Meet Bruno Mijač, a dedicated professional and a student at the Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva (SSBM Geneva), enrolled in the Blended Executive MBA in Global Finance & Banking program at the Zagreb Instructional Site. As the Sales Director at Europro, Bruno leads a team of over 10+ professionals, with a focus on driving revenue growth, ensuring profitability, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. In this interview, Bruno shares his journey, motivations, and insights about balancing professional responsibilities with his pursuit of academic excellence.
Can you tell us a bit about your background before you enrolled in the Blended Executive MBA in Global Finance & Banking? What motivated you to pursue this program?
I graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb, specializing in Managerial Informatics. During my studies, I was actively involved in the student council, student organizations, and community projects, where we emphasized the importance of going beyond academics and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. This commitment to self-improvement and development enabled me to progress rapidly in my career. However, I soon realized that despite my practical experience, I lacked the theoretical knowledge needed to fully understand the complexities of business and to make more informed strategic decisions. I felt that I needed something more – something better, something different. SSBM offered the perfect balance between practical application and theoretical insights, providing me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and further refine my skills.
What attracted you to the Blended Executive MBA format, combining online learning with in-person sessions in Zagreb? How did this format fit with your professional and personal commitments?
The Blended Executive MBA format attracted me because it offers the perfect balance of flexibility and structure. While most courses are on-site, the option to complete some subjects online allows me to balance my professional and personal commitments, depending on my schedule.
What do you think are the biggest benefits of studying an MBA in Global Finance & Banking for someone working in a senior sales role?
Trust me, in Sales we understand the importance of numbers and financial outcomes – haha!
Regardless of the position or sector you’re in, having a deep understanding of finance can help you navigate complex market conditions and drive long-term, sustainable growth. I believe it is necessary in today’s market.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see the skills and knowledge from your MBA contributing to your future career development?
Given the rapidly changing business environment, it’s difficult to project long-term goals with complete certainty, but I’ll give it a try. My long-term goal is to develop a skill set that will enable me to take on more strategically important roles. As the business world continues to evolve, I believe the knowledge and experience gained from an MBA will help me approach new challenges with confidence and better prepare me for greater responsibilities as my career progresses.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Blended Executive MBA in Global Finance & Banking at SSBM Geneva? How can they make the most of the program to advance their careers?
The worst-case scenario is that you’ll have a great time, meet new people, expand your network, and build valuable connections. It’s definitely worth trying, isn’t it? And always remember, success is the result of hard work.
Bruno Mijač exemplifies how determination and continuous learning can propel a career to new heights. His experience in the Blended Executive MBA program highlights the importance of aligning practical experience with theoretical knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes. Whether it’s leading a team or planning for long-term career growth, Bruno’s story serves as an inspiring example for professionals considering SSBM Geneva’s programs.
For those seeking to advance their careers in finance and banking, his advice is clear: embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect – it’s a decision you won’t regret.