My First Two Months at the Rochester-Bern EMBA: A Journey of Realizing my Unknowns in Valuation and Finance.
One of the biggest takeaways so far? If you’re an executive who looks at finance-related photos above and doesn’t understand a word—this program is for you! I can guarantee, as I used to be one of them. The Rochester-Bern EMBA simplifies complex concepts and makes them digestible for those of us without a formal finance education. However, don’t be fooled by the accessibility of the content. The workload is real, and balancing school, work, and life has been challenging for all of us.
Unique Perspectives in the team and the classroom
The majority of my classmates are Swiss or German-speaking professionals, making me stand out not only as an entrepreneur but also as the only eastern European female business owner in the group. This dynamic allows me to bring both an Eastern mindset and an entrepreneurial perspective into class discussions. It has been fascinating to see how different backgrounds and industries approach financial decision-making, and I truly believe this diversity enhances the learning experience for all of us. We have class mates from a wide range of the spectrum: banking, retail, pharma etc. All bringing new questions to the table and new mindsets from their daily work.
Valuation Class: A Game Changer
Claudio Loderer’s class on valuation has had a profound impact on me. As my startup is currently undergoing valuation, his teachings have been instrumental in helping me ask the right questions and critically assess the numbers presented by the firm we’ve hired. This newfound understanding has given me a fresh perspective on financial analysis, allowing me to approach valuation discussions with confidence and insight. Besides, I also love his humor and the Swiss-American mindset he brings to his teaching.
Beyond the academic rigor, the Rochester-Bern EMBA program is also defined by its incredible hospitality. A special mention goes to Marisol, who is there for us with every question we have. Whether it’s arranging gluten- and lactose-free meals or quickly responding to our needs, she makes sure we feel supported at every step. The dedication of the Rochester-Bern team adds an invaluable personal touch to the program.
The accounting course, taught by Filip Roodhooft, has also been incredibly enriching. We started by learning about Luca Pacioli, the father of modern accounting. If you don’t know who he is and what are the principles he developed, then this course is definitely for you, as you will hear it a few times. Professor Roodhooft’s engaging teaching style has helped me grasp the fundamentals of financial accounting, making concepts that once seemed intimidating feel approachable and relevant.
