The USI Executive MBA Experience: peer learning and networking

In the world of executive education, knowledge acquisition extends far beyond classroom lectures and textbooks. At the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) Executive MBA program, one of the most powerful educational forces lies in the interactions between participants themselves. The program has carefully cultivated an environment where peer learning and professional networking aren’t merely supplementary benefits—they’re fundamental components of the transformative educational journey.

The power of collective experience

The USI EMBA brings together professionals from diverse industries, backgrounds, and cultures, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and expertise. This diversity is by design, not by chance. When participants enter the program, they bring with them an average of 10-15 years of professional experience, creating a collective knowledge base that spans numerous sectors, management styles, and organizational challenges.

“At the heart of the USI EMBA lies a deeply personalized learning journey,” notes the program description. This personalization extends to how participants learn from each other, with small class sizes ensuring that every voice is heard and every experience shared. The intimate setting allows for genuine connections that facilitate the exchange of ideas and insights that might otherwise remain unexplored.

The program’s hybrid format—combining self-study with intensive on-site weekends in Lugano—creates a perfect balance of individual reflection and collaborative learning. These monthly gatherings become crucibles for transformation, where theoretical concepts meet practical applications through the shared experiences of peers.

Learning through collaboration

Team-based projects form the backbone of the USI EMBA learning methodology. Rather than simply assigning group work, the program intentionally structures these collaborations to maximize the exchange of knowledge and perspectives between participants.

“Group work and collaboration” are highlighted as essential elements of the program’s transformative approach to leadership. When participants tackle complex business challenges together, they not only apply academic concepts but also share their unique professional insights, creating solutions that are more robust and innovative than what any individual could develop alone.

Many graduates reflect on how this collaborative approach enhances their professional development. Airline industry professionals report gaining crucial insights into how different departments operate, manufacturing executives learn from finance specialists, and technology leaders gain fresh perspectives from marketing experts. These cross-industry exchanges create a multidimensional learning experience that prepares participants to navigate the interconnected nature of modern business.

Building networks across generations

One of the most distinctive features of the USI EMBA networking experience is its intergenerational approach. The program uniquely structures certain elective courses to be shared between cohorts, creating networking opportunities that span different program generations.

“Participants will also have the opportunity to network with students from the previous and next EMBA cohorts, thanks to joint elective courses that bring together participants across different generations of the program,” explains the program documentation. This innovative approach creates a unique in-class networking experience that connects participants with alumni who are already applying their EMBA knowledge and with incoming students who bring fresh perspectives.

This networking across program generations extends the professional connections far beyond the immediate classmates, creating a robust ecosystem of relationships that can provide support, opportunities, and insights throughout one’s career. The relationships built during these shared experiences often evolve into lasting professional connections and even friendships that continue long after graduation.

Informal learning moments

While structured collaborative activities form the backbone of peer learning, some of the most valuable exchanges happen during the informal moments between scheduled sessions. The USI EMBA recognizes the importance of these unplanned interactions and deliberately creates spaces for them to flourish.

“Informal networking opportunities abound during lunches, class breaks, social events, and other activities, allowing participants to connect with fellow students and guest speakers,” notes the program description. These casual conversations often lead to unexpected insights, as participants discuss how they’re applying concepts in their respective organizations or share challenges they’re facing in implementing new approaches.

The program further enhances these informal learning opportunities by hosting holiday parties that involve EMBA community members and their families, creating a more holistic networking experience that acknowledges the importance of work-life integration for busy executives.

Learning from industry leaders

The peer learning experience at USI EMBA extends beyond fellow participants to include interaction with established business leaders and industry experts. Each month, senior managers from local and regional companies are invited to present and discuss current topics with the class, providing another dimension to the networking and learning experience.

These interactions with guest speakers expose participants to real-world applications of the concepts they’re studying and provide opportunities to expand their professional networks beyond the classroom. The conversations that emerge from these sessions often continue informally, creating mentorship opportunities and professional connections that can be invaluable for career advancement.

As reflected in the program’s vision “to empower the next generation of global business leaders,” these connections with established leaders create a bridge between current industry practices and the innovative approaches participants are developing during their EMBA journey.

The alumni network: A lifelong resource

Perhaps the most enduring aspect of the USI EMBA networking experience is access to the alumni network. Upon completion of the program, graduates join an exclusive international community of professionals who share the common bond of the USI EMBA experience.

“Our alumni are passionate about sharing their experiences and are readily available to speak with potential applicants. They serve as a valuable resource to the program, and we take pride in having them as part of our community,” the program states. This willingness to share experiences and insights creates a supportive ecosystem that continues to provide value long after graduation.

The success stories of alumni demonstrate the power of this network. Graduates consistently report that their EMBA connections have led to new business opportunities, career advancements, and valuable partnerships. Many alumni credit their professional success not just to the knowledge gained but to the network of relationships fostered during and after the program.

Creating a supportive learning community

Underlying all aspects of peer learning at USI EMBA is a commitment to creating a supportive learning community grounded in shared values. The program explicitly articulates values like “Mutual Respect” and emphasizes “cultivating an environment where all voices are heard and every perspective contributes to shared success.”

This foundation of mutual respect creates psychological safety that allows participants to take intellectual risks, share vulnerabilities, and engage in the kind of authentic exchanges that lead to deep learning. When executives feel comfortable admitting what they don’t know or challenging prevailing assumptions, the entire cohort benefits from more honest and productive discussions.

Graduates consistently highlight how this supportive environment builds confidence in knowledge and decision-making. Many report launching new initiatives, taking on greater responsibilities, or even starting their own businesses based on the confidence developed through peer interactions during the program.

The USI Executive MBA recognizes that leadership development is inherently a collective journey. By creating an environment where peer learning and professional networking flourish, the program prepares executives not just with knowledge and skills but with a community that supports their ongoing growth and success.

The program philosophy recognizes that executive education is “not only about Business Administration” but “about a deep understanding of yourself” – a self-understanding that emerges not in isolation but through interaction with peers who challenge, support, and inspire one another.

The diverse perspectives, collaborative projects, cross-generational networking, and supportive community create a unique learning ecosystem that transforms how participants see themselves and their potential as leaders. Graduates consistently report becoming “more complete professionals” through the experience of linking various business topics together in collaboration with their peers.

For professionals considering an executive MBA, the USI program offers more than just academic excellence—it provides entry into a vibrant community of practice where peer learning and professional networking become lifelong assets in the journey toward leadership excellence. The EMBA experience fills in knowledge gaps while creating connections that last well beyond graduation, making it a truly transformative professional investment.