“Uneasy” is the word that could best describe how I felt when I first learned about CIMBA’s MBA program. At the time, I was working as an office manager for a construction company in a town hidden in the expanse of the Kansas plains. Back then, I wanted to hone the leadership skills that make up an effective manager, expand my understanding of the international business outlook, and be exposed to a variety of different cultures. I resolved that the best next step in my journey towards self-fulfillment was by obtaining an MBA with a focus in global business education while bearing in mind the hefty cost of such investment. 

FROM THE HEART OF THE AMERICAN HEARTLAND TO THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE

It didn’t take me long before I found what CIMBA has to offer: a program based in northern Italy with an exposure to the international business atmosphere, a myriad of opportunities for personal and professional development, a strong cultural zest, a curriculum designed also for those of us who do not have an academic background in business (I was a political science major), and most importantly, an incredibly affordable price tag! 

Although this program looked too good to be true, I gave it a shot and set out to experience it for myself. And next thing I knew, I was not in Kansas anymore… I was in Italy! And (spoilers), it’s been arguably the best decision I’ve made in my life!

SMALL CLASS, BIG BENEFITS

As I was becoming accustomed to the study abroad experience, the one aspect that immediately caught my attention was the intimate size of the class. A typical full-time cohort is composed of about 15-20 students. This dynamism enables us to have a chance to participate and have meaningful conversations that invite us to relate our own experiences from home as well as getting to know the professor at a more personal level.

Undeniably, one of the deciding factors to study here is the quality of the education. CIMBA’s MBA is awarded by The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, which stands at #36 in best MBA programs in the US according to Forbes and US & World Report. The program offers something for everyone: from a full-time intensive that can be completed in 11 short months, which is perfect for those who are wanting to get an education at a fast pace in order to get back to the workforce, to a part-time weekend curriculum, ideal for professionals living in Italy who are looking to earn a quality MBA education while still working in order to expand their portfolio of skills and ascend the leadership ranks in their companies or are simply ready to change careers.

AFFORDABLE QUALITY

Program expenses were a huge deciding factor when I was searching for an MBA, and I’m sure many individuals with similar aspirations can attest to the fact that the cost of such journey can make or break our commitment. One of the most vital elements that sets CIMBA apart is its inexpensive tuition rate. The program is more affordable than most US MBA’s and counts with several financial aid packages on top of that, such as the Cultural Diversity Scholarship Program, the GRE/GMAT Scholarship, and the Consulting Project Scholarship. This key ingredient is an affirmation of the program’s mission to enable people of all backgrounds attain a top business education.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY LIES AT THE CORE OF CIMBA’S PHILOSOPHY

The cultural component played a huge role in my decision to be part of the CIMBA ecosystem. I was looking forward to finding myself immersed in an amalgam of cultures, and I was not disappointed. I formed relationships with people from every corner of the planet such as Brazil, China, India, and the United States. And let’s not forget the wonderful Italians! These are people with a different perspective in terms of customs, business mindset and lifestyle. Not only that. But their academic backgrounds were also incredibly diverse.

PEOPLE MAY COME HERE FOR AN MBA BUT LEAVE WITH SO MUCH MORE.

Certainly, CIMBA possesses an abundance of elements that enhance our leadership strengths, which can be often overlooked by the sole design of the curriculum, and these features ⁠—paradoxically⁠— are what make the program unique. The students are subject to a robust coaching plan, which is proven to be critical for our evolution in behavioral management and transpires into other our personal lives. Full-time MBAs engage in individual and group coaching exercises in which they aim to set goals both personal and as a team. The coaches, who are ICF certified, work in sessions with the students to create objectives to achieve their goals.

THE CIMBA ALUMNI FAMILY

CIMBA counts with a strong network of 10,000 alumni (and counting) employed across the globe, who are working in 44 countries. With such a large group, the opportunities for everlasting relationships, professional or otherwise are boundless! I’ve come to realize that because of the friendly environment nurtured by the staff and the faculty, CIMBA is more than a network: it’s a family of diverse individuals touched by the mission of the organization to make a worthwhile influence in this audacious new world. 

AN MBA… AND BEYOND

CIMBA’s perpetual story is that of people often coming here expecting a program that is both challenging and rewarding. Many simply choose CIMBA to meet their desire to obtain an MBA, eventually to realize that this is much more than just a program: it's a fellowship that fully integrates professional, cultural, and interpersonal components. Consequently, we end up forming a family, a group of leaders with a collective set of competencies that we take home and make a change in our own communities or elsewhere in this world. Above all things, this is the very reason I am glad I found CIMBA. 

Jorge Salamanca, Campus Life Coordinator (MBA '21)