When I first arrived in Switzerland four years ago, I was enrolled at another university in Geneva. Although the academic environment was strong, the program lacked the flexibility I needed as a full-time professional working at a bank in my home country. Balancing demanding work responsibilities with rigid academic schedules quickly became unsustainable. A year later, I made the decision to transfer to the Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM) in Geneva — a choice that proved to be pivotal.
Earning a Swiss qualification in finance had long been a personal dream. Switzerland is home to some of the most respected financial institutions in the world, and studying here gave me a unique opportunity to merge academic learning with real-world insights. I had the privilege of personally visiting several banks, investment offices, and wealth management firms in both Geneva and Zurich. These experiences enriched my understanding of the precision, discipline, and innovation that drive the Swiss financial sector — and they reaffirmed my commitment to applying those values in my own professional journey.
That’s what truly inspired me to pursue the MBA in Finance at SSBM. I didn’t want to just understand numbers — I wanted to master them. I was determined to sharpen my financial acumen so I could make stronger strategic decisions and contribute meaningfully at the executive level. SSBM stood out for its global perspective, its real-world curriculum designed for working professionals, and the outstanding credibility of its faculty.
The online format wasn’t just a convenience — it was a strategic choice. I’m deeply involved in ongoing national and regional initiatives, often working across time zones. The flexibility of online learning allowed me to keep contributing professionally while investing in myself academically — without compromise.
The impact has been both immediate and transformative. It sharpened my analytical thinking, gave me the tools to evaluate investments with greater confidence, and deepened my understanding of financial markets, corporate finance, and risk management.
In my current leadership role, I’m now able to contribute to investment conversations with clarity, challenge assumptions constructively, and bring a more integrated perspective that connects marketing, finance, and long-term strategic value. The MBA also reaffirmed my commitment to leading with integrity and foresight — especially in emerging markets where innovation and capital allocation must work hand in hand.
It wasn’t easy — and I don’t believe it should be. But it was definitely possible with focus, structure, and a strong sense of purpose. I approached my MBA like a strategic project: setting clear milestones, blocking time for deep study, and being intentional about how I applied the knowledge at work.
In fact, the synergy between my academic learning and real-life responsibilities became one of the best parts of the journey. I could test financial theories in real-time, bring new frameworks to team discussions, and even see measurable improvements in how I managed budgets, interpreted data, or supported investment communications. That made the experience incredibly rewarding.
Beyond the obvious increase in technical knowledge, what changed the most was my mindset. I now approach challenges with even more confidence and a broader strategic lens. I don’t just see marketing campaigns or communication plans — I see investment flows, capital structures, and economic impact.
Professionally, the MBA has positioned me for more senior and strategic engagements, both at the national and international level. Personally, it reminded me of the value of continuous learning — and how far ambition, discipline, and vision can take us.
If you’re considering it, it probably means something inside you is already pushing you to grow — listen to that voice. My advice is: don’t wait for the perfect moment, because it rarely comes. If you’re serious about accelerating your career, expanding your intellectual toolkit, and stepping into leadership with confidence, then do it.
But go in with intention. Know why you’re doing it. Be honest about the sacrifices — but also clear about the rewards. Find a program that respects your pace, challenges your thinking, and connects you with a global network. And above all, believe in your ability to evolve. You don’t need to come from finance to succeed in it — you just need the right mindset and the willingness to learn.
Completing my MBA while leading demanding projects wasn’t easy — but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It opened doors I didn’t even know existed.