Widely considered one of the top MBA programs in Europe, IESE provides a business school experience that gives students the skills necessary to truly become a leader who leaves a legacy.
The international student population at IESE is large and varied. The IESE Class of 2020 comes from 64 different countries, an increase from the previous year’s 57 countries of origin. In addition to the various countries where students originate, the Class of 2020 consists of 81 percent international students. In terms of geographic origin, the largest percentage comes from Europe, making up 37 percent of the student body. The next largest is Asia with 22 percent. The remaining percentages are 18 percent for Latin America, 16 percent for North America, and 7 percent for all other regions.
This international cohort brings with it a considerable amount of professional experience—5.2 years on average. Fifty-eight percent come from industrial backgrounds and another 23 percent from finance. Eleven percent joined the class with consulting experience while another five percent arrived on campus following entrepreneurial work.
Some of the demographic features of the Class of 2020 are the same as they are in the Class of 2019. The percentage of women has stayed consistent at 32 percent, and the average GMAT score has held steady at 690.
Reviewing these numbers, it is abundantly clear that the students who attend IESE bring diverse knowledge, talents, and skills to Barcelona. The profiles that follow will give some more insight into IESE students, showing their backgrounds, goals, and future hopes for their careers.
Waïna Landauro, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Waterloo, Belgium
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Louvain School of Management, Supply Chain Management & Marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
I worked for three years as an IT manager for a solar power startup. The company manufactured solar power kits, allowing rural communities in East Africa to get access to electricity. The job was quite intense and I was travelling a lot between London, Guangzhou and East Africa. After three years, living with my suitcase, I decided to go back to Brussels and created my own tech startup in the real estate sector. It was a great experience and it won a few prizes but, alas, “Azurent” didn’t make it.
Soon after, I created my own IT consulting firm and helped companies bring their operations and accounting in the cloud. Lots of my clients were in Thailand and it allowed me to stay in Bangkok for several months while executing projects for my clients.
Why business school? Why now?
I have had great international experience in my career until now, but not really a chance to get a job where I could really leverage it. I am at a moment in my life where I am looking for a relevant and consistent corporate experience. I have been involved in relatively small IT projects. They had a great impact, but only on the people concerned. I would love to help create and design a product that helps thousands of lives on a daily basis.
I also want to understand the world economy better. Why are interests fluctuating? Or why is a company merging with another? Or can we solve the unemployment crisis? These are some questions that I want to be able to answer coming out of business school. The economy drives the world and it matters to me to understand it better.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First of all, I love Barcelona. It’s a great place to be, and according to me one of the best cities in Europe. It has it all: The beach, large tech companies like Amazon, Google and Facebook, good food and the sun.
IESE is ranked very well and it matters to recruiters and companies. I also saw that lots of companies I eventually want to work for recruit regularly there. IESE is relatively affordable compared to other US schools and European schools and they offer good options for student loans and scholarship. Another factor that appealed to me was the case method. The Socratic way of discussing cases was for me a deal maker in terms of academic approach.
Finally, the campus is a huge perk. If you ever come here, I invite you to go to the terrasse of the North Campus, breathtaking!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I believe I’m bringing my international experience to the table. During my career, I have worked and experienced business culture in more than six countries. It was not always easy, but I really enjoyed it and I am sure it will be helpful in my contributions to the class.
I worked for a social impact company in the past. I know what it is to start a business from scratch in the bush of Uganda and I know lots of my classmates are interested in pursuing some kind of social entrepreneurship venture. I would be able to give them some insights in that area, too.
Finally, I have had my own business, consulting on IT projects. I can probably help other entrepreneurs get started and give them advice on how to look for funding and how to get their first clients.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I started my first business when I was 10. I was collecting glass bottles from the neighbours and getting some change for the service. The business collapsed soon after we burnt all our revenues on candies.
Post-MBA career interests?
