The WBB Pioneers Continue On Separate Paths
The first part of the voyage of the pioneers of the World Bachelor In Business (WBB), the innovative program created by Bocconi University, University of Southern California (USC) and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), which is held in 3 continents and sees the awarding of 3 diplomas, comes to a close. Described as "brave pioneers" at the beginning of their adventure, the students have spent 3 years together first in Los Angeles, then Hong Kong and now Milan but the next and final year will be spent divided among the three universities according to their personal preferences. After her tales of the experiences in LA and Hong Kong, Sofia Gazzotti describes this year spent in Milan.
"Being Italian I thought I knew what was coming my way this year. But I didn't realize how living in my own country could be so different as a WBB student, with many non-European friends to guide around and share the Italian experience with," says Sofia Gazzotti who is currently in Dubai for an internship at Boston Consulting Group. "The Bocconi staff put a lot of effort into supporting us and guiding us through the year. On the academic front professors engaged us and challenged us across all disciplines, from European Economic Policy to Comparative Public Law."
WBB students also took advantage of the many campus activities offered by Bocconi. "I took the opportunity to explore my interest for the consulting industry by joining JEME Bocconi, the student-managed consulting enterprise, where I worked on consulting projects for SMEs and was also Head of IT and Communications. Other WBB students also pursued their passions by joining student organizations, including the Bocconi Students Investment Club, the Bocconi International Students Association and the Bocconi Golf team."
Throughout the year, WBB students participated in a wide variety of professional development events. In September, Sofia and two others had the opportunity to attend the Forum Ambrosetti in Villa d'Este as part of the Leaders of the Future delegation. Many students also took part in career events such as Bocconi's In-company Training in London and the Bocconi&Jobs event in London, Paris and Milan. Bocconi also organised various career-related events specifically designed for WBB students, such as a company visit to Tod's and a speech from Luca Mignini, President of Global biscuits and snacks at Campbell's.
"My non-Italian friends may have struggled to get used to the more slow paced life, the late meals and hand gestures, but by the end of the year I was proud to see how well they had fitted into Italian life!," says Sofia, who also tells how, like in LA and Hong Kong, the experience was not confined just to the city, with travel to places such as Munich, Tuscany and Rome.
And next year students will study for the fourth and final year spread across the three universities according to their personal preferences.
"The year has flown by very fast and soon it was time to say goodbye for summer – but this time we won't be all reunited in one place in the fall," says Sofia. "I will be going back to USC as it best suits my desire to explore my passion for the technology and innovation industry. I will miss my friends but we're already planning reunions – in London in August then Hong Kong for spring 2017."