Training: Milan is not only the International capital for students, but for new managers as well

The number of foreign professionals who choose the Italian metropolis for managerial training in Luxury, Fashion and Design sectors is growing

Milan is no longer just the capital of economy and business. In fact, in recent years, Milan has built a solid reputation in the training sector. It is no longer news that the Polytechnic, Bocconi and State Universities are among the most prestigious in Europe, but the number of Italian and international professionals who choose Milan to attend postgraduate and masters courses increases year after year.

To attract managers in the city are Masters and Executive Masters which, in collaboration with the main companies in their respective sectors, train professionals in the most requested specializations of the market. "In recent years, registrations for our Masters have recorded double-digit growth – commented Giuseppe Soda, Dean of SDA Bocconi - demonstrating the fact that proposing a training of excellence that meets the professionalism of companies looking for the best managers on the market is a winning strategy". A formative mix of programs has led SDA Bocconi to be the 6th Business School in Europe and the only post-grad Italian School to be included in the Financial Times international rankings, thus attracting the attention of many foreign candidates.

Luxury, Fashion and Design, the most popular sectors among international students In addition to MBAs and Executive MBAs, SDA Bocconi flagship programs, two other internationally renowned courses have been recently added, dedicated to other excellence areas that find a natural site in Milan: those of luxury, fashion and design. Many students, in fact, the majority from abroad (72% EMILUX and 86% MAFED) arrive in the city to attend specialization programs taught in English: EMiLUX, the Executive Master in Luxury Management, carried out in partnership with the French Business School ESSEC, and MAFED, the Master in Fashion, Experience & Design Management.

"The main reasons why many participants choose MAFED - says Emanuela Prandelli, Director of the Master - is because SDA Bocconi offers the unique opportunity of a faculty specialized in the Fashion & Design sector, composed of SDA Bocconi professors and Visiting Professors from around the world. They are joined by trade professionals who, by sharing their experiences, provide participants with an updated picture of the sector and numerous opportunities for personal and professional networking. Finally, studying in Milan, a European capital and the world center for fashion and design, allows participation in unique events of international importance".

"Attending an international program offered by two leading European Business Schools and leaders in Luxury Management, means immersing oneself in a truly global context and accessing an extremely rich network of contacts and opportunities - commented Gabriella Lojacono, Director of EMiLUX. "The effectiveness and efficiency of the learning process are optimized by a balance of face-to-face sessions and distance learning with sessions in Paris, Milan, Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai. Another strength that increases the value of this master - concluded Gabriella Lojacono - is the faculty: all professors are established professionals who, besides teaching, devote themselves to research projects and publication of articles and books on the world of luxury ".

In luxury, fashion and design sectors, the Italian brand is a guarantee of quality: if the product is to be aspirational and indicative of status, the fact that it is made by Italian artisans and designers with centuries of history behind them is an ace to play, even where you become part of a group that does not necessarily fly the Italian flag. The importance of Made in Italy, moreover, is well represented by the Italian Excellence platform created by SDA Bocconi that combines fashion & design with food & beverage and art, all contexts in which the Italian component makes the difference.

EMILUX (October 2018 – December 2019)

Executive Master in Luxury Management (EMiLUX) of SDA Bocconi in partnership with the French Business School ESSEC, is dedicated to a sector that reveals continuous international growth prospects and requires ever greater creativity, innovation and managerial skills.

Seven modules between Paris, Milan, Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai are dedicated to the crucial issues of luxury business and are accompanied by company visits and retail tours. EMiLUX makes study and work compatible thanks to the frequency of classroom modules alternating with phases of distance learning, and is structured to meet the needs of professionals who already have some years of experience, though not necessarily in the luxury sector, and aspire for an "acceleration" or a change of direction in their careers. Paris, Milan, Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai allow EMiLUX to offer a truly global perspective on the world of luxury and the specifics of geographical areas. The international dimension is indeed an important aspect, as it allows participants to learn about different realities and share experiences and opinions with colleagues from all over the world.

Candidate profile
- University Degree
- Minimum 5 years’ work experience (not necessarily in the Luxury sector)
- Excellent knowledge of English (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or CPE)

MAFED (January 2019 – December 2019)

The Master in Fashion, Experience & Design Management (MAFED) is an international program offered in English, aimed at those who aspire to a managerial career in the fields of fashion, luxury and design. This requires specific skills, both theoretical and practical, that orient creativity towards results of managerial excellence. For this, MAFED offers participants not only a rich and interdisciplinary academic preparation, but also a wide range of opportunities in the field, such as field projects, visits to companies and extra-curricular activities. This favors a new managerial approach and the acquisition of specific skills, as well as the direct comparison with trends and successful business models and the development of a network of contacts which includes professionals, students and faculty. Networking is also offered through the MAFED Alumni network, which has more than 500 members worldwide, and a broad Business Community thanks to a collaboration with the Altagamma Foundation, which promotes studies and research projects in this sector.

Candidate profile
- University Degree
- Minimum 2 years’ professional experience
- Excellent knowledge of English (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or CPE)