SDA Bocconi MBA Review

SDA Bocconi MBA is a top-tier program that offers students an international learning experience, a diverse and dynamic community, and the opportunity to specialize in various areas of interest. With a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, students gain a unique skill set that prepares them for success in today's global business landscape. The program's rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and experiential learning opportunities equip students with the necessary tools to advance their careers and become leaders in their respective fields. Graduates of the SDA Bocconi MBA have gone on to work at top companies across the world, making a significant impact in various industries. If you're looking for a transformative educational experience that will broaden your perspective and set you up for long-term success, then the SDA Bocconi MBA program is the right choice for you.

If you're searching for a top MBA program that provides a perfect balance of academic rigor, global exposure, and practical business experience, then SDA Bocconi MBA is the ideal choice. Situated in the heart of Milan, SDA Bocconi is a leading European business school that is widely recognized for its MBA program's excellence and has consistently ranked among the top MBA programs globally.

The SDA Bocconi MBA program provides a wide variety of specializations, allowing students to customize their studies according to their particular career objectives and interests. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning through hands-on projects, international field trips, and experiential learning opportunities, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today's competitive global business environment.

Another distinguishing aspect of the SDA Bocconi MBA is its strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, with dedicated courses and a Sustainability Committee. SDA Bocconi aims to produce responsible leaders who can have a positive impact on society.

Overall, the SDA Bocconi MBA program is a highly respected program that attracts talented and diverse students from all over the world. If you're looking for a comprehensive and challenging MBA program that can propel your career forward, SDA Bocconi MBA is definitely a program worth exploring.

The acceptance rate for the SDA Bocconi MBA program varies each year, but it is known to be highly competitive. However, the school's emphasis on diversity and experience means that it is not solely based on academic achievement. The admissions committee looks for candidates with strong leadership potential, real-world experience, and a global mindset. To increase your chances of being accepted, it is recommended to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and achievements in your application. Overall, the SDA Bocconi MBA is a highly sought-after program, attracting a pool of talented and diverse applicants from around the world. The program's comprehensive curriculum, focus on practical learning, and emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility have made it a popular choice for those seeking a well-rounded MBA education. 

The Global Executive MBA program is a unique 1-year curriculum that will revolutionize the way you think, network, and do business in some of the world’s most important markets, while also providing you with a larger range of possibilities, contacts, and experiences. The Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA program is provided in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

International MBA, Executive Master in Business Administration, Global Executive MBA, Master of Management in Food and Beverage, Master in Corporate Finance, Master in Fashion Experience & Design Management, and Executive Master in Marketing & Sales are some of the specific programs offered at the B School. It also has an option for custom programs. In addition, Bocconi University has a strong industry connection that helps students find internships and job possibilities.

Core Course

The sequences of Core Courses take place in 5 Terms from September to March: Term 1 (October/November), Term 2 (November/December), Term 3 (January/February), Term 4 (February/March), Term 5 (March/April).

Term 1

• Populism and the Economy
• Fundamentals of Accounting
• Financial Reporting and Analysis
• Competitive Strategy
• Microeconomics for Managers
• Business Analytics

Term 2

• Financial Planning and Budgeting
• Understanding Investments
• Strategic Economic Analysis
• Predictive Analytics of Big Data
• Marketing Management
• Organisational Behaviour

Term 3

• Banking and Capital Markets
• Macroeconomics for Managers
• Cost Management and Profitability Analysis
• Marketing Analytics
• Corporate Strategy
• Python Coding and Application (non-mandatory)

Term 4

• Decisions & Uncertainty
• Operations Strategy
• Corporate Sustainability
• Managing People in Organisations
• Macroeconomics in Action
• Bloomberg (non-mandatory)

Term 5

• Supply Chain Management
• Organizational Design in the Information Age
• Performance Management and Control
• Corporate Valuation
• Technology and Innovation Management
• Perspectives on Emerging Markets (non-mandatory)

Electives and Specialization

The electives are clustered in 4+1 concentrations, among which students have to make choices.

• Finance and Financial Institutions
• Structured and Project Finance
• Real Estate Investment
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Derivatives & Hedging
• Investment Banks: Mastering Deal Execution
• Innovation, Product Development, Execution
• Strategy Execution
• Making Innovation Happen: Scenarios, People, Practices
• Ideating and Launching New Products
• Digital Enabled Business Transformation
• Innovating in the Global Landscape
• Customer Marketing
• Pricing
• Brand Management
• Ecommerce

Extra activities at SDA Bocconi MBA

Clubs are an important element of the SDA Bocconi experience. They bring together people and foster new ideas by facilitating conversations among professors, students, alumni, and the business community on topics of mutual interest.

All clubs are student-led, and great management skills are required to raise finances, establish business strategies, and handle connections with the press and private companies.

