Alejandra García Paccini, IESE MBA Class of 2019
Age: 28
Hometown: Madrid, Spain
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Computense University of Madrid, business and law
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 3.5 years within the tech industry (contractor work for Google, full-time at Facebook); working mostly in legal operations, intellectual property, and training and development
Why business school? Why now? One of the reasons why I studied business in the first place was the fact that I’d love to build my own company in the future. After some years working in the tech industry, I realized I still needed more experience and knowledge to continue growing and eventually being able to have something I could call my own. I strongly believed an MBA would open uncountable development opportunities at that point in my career; not only would it provide me the best general business management education, but also the entrepreneurial vision I was lacking.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? IESE had always been at the top of my list for its two-year international program, its location and, most importantly, the focus it put into academics. For me, it was important to be challenged and get the whole “transformative” experience while at the same time building long-lasting relationships and receiving the best education with an entrepreneur mindset. The alumni recommendations I got from my family and friends, as well as the extremely good reputation the school had, also influenced my decision.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? The MBA is a journey of reflection, developing self-awareness, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone constantly. This can cause immense stress and the constant feeling that you need more guidance and reassurance—you want to know you are going in the right direction. As people development is one of my passions, I believe that I can truly help and provide this kind of support not only to my team but also to all my classmates of 2019, given my past experience in mentoring and training, specifically within the tech industry. As one of the first-year directors of the IESE Technology Club, I am already working alongside other committed students to continue bringing new experiences to the program and building a community where everyone can help each other thrive and grow.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? Since I was six I wanted to become a private investigator. Probably read too many mystery books, but who knows, it’s never too late…!
Post-MBA career interests? After the MBA I am looking to continue my career in the tech industry but shifting to a more human resources/L&D–related role where I can continue progressing in the people development area. The internship I will be doing during this summer at HP Inc. will already contribute to my experience in people enablement within the WW Marketing department.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Enjoy every second of it! The application process does not have to be a stressful moment of your life, but rather exciting; make sure to take everything you can get from your own personal reflection process.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I wish I had networked more with people from the school, either alumni or current students, during my application process. It was only after that I realized each person has a story to tell and you will get the best of the MBA out of the people you meet.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The GMAT preparation was tough, but keeping a positive attitude with clear goals in mind and asking for friend and family support whenever I needed it certainly helped—remember, it’s all about your attitude!
Greatest highlight so far at IESE? It is very hard to choose only one, but “Multiculti” was definitely one of the best days I’ve had in first year so far. The school organizes a half-day event where more than 40 countries and regions get the opportunity to represent their cultures in all aspects from gastronomy to regional dances and costumes. These kinds of initiatives open up your mind and are highly enriching!
One thing about IESE that you didn’t expect before arriving? Since the first contact I had with IESE, I felt extremely welcomed and was really impressed by the level of effort and dedication each person put in to making me feel at ease in this new environment, making sure I had all I needed at all moments. Even though I already knew beforehand that the school had a strong sense of community, I underestimated the statement. Without a doubt, the people at IESE make it a truly special place to study at.
Thing you were most anxious about in your first year at IESE? Finding the right balance in the first year can become a real challenge. With all the opportunities that come up to participate or take the initiative in, I was mostly anxious about keeping a good balance and time management amongst internship search, academics, social events, networking, and club involvement. Later you realize it is all part of the learning experience of being able to prioritize according to your goals to achieve the highest impact.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? My team! Even though I had already worked on international teams in the past, being teamed up with nine people from diverse cultures, nationalities, and work styles in an academic environment pushes you to the limit, where you need to develop both personal and professionally as a group. We have had amazing times together, bonded over different interests, and even shared life changes. Overcoming challenges that arise from the natural interactions and differences as a team has also made me realize how important it is to be empathic and understanding and has better prepared me to manage people and teams in the future.
