Flying In [NYC Edition]: Finance Manager Giorgio Izzo

Name: Giorgio Izzo ‘23
Location: New York, New York

Current Position: Finance Manager
Undergraduate Degree: Finance, Florida International University – College of Business

Fun Fact:

I’m fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian!

 

Coming from NYC, why did I choose the Hybrid MBA program at the UW Foster School of Business?

I spent A LOT of time connecting with directors, students, and alumni from several schools because I didn’t just want to do an “online MBA”. I wanted to experience the same level of networking and academic depth as a full-time program without having to put my career on pause and the Hybrid MBA program at UW does just that. The quarterly in-person immersions are unique and so critical in making our cohort tight-knit.

I wanted to experience the same level of networking and academic depth as a full-time program without having to put my career on pause and the Hybrid MBA program at UW does just that. The quarterly in-person immersions are unique and so critical in making our cohort tight-knit.

What part of the Hybrid MBA Experience do I enjoy most?

I love that I can apply my learnings at work in real time. The courses are relevant to my job so being able to understand a concept one night and try it out at work the next day has given me a lot of “ah-ha” moments.

How has the Hybrid MBA supported you from a career perspective?

My overarching goal for my MBA is to learn how to think differently and my cohort has been key in that. Collaborating with inspirational folks from all over the US in different industries, professions, and walks of life has enriched my thought process. Coming from the East Coast, I’m exposed to perspectives and sensibilities that differ from what I would typically see at work and that’s so invaluable.

What are your fellow students like? Have they enhanced your experience?

One aspect of consulting that I love is the ability to shift focus so quickly. I have been involved in projects involving marketing, product design, process improvement, design thinking, change management, etc. The MBA experience has provided me with an arsenal of thought-provoking articles, models, and discussion topics that I have been able to readily apply to my work on a regular basis. I have really appreciated the focus on manager decision making that has been present throughout the program. I truly feel like I am now equipped with everything I need to lead a team to success.

What are your fellow students like? Have they enhanced your experience?

My overarching goal for my MBA is to learn how to think differently and my cohort has been key in that. Collaborating with inspirational folks from all over the US in different industries, professions, and walks of life has enriched my thought process. Coming from the East Coast, I’m exposed to perspectives and sensibilities that differ from what I would typically see at work and that’s so invaluable.

How has your MBA experience enabled you to see your career differently?

The Hybrid MBA program and the career management services at the Foster School of Business have provided me with real, actionable approaches for my career path. I have regular meetings with Susie Buysse in career services who helped me refine my mission and how to harness my strength to accelerate my career path. The resources at my disposal are robust and I’m excited to keep taking advantage of them.

Have any classes from the MBA curriculum particularly struck you?

Leading Teams and Organizations with Bruce Avolio is fantastic. Both in the scope of the course and the practical business cases, this course really opened my eyes to the psychological nature and depth it takes to truly be an inspirational, effective leader. I even find myself comparing the learnings from this class to the strategies and decisions senior leaders make at my company and I now better understand their approaches.