Clubs enrich the MBA by immersing students, prominent visitors, and the alumni network in a variety of events such as regattas, sports weekends, charity dinners, conferences, seminars, and wine tastings to supplement a full class and study calendar.

Here are various Clubs at SDA Bocconi

Professional Clubs

• Entrepreneurial Club SDA Bocconi
• Ethica Club SDA Bocconi
• Finance Club SDA
• Healthcare Club SDA Bocconi
• Industry & Operations Club SDA Bocconi
• MGMT and Consulting Club SDA Bocconi
• LGBTQ+ Club SDA Bocconi
• Luxury Arts Club SDA Bocconi
• Tech and Marketing Club

Social Clubs

• Running Club SDA Bocconi
• Sailing Club SDA Bocconi
• Ski Club SDA Bocconi

The primary requirement to study SDA Bocconi MBA is a bachelor’s degree from a renowned university. In addition, you are also required to have a score of at least 50% in your 12th and an average of 65% combining both 10th and 12th scores.

Apart from this, you must have a professional work experience of around 5 years to study MBA at SDA Bocconi. On average, SDA Bocconi MBA students have a work experience of 2 to 10 years.

• GMAT/GRE
• The INSEAD MiM MIM requires participants to have a sound academic foundation thus you are required to face either GMAT or GRE and submit the scores. 
• A competitive GMAT score is likely to be above 650. The Admissions Committee at INSEAD prefers to see around 65% scores in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections and about 70% for the Integrated Reasoning section
• For the GRE, the Admissions Committee expects around 80% in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections 

Languages

• If you are not a native English speaker then, you have to face an English Proficiency Test and submit the scores for the same. Otherwise, you are not required to do so to get into SDA Bocconi MBA
• On the other hand, if you are a native English speaker, then, an English Proficiency test is not required

Here are some exams accepted by the College:

• TOEFL (recommended score equal to or above 103), 
• IELTS (recommended score equal to or above 7.5), 
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Academic (recommended score equal to or above 70).
• No specific cutoff mentioned
• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in any discipline
• Work experience – 5 years

Prerequisites

Application Documents

The documents for the SDA Bocconi MBA, either Global or Executive Master programs, are the same. They are:

• Degree certificate(s) or current certificate of enrolment.
• A one-page resume (CV) – Your CV should be crisp and clear. It must contain the crux of your knowledge, experience, and skills.
• All official up-to-date academic transcripts and official GPA.
• GMAT official test score report.
• English language proficiency test score report (TOEFL or IELTS or Cambridge or PTE).
• Copy of Passport or ID card.
• Two completed online reference forms.
• Passport-style photo in .jpg or .jpeg format only
• SOP- SOP stands for statement of purpose, also known as Motivation Letter. This letter is a chance for you to highlight your best qualities. So much so that the reader would like to meet you in person. Basically, write specifically about your motivation, goals, and learning expectations.

The selection process is focused on a number of soft aspects and how you align with their MBA: abilities, talents, enthusiasm, motivation, capacity to contribute, and ambition to grow as a manager and as a person. You must also meet the formal entrance standards, which include past university courses, exam scores, and professional experience. And one of these things is timely completion of tasks, which you can prove by completing you application a couple of days before the deadline.

Graduates of the SDA Bocconi MBA program have excellent employment opportunities, both in Italy and abroad. According to the latest employment report, 91% of graduates secured a job within 6 months of graduation, with an average salary increase of 71%.

The program's strong focus on practical learning and real-world business experience has helped graduates secure positions in a wide range of industries, including consulting, finance, technology, and consumer goods. Some of the top employers of SDA Bocconi MBA graduates include Amazon, Deloitte, McKinsey & Company, and Vodafone.

In addition, SDA Bocconi has a strong alumni network, with over 110,000 alumni spread across more than 100 countries. This network provides graduates with valuable connections and opportunities for career advancement. Overall, the employment outcomes of the SDA Bocconi MBA program are impressive, with graduates going on to secure high-paying and rewarding positions in some of the world's top companies.

After, graduating from, SDA Bocconi MBA students get to work in a wide range of domains such as Consulting, technology, healthcare, real estate, etc. The top three sectors in which these remarkable graduates are working are Finance, Technology, and Consulting. The top companies which are hiring the SDA Bocconi MBA Graduates are McKinsey & Co., PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bain & Co., Amazon, Microsoft, Zurich Insurance Group, PIMCO, etc.

Consulting Sector

• McKinsey & Co.
• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Bain & Co.
• Boston Consulting Group
• A.T. Kearney

Technology

• Google
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Uber
• Infosys

Finance

• Credit Suisse
• Generali Investments
• Zurich Insurance Group
• PIMCO
• UBS

Bocconi University has over 114,000 alumni, with 16,000 alumni coming from SDA Bocconi. This dynamic network of people based in more than 110 countries is an invaluable asset. Through the alumni network, you can access a wealth of experience and knowledge and build strong and lasting relationships.

