02/10/2026
🎓 – Irina Bumbu, Branch Manager at Banca Transilvania | EMBA Student, 2026 Cohort
With over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Irina Bumbu brings a valuable perspective on financial leadership, customer relationships, decision-making, and the realities of leading in a dynamic and highly competitive environment.
She joined The University of Buckingham Executive MBA programme, locally facilitated by Transilvania Executive Education in Cluj-Napoca, to broaden her perspective, step outside the familiar rhythm of the banking world, and continue developing as a leader with curiosity and openness.
Here’s what Irina shared about her experience so far:
“When I first joined the banking industry twenty-five years ago, I spent my early days trying to make sense of a company’s balance sheet, not entirely sure which side was up. An Executive MBA was certainly not part of the plan. The idea appeared much later and stayed with me until I was actually ready for it. I had reached a point where I felt confident in my experience and comfortable in my environment. Looking back, that comfort was probably one of the reasons I needed this experience more than I realized. I came into the program expecting fresh perspectives and a broader understanding of business, and I admit there has been plenty of that. What I did not expect was how valuable it would be to step outside the banking bubble. After spending most of my career in one industry, it is easy to see the world through a familiar lens, and I am glad the EMBA challenged that perspective. One of the most enriching parts of the experience has been meeting colleagues from very different professional backgrounds. Every interaction offers a new perspective and challenges assumptions I might otherwise take for granted. Beyond that, the cohort has created a supportive environment that makes stepping outside your comfort zone a lot easier. The program has brought together accomplished professionals who are, on one hand approachable and curious, and on the other - remarkably skilled in the business of having fun after classes. I came to TEE for the academic experience and professional development, and those expectations have absolutely been met. This EMBA has reminded me that learning doesn't stop when you become a leader. If anything, that's exactly when it becomes most important, because experience gives you confidence, but curiosity is what keeps you growing.”
Thank you, Irina, for sharing your perspective and for being part of the TEE learning community.
The University of Buckingham Executive MBA programme, locally facilitated by TEE in Cluj-Napoca, starts every February. For more details, visit our website 🔗 https://teecluj.ro/en/executive-mba.html.
