Tell us about yourself.
My name is Camila Triana, and I am from the beautiful city of Bogota in Colombia – a diverse and exceptional country where I am proud to have been born.
What’s your current job?
I work for the Make-A-Wish International Foundation as Latin America's Regional Director. I have the most exceptional job and I am grateful to be part of a mission that I am completely in love with – I am so excited to start each day.
Why did you choose to study the EGMiM programme?
I chose to study the Executive Global Master's in Management (EGMiM) because even though for most of my professional life I have worked within the third sector, I have always believed this sector requires the same skills as the for profit sector.
The Make-A-Wish International Foundation work on behalf of vulnerable communities that, with the right skills, knowledge and passion, can be aided on a much greater scale. That is exactly what the EGMiM gave me – knowledge, skills, a change in my point of view and of course, incredible friendships that I value every day.
How has EGMiM benefitted your career?
I see EGMiM as a real turning point in my life. The programme allowed me to fulfil one of my greatest dreams at the time in founding the Make-A-Wish Colombia affiliate. EGMiM came at the perfect time for me, as I received so much support from my teachers and friends. A great part of Make-A-Wish Colombia is based on all the wide knowledge I gained on this programme. After leading as CEO, I was offered my current position and now support 7 countries in Latin America. There is no way I would be in this position without my EGMiM experience!
Did you make any lasting friendships?
This is a very important question for me because as much as you gain a variety of knowledge and visit different countries and cultures, it wouldn't have been the same without the incredible people I met along the way. For me, one of the highlights of EGMiM was the opportunity to speak with so many people from various parts of the world that have different perspectives, and learning from their experiences. Last, but not least, I gained true and lasting friendships that are still a huge part of my life.
What is one piece of advice you would give to those who will start the programme next year?
You are joining a supportive community of incredible teachers and students from other modules, so please take advantage of this experience to nurture your knowledge, your network and attend all the great events the management team organise!
Also, don't forget to enjoy London! You should definitely try the best coffee at Monmouth Coffee in Covent Garden – it’s better if its Colombian! And you will need it for the long hours in class!
What was the most challenging aspect of the programme?
The most challenging, but also the most valuable part of the programme is that you enter having a point of view which completely changes by the end of the course. You will leave the programme as a completely different person with a whole new view of the world. This programme has the ability to open your mind and change your perspective in the most amazing way!
What is your best memory about EGMiM?
One of my best memories is when we travelled to Bangalore, India, and visited a group of engineers who were preparing a mission to the moon! I am still very impressed and thankful to the teachers that made this possible. Also, in that same module – being with my best friends in Bangalore, all dressed up in sarees for our last dinner of the module – unforgettable!
What three words would you use to describe EGMiM?
Diverse
Mind-changing
Valuable
A game changer for your professional life. That is more than three words, but I can’t help it!
In what ways has EGMiM impacted your life or shaped you as a person?
EGMiM has shaped me as a person in so many ways. I was the youngest student on the module, and it really challenged my confidence at the time, but also made me understand that there is no right answer in almost anything. It is your authentic point of view that helps you shape who you are and adds value to the conversation.