EXECUTIVE MBA

Before the MBA, I had a much more narrow perception of my abilities and myself. This has totally changed.

What did the MBA do for you?

It gave me the confidence to face any business challenge because I have a library of knowledge and a toolkit of skills to rely upon. Before the MBA, I had a much more narrow perception of my abilities and myself. This has totally changed.

How do you apply your MBA at work?

I apply the Solvay approach to solving business cases every day in strategic program management at Volvo Financial Services. My coursework on stakeholder management and process improvement is fundamental to my job as well. The MBA was very practical for me.

Do you still keep in touch with your former classmates?

Absolutely. My friends from Solvay are the foundation of my social life in Europe, especially since I’m originally from Brazil. They are a big reason for my decision to stay in Brussels.

Go for it! And the earlier you do it, the better!

Why did you enrol in an Executive MBA?

I realized I wanted to get out of finance and reorient my career into entrepreneurship. I became more and more aware of the fact that I lacked a whole set of key skills, such as marketing, project management, strategy to name but a few, to transform my idea into a successful achievement. After doing some extensive research, I figured an MBA programme, from a top tier Institution, was going to be the most effective way to acquire these skills and reach my goal.

Why did you choose Solvay Brussels School to accompany you in this transition?

I researched pretty much every reputable programme in Europe and ended up with a short list of 2 that really fitted my entrepreneurial ambitions. I chose Solvay for the proximity of network, programme focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, international study trips opportunities, but also scheduling mode, tuition fees and scholarships schemes available.

Which are the main impacts that your MBA is having on your project?

Apart from providing real practical tools and insights, Solvay MBA professors and coaches offered in a way some consulting advice as their feedback on the assignments, as well as during class discussions and the coaching sessions, translated into directly actionable new concepts that I could apply to my startup. Another key asset of Solvay Executive MBA that keeps fascinating me is the quality and atmosphere amongst my fellow students.  

Do you have any advice for people who wants to start an MBA?

It may be interesting to share a lesson that I wish I knew earlier, which is basically “start before you are ready”, enrol in the Solvay EMBA, trust yourself and others and you will be amazed by the results.

Solvay Executive MBA excels at providing a holistic view of today’s business challenges and equipping us with practical solutions for addressing real-world issues.

How did you feel that it was the right moment to join an Executive MBA?

After almost 17 years in the banking and the financial sector, I felt my career was no longer moving forward and the day-to-day was beginning to get monotonous. This was a bit of a wake-up call for me. I decided to take action, challenge the status quo and invest more time in my professional development.

How is your MBA helping you in your job today?

I feel Solvay’s Executive MBA excels at providing participants with a holistic view of today’s business challenges while equipping us with practical solutions for addressing real-world issues.

Why did you choose Solvay Brussels School, in particular, to accompany you in your career development?

I felt I was part of the ´family´ the moment I started interacting with Solvay. The course curriculum is well thought and well organized and combines the basics – finance, accounting, etc. – with such hot topics as innovation, global entrepreneurship and digital enterprises. The schedule was perfect as it lets working professionals like me to combine work with an executive education. The international faculty are always helpful and go out of the way to assist you in your work.

What would you say to potential future MBA candidates who are still hesitating?

I would strongly recommend anyone who wants to invest in themselves to pursue an Executive MBA. Combining your work experience with an Executive MBA will give you the skills you need to tackle any problem with confidence. An Executive MBA is also a place where you can meet like-minded individuals and grow your professional network.