Five years have already passed—or rather flown by—since the graduation on November 16, 2019, #EMBA16. Perhaps it’s time to reflect on this experience, writing this brief post while traveling to #Bangkok.
I vividly remember why I decided to pursue the Master in Business Administration at #SDABocconi: it was 2018, and I was satisfied with my role as #CFO, my salary, and the growing responsibilities entrusted to me. I wasn’t looking for a new job, but I wanted validation; I wanted to be sure I was on the right track. My main goal was to continue growing, striving to make a difference, and giving back to the company at least part of the value I had been privileged to receive.
The two years of the program were intense. Every month, I traveled from Antananarivo (Madagascar) to Milan to attend classes and take exams. I dedicated every weekend and every free moment to studying. Looking back, I still wonder how I managed to do it, where I found the energy and motivation, and whether, in the end, it was worth it.
Most important decisions do not produce immediate effects, just like the decision to pursue an #MBA. Understanding the difference between linear and non-linear decisions is crucial in many areas, including one’s professional career. We live in what researchers call a “delayed-return environment”: we must persevere for years before seeing the results of our actions. However, our brain has evolved to prefer quick results rather than long-term outcomes. Behavioral economists call this tendency “temporal inconsistency,” meaning that our brain evaluates rewards inconsistently over time, giving more value to the present than to the future.
One of my favorite Japanese proverbs says: “Fall seven times, rise eight.” This principle of resilience has always guided me through the journey and the numerous challenges I’ve faced over these past five years.
I’ve changed jobs and the country I live in, but the MBA gave me the determination and confidence to handle these radical changes successfully. And I believe this is the true added value of the experience.
Despite the significant financial commitment and the difficulty in measuring the expected return on investment, I am convinced it was worth it and recommend this experience to everyone.
I am proud to be part of the #BocconiAlumniCommunity and to belong to this extraordinary network of professionals.
And you, dear colleagues, how have you experienced these past five years? What have you learned? What, in your opinion, is the true value of an MBA?
On avance!