Because of my IT, accounting and international experience, I would love to join the fintech industry. Providing automation for private companies and cheap reliable services for the consumer market is, I think, at the core of retail banking. The disruption of this market that has been feeding for too long on information asymmetry is a challenge I’m willing to take on. I also have first-hand experience watching the development of Alipay, Wechat Pay and Line in Asia and I would love to help bring such brilliant solutions to the European market.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visiting the campus was for me essential. I visited a few schools I was accepted to and IESE was the one that spoke the most to me.
The place is absolutely stunning. The class I attended really impressed me and I just clicked with the crowd. IESE also did a great job at introducing me to people I would find interesting in the crowd of first-year students and really made the campus visit an unforgettable experience.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I believe I decided too late where I wanted to go. It cost me a huge amount of stress and a deposit. I am convinced I made the right choice, but taking all the factors into account was difficult. Don’t be like me and focus directly on your objective.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The wait is an absolute torture. You put everything you had in the essays and the GMAT and you need to wait to know if you’re good enough for your particular school.
The worst part is that you can actually follow if schools send some results on websites like Clear Admit, which makes it even worse. It was very difficult to cope with. I must say I was hitting the refresh button my email box a lot! Fortunately, I enjoyed my work and it helped me think about something else.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/culture/community?
I was expecting more Spanish students. Currently, only about 17 percent of my section is from Spain. The diversity of the section is really impressive. Don’t get me started on the diversity of backgrounds. I can’t give all the résumés answering to this question, but among others, we have a venture capitalist specialized in Indian fintech startups, a US Army cybersecurity expert, a bunch of consultants and bankers, a US Coast Guard, an interpreter turned entrepreneur and I want to say sorry to the 60 others I’m forgetting because they are as valuable as the ones I cited. IESE’s culture is very inclusive and this patchwork of cultures and backgrounds is a mind opening experience.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
The school goes above and beyond to get you the job of your dreams. The centre for career services has organized a huge amount of events and is basically on standby for students to go to them and ask for advice. We’ll see in a year if I actually landed the job of my dreams, but they seem to know what they are doing. The clubs are also an incredible help for resources and tips on how to network and getting the perfect resume and cover letter. I was really surprised how much emphasis IESE puts on helping you in your professional career.
I was also surprised by the difficulty of dealing with the Spanish administrative system. Don’t underestimate it, it’s time-consuming and can be very frustrating at times. If you plan to come to Barcelona, make sure you get everything in order.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Definitely the amount of work. At IESE apparently we do three cases a day, every day. That will amount to around 200 cases during the first year alone. The rumours are that IESE’s program is very demanding and stressful. I mean, you don’t get to be a top 10 school by letting your students roam around with no purpose. I hope to find my own pace and to learn how to deal with cases in an efficient manner.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
That one is easy. It’s all about meeting new people and learning new things. I am really excited to know more about my section and leverage their knowledge. The first year will be intense, to paraphrase the dean “during the first year you belong to us.” But I’m okay with that, the adventure just began and it is already better than I could have imagined.
I also have a blog about IESE that might be relevant to future prospective students: www.iesemba.com.
Jessica Genta, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27
Hometown: Milan, Italy
Undergraduate Institution and Major: B. Sc. Engineering for Materials Science and Nanotechnology at Polytechnic University of Milan (Politecnico di Milano), M. Sc. Materials Science at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)
Pre-MBA Work Experience: ~2.5 years in management consulting (McKinsey)
Why business school? Why now?
My long-term career aspiration is to become an entrepreneur and I believe that a strong business education will help me along the path. I believe it will also be of help in my upcoming years as management consultant. I decided to pursue an MBA now encouraged by McKinsey that is supporting my studies in this specific moment of my career.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I looked for an MBA that could expose me to as many different nationalities and cultures as possible. European schools are extremely good at recruiting a diverse student body. In addition, I wanted to do a two-year program, because I believe it gives me the required time to build lifelong friendships and really get the most out of the MBA. IESE was within the schools that respected these criteria and the immediate connection I felt with IESE didn’t leave room for doubt. People at IESE are awesome. I’m just starting now my MBA in Barcelona and I already feel home!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I’m bringing a lot of positive energy, as well as problem solving skills. I believe my experience in facing different situations and structuring problems will be useful in my MBA team.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love practicing a great number of sports, especially outdoor sports, and Barcelona offers infinite opportunities, from the sea to the close mountains as well as awesome biking and hiking options around the city.
