This term proves to be even better with classes and lectures that you can relate to and where the reality of business concepts become more practical.

The best experience has been last Friday when we had the pleasure of having Alex Cruz, CEO of Vueling airlines, give a lecture during our strategy class ! It is fascinating to receive up-front actual information and advice from a successful business personality.

Not only  was the presentation interesting and knowledgeable, but most importantly I was thrilled to be in that class, attending a presentation I wouldn’t have thought possible before.

Thanks to our strategy professor Luis Vives,  can’t wait for future lectures to come.

One resolution that I’m definitely going to apply more is to attend  as many seminars as possible. Two options are already planned and available in January. The adminisration has been active in scheduling two seminars(of around 30 hours spread throughout the term) upon our return back from vacation:  “Doing Business in the Middle East” and “Doing Business in China” seminars. These workshops will give us a chance to receive information that is not easily accessible and especially primordial when venturing in new countries and cultures. 

Since most of my working experience has been in the Middle East, I have decided to consider joining the seminar related to China. Each seminar provides cultural and professional factors that should benefit us when considering applying for jobs in certain areas. 

I’m definitely looking forward to the new inflow of information and how it will evidently turn out into a competitive advantage.

 Time to gear up and get the summer intership search rolling.

But it’s through Term 1 that I’ve actually understood  how demanding (but rewarding as well) the programme actually is.

Between Finance, Economics, and Accounting your hands are full with project deadlines and group meetings. We still have one month to go before Term break and things keep on getting more loaded by the day.

What I’ve come to better conceptualize is the necessity to have two key qualities if I want to perform efficiently and meet requirements: 1- time management, and 2- consistency and organization.

There are so many things happening that not only do you have to prioritize, but most importantly you have to smartly organize yourself.

There is so much to do on all levels: lectures and studies, conferences and networking, group and club meetings, career search and cover letters…

Bottom line is: with all the intensity so far, the experience is worthwhile and all information provided is to make the most out of our time at ESADE.

My impression of the MBA programme: definitely worth it!

It has definitely been very interesting to listen to different companies and presentations. Not only has it broadened my professional perspective but it has also given me a clearer and more concise perspective of companies of interest, their working environment, and professional culture.

Everything was well organized to make each presentation worthwhile: from networking coffee, to panels and brochures. All was made available to get the most out of this event.

Even though places were limited for each presentation (and online registration was very competitive), Career Services made sure that all presentations were (and are still) available online: any presentation not attended could be watched live!

It was practically impossible to miss any bit of info we wanted: everything was provided not to miss any opportunity. And this proves to be the best support when it comes to career search and network.

Many thanks again for Career Services and looking forward for Winter Career Week!

The reason I’ve chosen ESADE (apart from its renowned MBA programme and ongoing reputation), is its location. I had given it a lot of thought of where would be the best place to settle for the next year or so, and Barcelona seemed the best.

Having lived and worked across North America and the Middle East, the occasion to fully experience Europe (rather than just simply visiting for a couple of weeks) was a hit for me.

Never having visited Spain before, but always hearing amazing comments, I’d decided to take the plunge and go for it.

Why Barcelona? I think that having the combination of professional (cosmopolitan and educational) and active outdoors (on the coast and next to the Pyrenees) lifestyles is important to fully enjoy and balance both aspects of your life simultaneously.

Since my arrival in August, let me tell you I haven’t been disappointed one bit!

Everything in Barcelona makes it worthwhile: from the small bistros and grocery shops around the corner, to the cool bars and unique restaurants in trendy spots.

A lot of things make Barcelona as unique as it is. Everybody knows its reputation for all of Gaudi’s masterpieces and all the regular info in guidebooks, but there’s much more to it. The best part of it is that the city has kept its identity and particularity.

What’s nice about living here is that even though you still have the exposure of international brands, the city manages to keep the individualistic aspect of having small independent stores, bars, and restaurants that makes it lovely to discover.

From the small clothing store around the corner street of you house that sells the appealing non-mass pieces, to the cutest restaurant with the best food ever and the cosiest atmosphere for a night out, that’s what makes the charm of the city.

It’s all about that unique personality of things here. Even the neighbourhood fiestas bring life to your intense MBA student weeks.

It’s only been a couple of months and with all the exposure and encounters, I can’t wait to discover much more!