Leaving a familiar place to move to a new is not an easy feat. It requires courage not to mention the time, preparation, and expense required to make the transition as smooth as possible. It’s a time that tests your limits, opens you up to more learning, moves you out of your comfort zone, and transcends any fears that you can possibly have.

At the first signs of blogging in the U.S., I was on my way to Milan Italy after being accepted to a full-time graduate program at Bocconi University. I had thoroughly researched U.S. and European International Masters programs and was looking for an interesting program that would complement my skill sets, U.S. based work experience, and academic, know-how that I acquired in completing my Bachelor of Science n Speech Communications at Emerson College and Associates degree in Business Administration, Marketing at Northeastern University in Boston. I was interested in an international business program, a new experience, and wanted the skills and competences that would enable me to work abroad and Bocconi was my choice.

I had begun my career in pharmaceutical sales promoting specialty products across diverse therapeutic areas in a territory located in Boston, Massachusetts after putting myself through school evenings while working full-time as a customer service manager at Colgate Palmolive Oral Pharmaceuticals. A position I advanced to after much hard work receiving promotions. Prior to this I held odd jobs to support my living expenses while sustaining full-time studies. As many will attest, college costs are extremely high in the U.S. and student aid is not always available; particularly with graduate programs which require a good financial plan and motivation.

Making the decision to leave my job was not easy, especially leaving behind all the close relationships I’d developed over the years. I enjoyed work and was very good at selling my products, implementing marketing strategies, and working in teams holding local and regional events as the U.S. healthcare market was transforming itself. I finished top in my district and company. As the decision was difficult, it was not unrealistic for a lifelong learner who likes a good challenge.

TESTING LIMITS

Bocconi University was helpful in my transition with finding housing, paper work, and getting acclimated to my new environment. Italian lessons were offered as part of its student package to help in dealing with everyday work situations. I had studied Italian as part of my preparation prior to my arrival, however, continued language learning is always beneficial in the integration process, getting around in new surroundings, and dealing with Italian bureaucracy which can be a bit intimidating. Arriving at a good or fair language ability is always recommended when living in a foreign country. I was fortunate to have had family living in Milan who assisted me with many of the challenges I had faced, introduced me to new people, and helped open my eyes to the local culture. I found the best way to get to know a country is through its people.

Visiting distant lands and talking to different people makes men wise. M. De Cervantes

OPEN TO LEARNING

It was exciting to enter the Master in International Economics and Management (MIEM) program as part of the student community with an opportunity to exchange between different cultures, backgrounds, and outlooks. There were approximately 50 students with different academic backgrounds, and international experiences in preparation for the changing international scenario that had been taking place. I found that the MIEM prepared me well for the scenarios I’ve encountered while living and working abroad. Today, I have a better understanding and interpretation of the economic, political, and legal aspects in a competitive environment and tools which enable me to work with good results at companies.

MOVING OUT OF COMFORT ZONE

The most important part of the Master program at Bocconi was the “tirocinio” or better known as the stage; an internship applying what you had learned. I selected a consulting project role and led a team of consultants at Ambrosetti on issues related to change management in the integration of the Ciba Geigy and Sandoz sales forces during the merger that became Novartis. The importance of applying something I had learned that made an impact in others improving productivity, working environment, and company culture was a new experience for me. I had found the importance in creating a learning ground, applying new skills, and moving out of my comfort zone. When you’re learning, your growing. When you’re growing you’re living life.