Post-MBA career interests?
I plan to continue my career in McKinsey, at least in the short-term. Long term, I would like to take the entrepreneurship path and ideally build my own startup incubator.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Two things:
- Get to know yourself in depth (what type of person you are, what are your aspirations, why did you take certain decisions in life) and be completely transparent in the application.
- Go visit the schools (incl. classes) in person. Getting a sense of the atmosphere in the school is of great help in your decision.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Don’t let people around you influence your choice. Only you know why you’re truly doing an MBA and what you’re looking for. There is no “right” or “wrong” school, I believe you should simply pick the best school for you as individual.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Collecting reference letters was probably the most painful step in the application. Fortunately, I have a good relationship with the people that wrote my reference letters and this made the process (a bit) smoother.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/culture/community?
IESE already feels like my extended family. The focus on people is clear since day 1. Everyone is super caring. We support each other, spend a lot of time together, and have a lot of fun!
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
Diversity. I knew on paper that we would have been a diverse class. But until I got to know the people in person, I couldn’t get a real sense of what it would really have meant.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Having to read an infinite amount of cases to prepare for every class 😉
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Sharing the experience with my classmates.
Tamon Oshimo, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Northwestern University; anthropology and global health
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Two years in healthcare/non-profit; two years in private sector development in Rwanda; three years building, leading, and ultimately failing a media startup in Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.
Why business school? Why now?
I’m a better entrepreneur than I am a businessman, but I want to be good at both. In other words, I was at a point where I needed to package what I’d learned independently about running a business in a more cohesive form. Additionally, I’d felt for a while like I’d plateaued in terms of what I could learn/teach myself running my own business—which was mostly what not to do—so when my company ultimately collapsed, I figured it was time to get my MBA and learn how to actually run a business.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
IESE’s genuine focus on entrepreneurship (i.e., not only as a means, but as a real end) was very important to me because of my background and because of what I’d like to do in the future. The program’s focus on leadership and soft skills was also important to me because those were areas that I was attuned to but didn’t always feel entirely confident about. Similarly, the ethics component of IESE’s curriculum was important to me because it’s something that I was often confronted with/thought about throughout the process of running my own business. Finally, an international environment and student body was something that I was important to me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I have a lot of experience failing, and I’m totally cool talking about it. My background is unconventional, and—while it ultimately failed—I still had the experience of building up and running my own business, which isn’t something that a lot of people have experienced.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I moonlight as a jazz musician and am working on my skills as a tattoo artist (mostly by practicing on my brother)!
Post-MBA career interests?
Starting or being a part of something new gives me a lot of energy, so that’s ultimately what I plan on doing. After graduation, however, I’d like to work for a few years at a company that I didn’t start. My idea is venture capital: while it’s something that I’ve experienced on the side of the entrepreneur, I think working from the other side would teach me a lot allow me to continue working with startup ventures.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit the schools that you’re interested in. IESE’s open day was a great way for me to get a better feel for IESE and what it had to offer. Try to talk to alumni as well.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Apply early and minimize the pressure. I was in the process of applying as my business was falling apart (during a later round), and focusing on the GRE and applications while trying to keep my company afloat was a lot.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GRE for sure. I had trouble dedicating time to studying material that ostensibly won’t help me elsewhere in my career or education. That said, I was very aware that—while test scores aren’t everything—they’re still important.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/culture/community?
