An online EMBA meant I could stay in the US for my family and high-profile career

Working long days and coming home to study while caring for a young child, it was important for Olga to be able to learn in a flexible and digestible way.  

On the POLIMI International Flex Executive MBA, students attend one weekly live session and further course material is provided on a digital learning platform, D-hub, developed with Microsoft. As well as reading materials, focus is given to video content and interactive peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.  

“I loved some of the video forums which enabled lots of discussions and exchanges among classmates and professors. Some of the discussions we had during live classes have buzzed around in my head for days and kept me engaged.  

“Finance was a real bugbear, but the courses on the platform were very well done and really helped me to clarify my understanding. I even started some investing too.” 

With the help of POLIMI GSoM’s online learning platform, Olga is convinced that “learning new concepts and practising new tools that have immediate applications in my work and in life have played an important role in minimising burnout, and have helped me to work smarter.” 

When asked how she manages studying with work, raising a family and having time for herself, Olga candidly responded, “I didn’t. During the pandemic I was alone for many months in the US with a small child while distance learning... do I need to say more? 

“My son took priority, of course and then work and the degree came third. I had to make some difficult choices and ended up minimising the time I had for myself, but I did carve out half an hour of yoga twice a week, so I didn’t crumble.” 

While managing it all, Olga has also dealt with imposter syndrome throughout her career. “It has been one naughty life companion for me and bothered me many times during the EMBA. I have to fight it by acknowledging all the steps I’ve climbed and celebrating the small achievements.” 

Despite Olga’s struggle, she still feels like the EMBA is worth it. Above all else, she feels empowered. She said: “I’ve really grown. My self-confidence and self-esteem have improved, and I feel much closer to my purpose, my inner self and I’m making plans.  

“Chase your dreams, be brave and choose your travel companions wisely. You’ll need strong support to be able to adjust the sails to the wind and make the most of your journey. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, ‘when you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.’” 

For Olga, the biggest takeaway from her EMBA programme is the newly gained knowledge in strategy and innovation. She said: “I’m convinced that the power of the EMBA is to make everyone more aware of the macro dynamics that can slip through the fingers of the day-to-day work.  

“In my opinion, that’s the common thread connecting all topics on the programme. Even the career development workshops were aimed at learning the scientific foundations of how to analyse context, define internal strengths and weaknesses, formulate strategic alternatives and evaluate them for any project or situation.” 

While working in the US, Olga felt that the EMBA at POLIMI GSoM gave her a truly international business experience, too. She said: “Our class has been a real melting pot of professionals with various backgrounds, living and working in many different countries. I’m not sure even the most renowned EMBAs in the US could have gathered such a diverse cohort as we’ve been.”