Some Famous Alumni at SDA Bocconi MBA 

• Kaarel Ots – the Chairman of the Management Board of Nasdaq Tallinn
• Andrea Illys – the Chairman of illycaffè S.p.A.,
• Dubravka Nègre – Head of EIB Regional Representation for the Western Balkans

Essay 1: What interests and occupations do you pursue in your free time? (approx. 1390 chars)
Essay 2: What do you think you gained from your university studies? Conversely, what important things do you think your studies lacked? (approx. 1390 chars)
Essay 3: Explain the most significant goals you think you have achieved so far and the reasons for their importance in your personal growth. (approx. 1500 chars)
Essay 4: Describe your strong points, personal and professional, explaining why you see them as such. (approx. 1500 chars)
Essay 5: Describe your weak points, personal and professional, explaining why you see them as such. (approx. 1500 chars)
Essay 6: What are the reasons that lead you to apply to the MBA program at this point in your life? (approx. 2400 chars)
Essay 7: What other possibilities have you seriously considered, apart from the MBA program, for reaching your goals of personal and professional growth? (approx. 2400 chars)
Essay 8: Have you applied to other business schools in Italy or elsewhere? If yes, which ones and why? (approx. 2000 chars)
Essay 9: Where do you wish to pursue your profession after receiving the MBA diploma? Italy? My home country? Elsewhere? Why? (approx. 2300 chars)
Essay 10: What are your short-term professional goals (within the next four years)? (approx. 2300 chars)
Essay 11: What are your long-term professional goals? (approx. 2500 chars)

A letter of recommendation for the SDA Bocconi MBA program should be written by a current or former supervisor, manager, or professor who knows the applicant well and can speak to their qualifications, skills, and potential for success in the program. The letter should be written on professional letterhead and should include the recommender's contact information.

In the letter, the recommender should provide specific examples of the applicant's achievements, leadership abilities, and teamwork skills. They should also comment on the applicant's character and work ethic, and how they think the SDA Bocconi MBA program will benefit the applicant's career goals. The recommender needs to highlight the applicant's unique qualities and strengths that would make them a valuable addition to the program. Ultimately, the letter of recommendation should provide a detailed and positive assessment of the applicant's qualifications and potential, helping to support their application to the SDA Bocconi MBA program.

After getting selected for SDA Bocconi MBA, you will be asked to face an interview. This interview could be via G-Meet or in person. Although there are not any interview questions specified by the school, it should be kept in mind that AdCom is interested to know your goals, motivation, and other endeavors. So, these are the things that you should thoroughly be prepared with.

Some general questions that you should prepare yourself with for the interview at SDA Bocconi MBA

Q: Tell me something about yourself
Q: What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
Q: Why do you want to pursue the Course/ Program?
Q: Tell me about a recent news affair that has caught your attention.
Q: Have you ever lived in any other country or had any sort of interaction with people from different countries?
Q: What is your proudest achievement?
Q: What was your role at your previous job/ Internship?

Diverse Specializations: The SDA Bocconi MBA offers a diverse range of specializations, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific career goals and interests. Specializations include Luxury Business Management, Marketing, Corporate Finance, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, among others.

Global Exposure: The SDA Bocconi MBA provides students with a truly global experience, with over 30 nationalities represented in the program and international field trips to destinations such as China, Brazil, and the United States. Students also have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs with over 40 partner schools worldwide.

Practical Learning: The SDA Bocconi MBA emphasizes practical learning through hands-on projects, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities. Students work on real-world business challenges and have access to industry experts and practitioners, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the business world.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: SDA Bocconi is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, with courses focused on sustainable business practices and a dedicated Sustainability Committee. The program prepares students to be responsible leaders who make a positive impact on society.

Career Services: SDA Bocconi has a dedicated career services team that provides students with personalized career coaching, networking opportunities, and access to job and internship postings. The school also has a strong alumni network that provides ongoing support and mentorship to current students.

The SDA Bocconi MBA is a top-ranked program that offers a unique blend of academic rigor, global exposure, and practical learning opportunities. With a diverse range of specializations and a strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, SDA Bocconi prepares its students to be responsible leaders who can make a positive impact on society. The program attracts a talented and diverse pool of students from around the world, creating a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. The faculty is world-renowned, and the school has a strong network of alumni who are leaders in their respective fields. The program also offers excellent career opportunities, with a high employment rate and competitive salaries.

Overall, the SDA Bocconi MBA is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their career to the next level and make a positive impact in the world. With its focus on practical learning, global exposure, and sustainability, the program prepares its students to be leaders in today's rapidly changing business landscape.