The student body seems really tight knit and supportive of each other. There’s competition, but it seems like the type of competition that’ll push me and my peers, and while there’s going to be a lot of work, it seems like there will be a lot support to get everybody through it.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
The level of support and guidance you can get from career services has been a really nice surprise.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Learning how to study again. I’ve been out of school for what feels like a long time, and I know adjusting to being a student again will be a process. Additionally, I have a lot of random experience but less of a specific skill-set, so learning to properly prepare cases will also be a process.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Starting something new!
Xiaofeng Xiong, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 30
Hometown: Sichuan, China
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Zhejiang University, Pharmacy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years in Healthcare Industry (3 years as a pharmacist, and 4 years in medical device sales)
Why business school? Why now?
I want to pursue my MBA education to enhance my career and increase my potential to help more people. The comprehensive training in an MBA program about marketing, finance, operations, global economy could broaden my horizon with a bigger picture of business.
I have received help from many kind people, and it has always been my passion to spread my positive energies around, whether as a volunteer in Operation Smile—an NGO providing global-wise cleft palate or lip repair surgeries—or as a sponsor for poor students’ education and living expenses. I still feel the urgency to do more and to grow further. An MBA program is a best place to meet people from NGOs worldwide, to attend humanity-themed conference, and to make greater social impact in an international context.
After seven years in the healthcare industry, I have grown into a professional in the medical devices sector and my career has arrived at a stage where comprehensive training is essential, and a big picture of business becomes a must.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose IESE because of its excellent ranking, job opportunities from top companies, case study method, the diversity of student body, the nice alumni, and the values of IESE. Among these factors, the values most prominently factored into my decision. In IESE the emphasis of social responsibilities is not only showcased in case discussion, but also in every commercial course or proposition that might have a social impact. IESE’s values echo my values: when I was working in the healthcare industry, I made decisions by “prioritizing patients’ benefits,” and I was proud that I could contribute to save lives.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I spent my first three years as a pharmacist in a major hospital, which gave me solid knowledge about pharmacy and organization structure in hospitals. Thus, I can help peers aspiring to shift to healthcare with the fundamentals about healthcare.
The following four years with JNJ gave me a better view about how hospitals work from the outside. My firsthand industry work experiences could be shared in case studies with classmates with diverse backgrounds. In addition, as a sales professional dealing with Chinese hospitals, I had to navigate through complicated procedures for procurement of medical equipment through negotiations and biddings. These experiences will enrich practical cases and experiences in the negotiation class.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I planned to apply for American business school as many people did, but the more I knew about IESE, the more committed I felt towards IESE’s programs.
Post-MBA career interests?
My major targets are to work with healthcare industry cases in the consulting firm, because I enjoy business problem solving, challenging status quo, multi-functional exposure in consulting, and the sense of saving lives.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Approach IESE alumni through all channels possible: admission events, LinkedIn hunting, and program research; set up a structured strategy and apply as early as possible.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
If I were given a chance to restart my application process, I would focus more on the unparalleled global platform IESE would set for me. I would start my journey with the Spanish language slightly earlier in order to take the best advantage of the most exciting fun ahead of me.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped application to U.S. schools if I had started to network with IESE alumni in the first place and if I had attended the rich variety of activities organized by the admission office throughout the year. It would have been so much easier for me to make my decision on IESE.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/culture/community?
IESE alumni are humble, low-profile, open-minded, and interesting. Most importantly, IESE embodies a close and inclusive community characterized by sharing and responsibility.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
I was surprised that the students in IESE are from more than 60 countries, with no dominant nationality on campus. Even within the first two weeks of the Business Spanish Program, I’ve already had the privilege to work with IESEers from eight countries in my 15-student study group.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
So much fun ongoing out there on campus and in the great city of Barcelona. I’d probably need to struggle my way out to strike a balance between study, sleep and socializing. The case study method requiring us to cover dozens of pages for three cases per day is highly attractive whereas very challenging at the same time.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am also excited about the case study method, which empowers me to apply what I have learned in the classroom in resolving real world problems.
