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Name: Ali A. Shah Povia
Specialization(s): Global Management & Leadership; Human Resource Management
Place of work: American Overseas School of Rome
Graduation Year: 2018
Current Job: Registrar & PowerSchool Coordinator
Favorite Quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years time I see myself as a senior manager in an international company, or, perhaps, I could already be running my own.

So you finished MBA classes in 2018, tell us about your experience after your MBA Degree Program.
After having completed the SSM MBA program, I feel like my perspective on a lot of things has broadened and I have learnt a lot not only regarding finance, but also unexpected subjects like philosophy. The leadership course has been an eye opener, and I have used the skillset acquired through the program in my current job, motivating colleagues and leading various projects for the school. Knowing that I can now add MBA amongst my titles brings me great pride, as well as gratitude for the helpful and welcoming atmosphere I found at SSM.

What skillset do you need to do your job?
My job requires great leadership and management skills. It is a job in which I have to be meticulous in every step I take, as I manage PowerSchool, the database the whole school relies on. Being innovative and developing new
ideas to ease the work of people surrounding me, as well as negotiating changes I believe are for the best with my superiors, are all things I do on a daily basis.

What are your future plans?
I have been very happy with the job I currently have, but I am now planning towork on developing my own business. This MBA has given me the push I was waiting to make the jump in my life and risk something to achieve a greater goal. I will be working on a tourism project and I hope to create a well-known company in this tough and competitive sector.

If you could describe your experience in Rome during your MBA how would you sum it up?
It has been a great year, a year of change. Working during the day and attending the MBA in the evening, both working and studying on weekends, it was very tough at times, but it was worth it. I had collaborative course mates, great lecturers, and a lot of support from friends and family. This led me to push myself and discover my capabilities. I’d like to add that it was fun too. If I could, I would do it all over again!

Can you share an experience that is most memorable with relation to the MBA Degree program?
I’ve got many great memories with many different people in the course, but one of the best days I had was when we went to the adventure park for our leadership course. Who would have known that a fun day could also be so
inspiring? It was important for team-building, facing our fears, and motivating others to push themselves. It was an unforgettable experience.

What was your favorite class in the program and why?
One of the best courses we took was Competitive Strategy with Paolo Bongarzoni, as well as Negotiating Globally with Dr. Massimiliano Bracalé. These two courses were the ones that I was able to apply to my job the most, so they stayed with me.

What advice would you give newcomers to the MBA Degree program or for those interested?
For those interested, I would say that it is a great experience and that they should definitely take the course. The accommodating evening hours allow you to keep a daytime job while studying in the afternoon. As an advice, I would add, push yourself; find out what your capabilities are, and treasure your moments during the MBA. It is a great occasion to change your life, so don’t miss it!

What do you think differentiates this MBA from other MBA programs?

The main difference, which convinced me to attend, was the variety of courses offered on the program and the fact that it works its schedule around the needs of people with jobs. The beautiful welcoming atmosphere pushed me forward and the price is very convenient compared to other MBA’s, especially considering the quality of the education you’re getting. Now that I have taken the course, I can say that the variety of professors also adds to the program, and the SSM team is very helpful and offers its support through any possible situation.

I highly recommend it.

SSM