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.
