Martina Pezzotti, CEIBS MBA Class of 2025
Age: 27
Hometown: Chiasso, Switzerland
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of St. Gallen (HSG) – Bachelor’s in Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Spedimar (2019-2023) & Credit Suisse (2022)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I have never thought about doing a master’s directly after my bachelor’s degree. In fact, I preferred to work in order to gain practical experience and to be able to do an MBA later, where I can deepen the theoretical concepts studied in the bachelor and relate them to my work experience. So, why now? Because an MBA is a stepping stone for my job career.
Why did you choose CEIBS? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
CEIBS is the best MBA in Asia, and I would like to continue my working career in China, a global power. So, choosing CEIBS and its location in Shanghai was the best decision for my MBA.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Probably what differentiates me the most is my sincerity, combined with the ability to express my opinion in a respectful but very direct way.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Most of the time, when I meet a new person, the latter is surprised that I know his or her city. I have traveled a lot and visited many places. But even if I have not been there, I can locate most places on the world map.
Post-MBA career interests:
I would like to establish partnerships with Chinese companies to increase the volumes of goods that my family’s business – Spedimar – handles with China. Additionally, I would like to expand my experience in other industries, such as luxury retail and shopping malls.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
My advice is to apply without thinking too much and express yourself simply and sincerely in the essays and during the interview. This enabled me not only to be admitted to CEIBS but also to obtain a merit-based scholarship.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Apply in the early selection rounds in order to have more time to organize my move to China. I also strongly recommend studying Chinese before moving to China – while it’s not required for the MBA, it can just make daily life much easier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The entrance exam (GMAT/GRE/CEIBS entrance exam) requires a lot of preparation, but I always kept my goal in mind: obtain one of the best MBAs in the world. This motivated me to study and not give up in times of difficulty and fatigue.
What is your initial impression of the CEIBS students/culture/community?
I have noticed that local CEIBS students are willing to help international students to settle down in Shanghai, and in general, the CEIBS community is open to dialogue on any issue.
What is one thing you have learned about CEIBS that has surprised you?
There is a great sense of belonging to the CEIBS community. It is very nice that years after graduation, many alumni participate in various events organized by CEIBS to keep in touch with former classmates and make new contacts.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Deadlines! Information regarding assignments and deadlines comes from so many different channels: WeChat (Chinese WhatsApp), e-mails, blackboard (our MBA portal), professors, assistants, … classmates! One must always be on the lookout so as not to miss any deadlines.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my classmates and their experiences. We come from very different backgrounds, and it is amazing to discuss many topics from different perspectives. I love learning new things not only from professors but also from classmates. The exchange of opinions and knowledge is definitely the most exciting aspect of an MBA.
