Bruno Galetto, IMD’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Torcuato Di Tella University, Master in Finance and Bachelor in International Affairs.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years of experience in finance. Experience in FMCGs and Wealth Management industry.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to go for an MBA, because I realized I was arriving at an inflection point in my career, where it was important to make a big change to re-orient it to what I was looking for. First, I want international experience, especially in Europe. I could have had that at my previous job, but it would have taken longer. Second, I wanted to gain experience in roles outside finance, and pivoting within a company is not always possible or easy. Finally, I wanted to take a step forward in terms of leadership experience, adding a highly multicultural experience to my pedigree, where I can learn from other talented individuals.
While the last point is guaranteed with the MBA at IMD, I hope this year will also help me to change position and location. I think now is the right time for an MBA, because I’m at a stage where I’m experienced enough to contribute in a class, but also young enough to continue learning from my colleagues and to further develop myself with a safety net, before having even bigger responsibilities in a company.
Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose IMD for three main reasons. First, because of its focus on General Management. IMD has a strong focus on strategy and leadership, which I think are the two main capabilities of a GM. Second, I chose IMD because of its small size. I think that makes the experience more unique: being able to know all of your colleagues creates a special ambiance that boosts learning and fosters connecting at a personal level with the class. Finally, I chose IMD because the class has a higher average age. I believe that having more experienced people in the cohort also helps to create a better learning environment.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think a valuable contribution I’m giving to the class is the combination between hard-working and having fun. The MBA is a perfect example of how we can both be very professional and have a great time at the same time. During this year, I always tried to give my best as part of the groups: that included -of course- the group assignments, but also as a member of the Social Committee 2022.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I did not include my experience working at the Cirque Du Solei in Buenos Aires. I worked as a host of the VIP tent, welcoming the people that were coming before the show for some food & drinks. It was there where I met my girlfriend 10 years ago. She is now here with me in Switzerland and is the woman with whom I want to share my life with. So, it may be my most important work experience so far!
Post-MBA career interests:
In the long term, I want to go towards a GM role in a company that offers international opportunities and interesting challenges.
I know that to achieve that, first -in the short term- I need to rotate through different areas across the organization, so as to be able to learn from the people, roles and tasks. Acquiring that knowledge about the industry, the company and the people will take time and that is why for my post-MBA journey, I’m looking for a company where I see myself in the long run. Choosing the right company is really important since changing every 3/4 years will not help me towards a GM role.
In terms of industry, my focus is FMCGs and companies in the healthcare sector.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
What I would definitely do again is to spend a lot of time choosing the right university. I think an MBA is a transformational experience, but it is also a huge investment in terms of time and money. Choosing the right program according to personal and professional priorities is of paramount importance. Hence, knowing the universities, talking with the alumni, and participating in the events are key to understanding how your experience is going to be.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have done the MBA even earlier. I think the preparation -for the GMAT and the English test- and the investment required made me doubt on whether I should go for an MBA. Now, almost at the end of my experience, I can say that the effort is worth it. The experience is unique, it opens many doors and leaves you very well-prepared for the future.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
What I would have definitely skipped is the GMAT. Studying for that exam was tiring and frustrating. It took me almost 10 months to have the score I needed to feel comfortable during my application. I think being sure about going for the MBA was what helped me to get through.
What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
IMD is, in many senses, what I expected. The university is well-known and respected around Europe. The students and alumni are committed, experienced and super friendly.
IMD community may be small compared to other universities in Europe and, especially, in the US. However, I see that as a strength: it creates more powerful bonds between its members, which many times helps to reach out to people as if they were already close to you. Our Dean, Omar, is also very close to the students, always willing to help and to listen to us when we have concerns or when we want to discuss any topic.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
I learned about its focus on sustainability. I think this focus is new, but it was a great surprise. Thinking about the problems of the future should also be part of the skillset of MBAs and global warming and sustainability are definitely relevant topics that are part of current and future world challenges. Reflecting on them from a business perspective is both interesting and useful to be well-equipped for the future. At IMD, instead of adopting a naïve approach to sustainability, they force us to think about the economic incentives to push for sustainable solutions, that, in the end, help companies to become more innovative, attract talent and grow in new business segments.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I would say is the job hunting. The expectations after the MBA are even higher than before. In my case, I want to do a triple jump (industry, geography and position), which makes the job search even more challenging. This generates a bit of anxiety, but I’m doing my best to have a happy ending on that side too.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
As this is a one-year MBA, I can say I’m excited to go back to work. The MBA is a very pleasant experience, but after studying for a whole year, I am very excited to get back to work, in a company and a position that motivates me and that makes me give my best to meet new people and deliver valuable results, leveraging on the learning from this year.
