Taking an MBA in: Italy

In today’s internationalised and globalised (even hyper-globalised) world, those contemplating an MBA have a sea of options that they must navigate through in order to find the program that best fits their goals, needs, budget and lifestyle. Is a full-time or part-time program a better fit? If it is full-time, is a one year or two year program the right choice? Is the most appropriate program close to home, or in another country? If is it is part-time, is evening, executive, all on-site, all distance learning or some combination most logical?

Despite the intricacies of the modern MBA search, the knowledge and savvy of MBA candidates is keeping pace with MBA options. Prospective MBA students still focus a large amount of energy and attention on the top programs in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, programs in other parts of the world are steadily entering the consciousness of MBA candidates and gaining the respect of the worldwide business community. Programs taught entirely in English are constantly being developed and improved in non-English speaking countries to meet local and international needs, thus adding to the diversity of business school classrooms everywhere.

Continental Europe, and specifically Italy, has become an increasingly appealing destination for MBA students over the last two decades. Students realize the long-term benefits of studying an MBA in English while at the same time learning a new language. MBA candidates also find the everyday experience of living in a new and different culture to be not only personally appealing, but essential in their development as global citizens who can seamlessly adjust to different circumstances. It also goes without saying that the famous food, drink and music of the various regions of Italy and the breathtaking beauty that one is surrounded with while living in one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations are unquantifiable when calculating "quality of life" factors.

What students realize immediately after they enter an international MBA in Italy is that they are experiencing and learning a unique Italian management model which combines creativity and entrepreneurship. It is not a rigid management policy, but a management model that requires constant flexibility. This manifests itself in an Italian MBA classroom by a deep and rich dialogue in lecture settings and a push for creative problem-solving in small groups. Students often discuss case studies, and interact with upper level management, from mid-size (and often family owned) businesses that have historically been, and still are today, the heartbeat of the Italian economy. However, an international MBA cannot be limited to local, or even national, contexts. Thus candidates are exposed to large, multinational companies that have their roots in Italy. Of course, as a worldwide leader in the industries of design, fashion and luxury goods, these sectors are constantly present. However, students must learn to understand a multitude of sectors and also learn about hi-tech companies (such as Agusta and Alenia Aeronautica) and even food companies (such as Ferrero).

An approach to MBA students that is based on personal attention, and that provides an equal focus on hard and soft skills, while at the same time allowing students to balance their personal life, is what students can expect from an MBA in Italy. The majority of international MBA students are located in Milan, given that the city is Italy’s financial and business capital. Milan is a thriving and exciting city. However, when students need a break from cosmopolitan life, mountains, lakes and the seaside are all close at hand. The Italian Alps are an hour’s drive away for skiing, hiking, walking or climbing. The lakes with their mild climate and beautiful surroundings are even closer. And not much further one can enjoy the Mediterranean coast, Adriatic coast or the Ligurian Riviera with its beautiful towns and villages steeped in sun and in history. Just imagine being able to close your books in Milan on a Friday afternoon and, two hours later, sipping an aperitivo before dinner in Portofino or eating foccacia and swimming in the Mediterranean in Camogli.

MBA candidates who chose to come to Italy will have many opportunities, and part of undertaking an MBA is learning to identify, take advantage of, and learn from those opportunities. As one’s personal and professional networks are developed and strengthened, the chance may come up to participate in a weekend regatta on Sardinia, attend a conference in Rome, undertake a company project in Venice, attend an Italian Serie A football match or meet with alum who is living or working in a major European city.

Students will find an international environment in Italy, but also an Italian way a life which is a life that is comfortable, relaxed and meant to be enjoyed. We look forward to welcoming you to this life in Italy.

Voor meer informatie
Bocconi University School of Management