Emily Fisher

Hometown: Atlanta, GA USA 

Undergraduate School and Major: Georgia Institute of Technology; Biomedical Engineering 

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Microsoft (via Accenture); Solutions Consultant  

Fun Fact About Yourself 

I’m a blacksmith. I started about a year ago and even attended a blacksmithing festival outside Florence just before the MBA began. Unfortunately, Milan isn’t the best place to keep practicing unless you’re ready to commit full time with a master blacksmith well outside the city. For now, the MBA has taken precedence over the forge. 

What makes Milan such a great place to earn an MBA? 

Milan feels open and easy to navigate, both socially and culturally. People are approachable, whether they’re part of the MBA community or not, and the city has a natural international dimension. It’s also a great base for traveling around Europe, which has made weekends an extension of the experience. And, of course, the food helps. 

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of SDA Bocconi’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? 

I was looking for a program that would allow me to explore different interests without forcing me into a single path too early. At SDA Bocconi, I knew I could pursue entrepreneurship, work with startups, complete an internship, or even launch a venture, while still keeping options like exchange programs open. 

What mattered just as much to me was the structure of the program itself. Every term you work with new groups of people from different cultural and professional backgrounds. That constant exposure to new perspectives pushes you to adapt and collaborate in different ways, which I see as essential preparation for an international career. 

What course, club or activity excites you the most at SDA Bocconi? 

The Healthcare Club, where I currently serve as President. We’ve focused on introducing initiatives that hadn’t existed before, including a pen-pal program with other European business schools such as IESE and London Business School, along with joint alumni calls. 

We’re also developing collaborations with startup incubators in the life sciences space. Through these partnerships, we support startups on a pro bono basis, applying classroom knowledge to real business challenges while building professional connections that can lead to internships or full-time roles. 

The Bocconi MBA is known for striking a balance between core business knowledge and skills that emphasize vision, judgment, and innovation. What area do you hope to strengthen during your year of business school and why? 

Serving as President of the Healthcare Club has given me a concrete way to develop leadership and executive communication skills. I’d like to move into a leadership role in the future. SDA Bocconi has given me the space to refine how I lead. I’m learning how to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, build trust, keep people aligned, and ensure initiatives move forward effectively. 

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026?

My strongest asset is my ability to connect with people. I tend to read situations quickly and create an environment where others feel comfortable speaking openly. That sense of trust makes it easier to exchange ideas honestly and helps move discussions toward constructive outcomes. 

The Bocconi MBA is also known for its strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Why does the program’s focus on STEM insights and mindful leadership appeal to you? 

My background in biomedical engineering trained me to think in a structured and analytical way, while my professional experience in tech and healthcare strengthened my interpersonal skills. SDA Bocconi’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship allows me to bring these two dimensions together. I’m especially drawn to the School’s focus on creative problem solving, cross-disciplinary thinking, and exposure to emerging technologies and business models. These elements are essential for anyone aspiring to work in medical technology or eventually in a startup environment. 

On the leadership side, I’ve found the Leadership Series particularly valuable. Having the opportunity to engage directly with experienced leaders and reflect on real leadership challenges has been an important part of my growth during the MBA. More broadly, the way the Faculty and the School engage with students creates a strong sense of shared responsibility, which naturally encourages people to contribute actively to the community. 

NDR:  

• The Leadership Series is an initiative designed to expose MBA students to the experience and perspectives of senior leaders from international companies, offering the opportunity to learn from their hands-on experience and engage in direct dialogue. 

When you think of SDA Bocconi, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why? 

Growth. Coming to Milan from the U.S. without speaking Italian and without having lived abroad before pushed me well outside my comfort zone. Navigating a new culture, a different academic environment, and a more formal educational setting has been challenging, but also deeply formative. The School has pushed me to improve how I collaborate in diverse teams and has strengthened my confidence in the kind of leader I want to become. 

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far. 

While working at Salesforce, I became the top-ranked Business Development Representative nationwide, outperforming more than 150 peers. What made the achievement particularly meaningful was the journey behind it. When I first started, the environment felt very much like sink or swim, and initially I struggled. Over time, by learning from managers and top performers and adjusting my approach, I steadily improved until I reached the top position. 

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into SDA Bocconi’s MBA program? 

Authenticity matters. Strong credentials are important, but SDA Bocconi ultimately selects people, not just profiles. The School invests in who you are and in your potential, so there’s no need to present a version of yourself that you think admissions wants to see. Being clear about your motivations, your values, and how you hope to grow is far more effective than trying to fit a predefined mold. 

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