

Many Options for Local Sightseeing

Milan is great for exploring the mix of contemporary and old-world charm. Streets here are both high-end and rustic. On top of that, there are many options for public transport and every part of the city is connected with the rest. Also, local travel is not expensive. Nevertheless, the city is best explored on foot; if you travel on an ATM card you can use it for the metro, buses and trams.

Travelling out of Milan isn’t bad either

Situated in Lombardy, Milan has many options for day trips and weekend getaways. From beautiful lakes such as Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore to the charming Italian towns of Verona and Bergamo, the traveller in you will be spoilt for choice. Most are an hour or two away from the city by train and are easily accessible. Milan is surrounded by many interesting and beautiful places in which to enjoy a relaxing day or weekend.

Final Word : For an expat, Milan is a wonderful city to find yourself in! It’s lively, buzzing with activity and there are many things to do here. On top of that, you will enjoy the classy crowds, wining and dining at the finest restaurants and have a great time. Coming from India, studying and living in Milan has been a memorable experience.

 

About the author
Rakshit Behel

A results-oriented marketing communications professional helping brands achieve objectives with integrated marketing campaigns built around branded content. From creatively developing and implementing digital marketing and content strategies to measuring performance with analytics and providing insights into useful data, aligned to brands’ business goals; experience of working with clients from different industries: Hospitality, IT, Fintech, Media and Healthcare.

 

Let’s talk with MIP’s Staff: an Interview with Martina Salvi

Are you an MBA aspirant? To help make up your mind, we bring you the perspective of someone with first-hand experience, who has helped MIP maintain its standard of education while enriching it through digital learning.

Meet Martina Salvi, the course coordinator for the International MBA 2020-21, who shares her own experience of managing the coursework for all stakeholders with an interest in the program.

Below are some excerpts from our interview with her on certain aspects that are essential to the journey of MIP MBA candidates.

Tell us something about yourself – what is your experience of working with MIP Politecnico di Milano and your role?

I have been working with MIP for nearly 3 years and my main role has been that of being the course coordinator for the International Full-Time MBA since 2018. I have also had the experience of working on the Executive MBA program for a short while.

So overall, I have had experience of working with professionals with different backgrounds and experience. Right now, I am involved with specialized masters as program coordinators on programs related to Sustainable Management and Media & Communications.

Moreover, as program coordinators, we manage several cross-master projects, where we provide additional activities and services to students; this has been a very interesting part of my work experience, since it has given me a chance to interact with people from different courses and with different experiences. Currently, I am also working on some new master courses that are at the planning stage.

How has the experience of conducting an MBA has been different in 2020-21 from that of previous years?

The experience has definitely been more challenging! It requires a role of co-ordination with a higher demand for flexibility in relation to the constantly changing context. At the same time, as part of our job as the challenges increased, we saw the opportunities increase for all stakeholders and, most importantly, for students. It gave students a chance to be more creative and for us to organize a more diverse set of activities. For example, during 2020, our school launched an initiative called “Keep on Learning”, a series of webinars and workshops which received great response from students, faculty and professionals, and helped us provide a consistent and high-quality experience.

Any particularly challenging moment you can look back at?

The period right after the beginning of the pandemic was quite challenging. As things went into a lockdown, we had to manage entire course deliveries online. This is where our previous experience with our Flex EMBA and other online courses came in handy. It was necessary to redesign all the activities considering the online setting, and this required a lot of effort and coordination. Even though the process of redesigning the activities continued over time, we had to convert all the courses online within one day immediately after the lockdown, and that was the real challenge.

Any fond memories from your experience?

Developing interpersonal relationships and keeping them strong despite the pandemic form some of my really pleasant memories. Having one-to-one calls with students, in order to guide them and help them, is something I really value. At the beginning of this experience, I feared that it might be difficult to maintain this aspect with the hybrid model but even with the online mediation, these interactions have become the best memories of my experience so far.

Would you like to share a message for the intake?

As students, I think it is crucial to try and build strong interpersonal relationships and develop a strong network. The ability to learn from peers and to be active listeners are skills that are going to make a real difference in the long run.

 

About the author
Rakshit Behel

A results-oriented marketing communications professional helping brands achieve objectives with integrated marketing campaigns built around branded content. From creatively developing and implementing digital marketing and content strategies to measuring performance with analytics and providing insights into useful data, aligned to brands’ business goals; experience of working with clients from different industries: Hospitality, IT, Fintech, Media and Healthcare.

 

Our School placed in the top 40 for its International Full-Time MBA in the 2021 Expansión Ranking

Our International Full-Time MBA is placed 29th in the world in the latest rankings by Expansión.

If we analyse the parameters used in the rankings, we can see that our programme performed particularly well in the area of salary increases. Indeed, compared to last year, the average increase in an MBA student’s salary is about 13%.

This ranking is based on a student survey and takes into account variables such as career advancement, composition of the Faculty, but also GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), the multiculturalism of students, knowledge creation and social responsibility.

Career advancement (25%): this takes into account the average salary range for the most recent generation of students, measured at the end of the programme, as well as the variations in the salary received at the beginning of the programme.

Composition of the academic faculty (20%): this considers the lecturers’ academic grades and is based on the percentage of those who have a PhD.

GMAT score (20%): praxis of the student profile that the business school attracts.

Multiculturalism and territorial diversity (15%): the greater presence of foreign students as a proportion of the total is considered positive.

Knowledge creation (10%): the production of knowledge by the lecturers.

Social Responsibility (10%): this takes the percentage of teaching hours accredited in the programme which are dedicated to issues of social responsibility, with respect to the programme’s total number of teaching hours.

Tommaso Agasisti, Associate Dean for International Relations and Quality says: “This positioning confirms the appreciation of our programmes also in Latin America: being part of our business school means connecting with a wide network of educational institutions, companies, visiting professors and students from all over the world.”

Download the magazine at this link to read the full ranking