Anna has worked at MIP since 2005 and gives us the scoop on what the Admissions team looks for when making selections to join the class of 45 to 50 MBA students each year. Unsuprisingly, we find that life in Milan is about more than attending fashion weeks, learning to gesticulate while placing food orders, riding scooters in the spring and eating gelato in the summer sunshine... although you are welcome to try all this while on the MIP MBA!
1. What is the typical profile of an MIP MBA Applicant?
Besides the standard requirements and well-developed interpersonal skills what we look for in MBA applicants are maturity and self-motivation, commitment to self-improvement, drive to achieve full potential and a real passion for knowledge.
Our classes are relatively small, usually no more than 45/50 students for each intake. This allows us to select people concretely interested in our School, who have understood our priorities and our values and are ready to deal with them.
2. Are MBA students encouraged to learn Italian whilst at MIP?
We do offer free language courses before the MBA starts as well as during the program. This allows students to learn the basics of the language and, through interaction with fellow students, staff and people outside the school, they usually manage to improve their Italian.
Of course, it’s a matter of dedication and interest in another culture, but it is definitely a plus for the student once the MBA has finished, since knowing the local language gives you many more chances to find a job in Italy.
3. Do you stay in touch with a lot of MBAs after they finish the program?
Yes, we do. We have an Alumni Office dedicated to keeping track of MIP Alumni and we organize International Chapters around the world. We have recently organized a get-together in London within Goldman Sachs, an event organized by an MBA alumnus currently working in the company.
We also set up an event in Bogota last February, to meet our MBA Alumni who are now working there. Next September, we will arrange an International Chapter in New York. We have many US and non-US MBA Alumni who are now working there.
4. Give us some examples of what MBAs have gone on to do after MIP
We have many successful examples, but just to name a few: Anthony, from Australia is now working in the World Bank in Washington DC; Lisa, after a project in ERMEGILDO ZEGNA during the MBA is now working within their strategy department; Helena, from China is still in Italy and is a Consultant in Bain & Co. for the Luxury Sector; Walter moved to Switzerland, and after few years in P&G he has started a new career in Bacardi; Chiara moved to London where she works for Vodafone in the HR department.
5. What are best (and worst) things about living in Milan?
Milan is a relatively big city but compared to other European cities it can seem very small. Everything is easily reachable, and public transport (when there are no strikes!) is very comfortable and efficient. It’s the most international city in Italy and the financial hub of the country.
From here you can reach the seaside, lakes and mountains within an hour's drive, and any European capital in a one to two-hour flight. From April onwards you can enjoy the warm weather, ride your scooter and have your “aperitivo” open-air as well as join important events such as the Design week, the Fashion week and the Jazzin’ Festival.
The worst thing, and we’re quite well known for it, is bureaucracy. However, we always support students in all related matters and have a dedicated office in charge of solving certain issues.
6. Any secret tips on how applicants can impress you in the MBA Admissions process?
A strong commitment to the program, knowledge of the contents of the MIP MBA and awareness of the risks and profits of an MBA.
Being humble and willing to participate in discussions. A high level of tolerance of differences.
7. Why do you think MBA students may choose your MBA among many others?
Our MBA is quite unique for one main reason: there are very few internationally recognized technical universities, that provide International MBA programs. Thanks to the tight link with the University and the excellence of the MIP faculty, we are able to match our expertise in Innovation and Technology to business-related topics.
We are at the forefront of research and technology, our teaching methods are more practical than theoretical, and our analytical mindset helps our students to gain great problem-solving skills. This is appreciated by all the companies we work with during and after the programme.
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