Stephany Yu-chien Sun, IESE MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: National Sun Yat-sen University, Foreign Languages and Literature
Pre-MBA Work experience (years, industry): 5 years. Non-profit religious organization
Why Business School? Why now?
I decided to join an MBA program because I want a career switch.
After 5 years in a Catholic institution, I have discovered my talent and passion for communications, but I have also reached a career plateau because laypeople seldom reach management position in a Catholic institution.
I see myself in a senior management position that oversees all communication activities at a multinational corporation in 10 years. I want to become a communication director with a solid understanding of marketing strategy. But since I have no business-related knowledge, I believe that I need to take some time to seriously learn and gain deeper insight in order to fulfill my potentials.
For me, an MBA will not only help me learn all about the business world, but also open my eyes to infinite possibilities.
As for why now.. I had 5 years of experience in the same position and it was getting a bit too comfy for me. I think it’s in human nature to conform to certain repetition and to avoid taking risks, but settling for comfort zone is the last thing I want to see myself doing at the age of 28. I think it’s an excellent timing for me right now, because I would love to spend the last 2 years of my 20s learning new things, pushing myself into all kinds of limits, and developing myself into a better me. Then when I turn 30, I will be able to open a brand-new chapter of my life.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
After a few trips to Italy and some stories from my brother who is doing his internship in Germany, I fell in love with the European culture and made up my mind to spend a few years in Europe.
When I was doing my research on business schools, I only looked for European schools. I believed that I need a 2-year program because 1 year seems too short for a more comprehensive learning. So for me it was very easy to narrow down to IESE and a couple of other schools.
After participating in the Case Presentation, I was totally drawn to the case study method because I had so much fun sharing and listening to different ideas and I thought that’s exactly the learning environment I want.
I find IESE a perfect fit for me because its mission and value matches exactly with my own beliefs: I, too, want to become a leader who has positive and lasting impact on the society.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I guess I’m definitely not the typical MBA applicant. Compare to my classmates, I have a very unique professional experience and background, which contributes to the diversity of the Class of 2020.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I am an obsessed planner. I literally make plans every day: 3-year, 5-year big plans concerning my life agenda, or small, simply plans of how I will spend Friday night. Before I go on a trip, I have to make plans and do all the research.
I enjoy making plans so much that my vacation begins not when I hop on the plane but when I start planning. Making plans helps me appreciate the things that I have now, sometimes helps me to overcome depressing situations because I will know that I always have better things to look forward to.
Post-MBA career interest?
My long-term goal is to earn a senior management position that oversees communications activities at a large multinational corporation. I believe I want to return to communication eventually because I’ve always wanted to do something that I love, that I am good at, and that can help people; I think communications matches all 3 persepectives.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
I would try to be more active during the Assessment Day. Try to speak out more, and meet more people.
What is your initial impression of IESE’s students/ culture/ community?
I find it amazing that when I talk to anyone from IESE— professors, alumni, currents students, ANYONE— they all mention 3 magical phrases: help each other, respect one another, and contribute. To be honest I doubted if the school has done a nice job brainwashing everyone to say these things all the time. But I knew from the start that IESE culture is exactly what I want to be part of.
One thing you have learned about IESE that has surprised you?
I was very surprised to know that IESE has a Catholic affiliation: its founder was Opus Dei and that its mission was based on Christian values. As a Catholic my whole life, I already felt a strong connection with IESE before I was even admitted.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Due to my lack of experience and weak network in the business area, I’m actually a bit worried that I will have a hard time catching up with class.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
To study and befriend with brilliant people from around the world!
Clear Admit Resources
Thanks for reading about IESE’s MBA Class of 2020. As you work on your IESE application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s IESE Business School offerings:
- IESE Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit IESE School Snapshot: overview of key curricular details and application information
- Clear Admit IESE School Guide: in-depth program and campus information and side-by-side school comparisons
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to IESE
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to IESE
