A transformative academic journey: University of Malta’s FEMA roll out new International MBA

Rapidly evolving markets, skills mismatch and a disrupted fast-paced world led the team at the University of Malta’s Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy (FEMA) to reimagine their MBA and roll out a revamped flagship programme: their new International MBA.

Internationally-oriented and targeted at working professionals, it offers an engaging curriculum of masterclasses, workshops and the latest in best practice for an immersive experience aligned with increasingly complex realities. It promises to deliver agile and resilient leaders to tackle the challenges businesses and decision-makers face today.

MaltaCEOs.mt caught up with five alumni to hear first-hand how their FEMA MBA equipped them with the invaluable tools to address real-world scenarios.

Muriel Grech

Current position:

Founder and Director of MG Projects Ltd, which focuses on construction, project management and restoration.

What is the most meaningful takeaway from this MBA?

The profound understanding and application of strategic thinking in real-world scenarios.

I’ve learned how finance, marketing, operations, legal aspects, and human resources all interconnect and contribute to the overall running of a business, and I’ve been able to apply these to my company with my own team.

The opportunity to interact with peers from different cultural backgrounds prepared me for the globalised nature of modern business.

How has the journey changed you and your outlook?

Pursuing an MBA has transformed me and my outlook on both professional and personal levels. Before, I often viewed business challenges through a narrow lens, but the comprehensive curriculum and diverse case studies pushed me to approach issues from multiple angles. Thanks to this, I started developing a new tool to help my business be more innovative.

The connections I made throughout this experience and the friendships I’ve built are also something I will treasure forever. Finishing a course brings you joy and satisfaction of another accomplishment in life, but at the same time it’s bitter sweet knowing I do not have to go on campus every week… I’m already on the lookout for something new.

What would your advice be to anyone contemplating an MBA?

Evaluate what you really want to do in life. How do you envisage your career? What are you expecting to achieve? Where do you want to go?

The MBA not only provided me with technical skills and knowledge but also instilled a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience.

Markus Behmann

Current position:

CEO of VEO Capital Ltd, and Director of companies such as aLIVE Support SRL.

What was the most meaningful takeaway from this MBA?

It was different from my previous degree since most students had work experience, which helped us all gain insight into lived realities.

My fondest memory of the MBA was the start-up competition run by lecturer Nathaniel Massa, as it allowed me to combine academic theory with practical real-world challenges.

How has the journey changed you and your outlook?

I initially wanted to add a Master degree to my CV since German companies value formal education a lot. However, during the course I realised that applying academic theory to real problems creates a new perspective to daily processes. This enabled me to optimise and streamline my businesses.

What would your advice be to anyone contemplating an MBA? 

Gain work experience first as this will help you to better relate to the classroom material and enable you to apply it to your work environment. An MBA provides new ways of critical thinking on how to improve your work processes or even your career paths. I had a few classmates who changed careers afterwards (also due to new opportunities enabled by the degree).

Including a study trip to a foreign business school to the new International MBA programme is a great plus. Going abroad and networking with people from different cultural backgrounds automatically provides new perspectives.

Julian Dingli

Current position:

Founder and Director at ShipOne Agencies, a shipping and logistics company.

Executive at CORE Platform, a non-profit organisation.

What is the most meaningful takeaway from this MBA?

I would say my internal shift in perspective and attitude has been the most significant change. The MBA has driven me toward holistic development in business acumen and leadership skills, while equipping me with the ability to analyse complex situations.

Additionally, developing a habit of reading business books and articles helped me gain a broader understanding of global practices.

How has the journey changed you and your outlook?

Something that will always stay with me is the strong bond formed with my cohort. We still occasionally meet for drinks and chat online daily… we continue to support each other, sharing and testing business ideas in a safe environment.

During my MBA we also had the opportunity to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Congress which took place in Riyad, featuring speakers like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Marc Randolph Netflix’s co-founder and first CEO. This experience had a profound impact on my professional journey. 

What would your advice be to anyone contemplating an MBA?

Approaching the MBA with a growth mindset is essential.

Network actively, as the relationships you build during your MBA can be as valuable as the education itself. Be prepared for an intense commitment — an MBA is a significant investment of time, money, and effort — and say YES to every opportunity as these provide practical insights, enhance your learning and push you out of your comfort zone.

One of the most compelling reasons for me to pursue the new MBA would be the opportunity for more practical learning experiences.

Joonas Karhu

Current position:

CEO of Bojoko, a leading gambling affiliate brand in the UK and Canada.

What is the most meaningful takeaway from this MBA?

MBA programmes, in general, and especially the one at the University of Malta, build the highest-level business thinking essential to senior business leaders… I had two business degrees before starting the programme, and it quickly became clear that an MBA is very much C-level stuff.

How has the journey changed you and your outlook?

It’s been a couple of years since I completed my MBA and I find myself directly applying what I learned surprisingly often. The course has made me more confident to face new challenges as they arise.

I thoroughly enjoyed the long talks about business topics with extremely motivated professors and classmates.

What would your advice be to anyone contemplating an MBA?

My advice is to make sure you have enough space in your schedule. You will have many projects and tasks apart from going to lectures… being mentally available will help you get much more from the programme.

I highly encourage physical attendance as opposed to remote learning. The connections you make and the discussions you’ll have by being physically present are invaluable.

Claudio Ammirato

Current position:

Founder of several international ventures, including Homeflat and Ammirato Foods in Italy, India, and Sri Lanka; and M&A specialist

What is the most meaningful takeaway from this MBA?

The Executive MBA profoundly enhanced my strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, equipping me with the foresight and depth needed to face challenges.

How has the journey changed you and your outlook?

After completing the MBA, I’ve come to realise the journey of learning and growth is ongoing. Embracing curiosity, continually seeking new perspectives, and fostering a passion for knowledge have become part of my professional and personal development.

The warm relationships fostered at the University of Malta were remarkable. This sense of community is not something to be taken for granted, and it remains vivid in my memory.

It was also fascinating to delve into case studies, analyse complex business scenarios, and debate various strategic options with my peers and professors. This hands-on learning experience significantly enhanced my decision-making skills and prepared me for real-world challenges.

What would your advice be to anyone contemplating an MBA?

Without a doubt, pursuing an MBA is a transformative academic journey that broadens horizons across various disciplines, cultures, and viewpoints. It offers a comprehensive educational experience that fosters both personal and professional growth, opening doors to new opportunities, ideas, and networks.

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Applications for FEMA’s new International MBA at the University of Malta will be accepted until the end of August. For further information contact Jennifer Vella on 2340 6211, or jennifer.vella@um.edu.mt; or Vanessa Debattista on 2340 3787, or vanessa.debattista@um.edu.mt.