MBA programmes preparing future leaders for the global economy

A business school education is more than just about building one’s commercial awareness — it’s about mastering the skills necessary for the future of work. Think skills like technical data analysis, human resource management, leadership, and many more. But more often than not, the true value of business school lies in the many opportunities to network with like-minded and ambitious individuals.

MBA programmes are best known for providing this, which explains the strong demand and competition for this postgraduate degree. The full-time MBA still reigns supreme as the most preferred programme type, according to a 2022 GMAC report. Over 40% of b-school aspirants prefer to earn an MBA over other graduate degrees in a full-time format as a part of either a two- (22% of candidates in 2021) or one-year (21%) programme. 

The best part? Most future change makers are found in top global institutions because of their rigour and effectiveness in producing strategic, confident and capable leaders. Companies take note of this too; it’s why they offer higher starting salaries and more leadership positions to graduates from these institutions. 

Here are three of the most renowned business schools worldwide with MBA programmes that’ll prepare today’s executives for the global economy: 

SDA Bocconi School of Management

Established in 1971, SDA Bocconi School of Management was the first of its kind in Italy. Today, in the same spirit of its founders, the business school supports people, companies, and institutions who aspire to make their mark in the global economy. 

Its accolades speak volumes. SDA Bocconi is among the few business schools to earn the “triple crown”: three of the most prestigious international accreditations, namely AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. 

At its campuses in Milan, Rome and Mumbai, SDA Bocconi’s cohorts reflect today’s global society and the diversity of thought. Pair that with their motto, “Designed For Your World”, and students enjoy a personalised approach that involves creating and adapting educational paths catered to specific needs. 

Take SDA Bocconi’s Full-Time MBA, for example. Concentrations — organised around four core courses and three electives — allow students to focus on a specific managerial subject. On top of this, they can pursue internships, pitch a startup idea, and work on challenging case studies provided by leading business organisations. Throughout this journey, the carefully selected spectrum of nationalities, ages, genders, professional experiences, and academic backgrounds bring energy and fruitful exchanges that few MBA programmes can offer. 

The Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA is just as global, personalised and impactful. Organised in collaboration with the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, this 18-month programme spanning seven cities across four continents combines the expertise and perspectives of a leading European and a leading North American business school. To learn more about how you can apply to these programmes, click here. 

ESCP Business School

Eighth in Europe and 27th worldwide; first worldwide for International Course Experience; 3rd worldwide for being value for money; 4th worldwide for its carbon footprint and ESG teaching; 1st in Germany, 2nd in Italy and third in UK, France and Spain. These are only a few of the laurels of honour ESCP Business School has achieved in the 2023 Financial Times MBA ranking.

ESCP’s MBA in International Management is making waves in the business industry. Designed for students with at least three years of work experience, this programme aims to help students achieve career goals and strengthen their entrepreneurial spirit.

The MBA is renowned for its diversity within the faculty and its cohorts. ESCP’s campuses are located in Berlin, London, Madrid, Turin, and Paris. Students will have the opportunity to explore three different campuses during the duration of their programme. Flexibility is a key feature as well, allowing students to learn on campus, online or hybrid between 10 to 34 months — making it compatible for anyone with a full-time job or family obligations.

The programme nurtures students into exceptional graduates through its five-week specialisation and two Company Consultancy Projects (CCP) where students consult for companies on real-life cases. Not only do students expand their international work experience, but they get to apply the concepts acquired in the classroom and get to know a specific sector (Banking, Tourism, Tech) or function (Marketing, HR, Operations) as well.

HEC Paris

HEC Paris is the #1 European business school in 2022 for its unique and complete range of programs, all of which aim at training socially-conscious future business leaders. This has attracted over 4,500 students representing 111 nationalities — bringing the most talented from highly diverse professional and cultural backgrounds to its 340-acre wooded campus close to Paris and Versailles.

The TRIUM Global Executive MBA stands out for being a partnership of three of the world’s leading universities: NYU Stern, London School of Economics and Political Science and HEC Paris School of Management. It’s the best of many worlds — making it an ideal launchpad for business leaders to navigate an ever changing, unpredictable world. 

Now more than ever, senior executives need profound insights into decision-making contexts. The programme starts in LSE, with the module “Business in the Global Political Economy.” Led by global academics shaping policy discourse, it offers TRIUM students a distinctive and captivating experience, unlike other Global EMBAs. An integrated curriculum not only covers global business from every angle but ensures TRIUM students are the first among their peers to understand the opportunities and risks of the current business world and that of tomorrow.

This prestigious programme is a valuable opportunity for senior international business leaders seeking to write the next chapter of their careers and build their global network. The cohort’s average age is 40, with 17 years of work experience. Across six on-site modules at multiple locations around the world over an 18-month period, participants can leverage each other’s experience as they explore the intersection of business, geopolitics, society and economics. 

The programme culminates in a Capstone Project, where participants apply what they learn to a real-life strategic opportunity, such as launching a start-up or social venture, or restructuring an existing business environment. 

*Some of the institutions featured on this article are commercial partners of Study International