Armine Movsesyan, Esade MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Yerevan, Armenia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Armenian State University of Economics – Regulation of Economy and International Economic Relations
Pre-MBA Work Experience:
– Consultant, Council of Europe (Advisory Council on Youth & Programming Committee on Youth) – 2 years
– Trainer, Youth Department of the Council of Europe – 6 years
– Trainer, SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre – 2 years
– Project Manager/Facilitator, GOPA Consulting Group (EU4Youth Policy Labs) – 2 years
– Program Consultant, Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (RECONOMY Program, Eastern Partnership) – 8 months
– Founder & Strategic Operations Lead, Youth Development Center of Armenia – 4+ years
– Additional 7+ y. experience in operations, management, and board positions (MIJARC Europe network, European Youth Forum, European Student Network – AM, Morgan Consulting Center, Association of Social Enterprises of Armenia, and more)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Over the past decade, I have built my career at the intersection of consulting, management, and entrepreneurship – from advising governments and youth networks at the Council of Europe, to managing EU-funded initiatives across multiple countries, to founding and scaling a youth NGO into a nationally recognized organization. These experiences taught me how to navigate complexity, lead diverse teams, and design strategies that deliver impact.
But with every achievement came the realization that to reach the very top of my field – to become not only a capable manager, but a world-class consultant – I must strengthen my expertise in finance, strategy, and global business leadership. This is why I decided to pursue an MBA at one of the world’s top business schools: to refine my skills, close critical knowledge gaps and prepare myself to operate as a top-notch professional in my field.
Why did you choose Esade? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Esade brings together the elements I value most in a business school: academic excellence, practical learning, and a culture of values-driven leadership. Its emphasis on collaboration rather than competition, combined with its global community and strengths in management and strategy, convinced me that this is the right environment to advance my career. Having worked in co-management systems at the Council of Europe, I recognize and appreciate Esade’s ethos of inclusive decision-making and collective growth, which mirrors my own professional values.
At the same time, Esade stands out for its academic rigor, international perspective and strong ties to consulting – the field where I aspire to excel at the highest level. I see Esade not only as the place where I will strengthen my expertise and close gaps, but also as a community where I can contribute my consulting and management experience, energy, and drive to excel. Studying in Barcelona, with its entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem, further reinforces Esade as the ideal choice for my MBA journey.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring the perspective of someone who has worked both in high-level policy structures and at the grassroots. From negotiating funding allocations to managing multi-country policy labs, I’ve learned how to translate complex strategies into action. I also know what it means to build something from scratch, having founded and scaled an NGO in Armenia as well as developed an international youth network throughout Europe.
This mix of policy-level consulting, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurial management allows me to connect the big picture with the operational details – a perspective I hope will enrich class discussions and team projects.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
A fun fact about me is that I naturally treat every challenge as a quick problem-solving exercise. I never dwell on the problem itself; instead, I apply what I call my “15-30 rule”: 15 seconds to break down the issue and identify its root causes, followed by 30 seconds to map out at least 3 solutions with their likely outcomes. It’s an instinctive habit that I use everywhere – from professional consulting assignments to personal decisions – and it reflects how much I enjoy moving quickly from analysis to action.
My friends often joke that this skill even shows up in the smallest situations, like packing a suitcase. Years of last-minute travel have made me a “professional Tetris player with luggage,” able to fit twice as much in half the time. For me, whether it’s a complex policy challenge or a suitcase that seems impossible to close, the thrill is the same: analyze fast, structure the options, and find the smartest way forward.
Post-MBA career interests:
My immediate goal after the MBA is to build a career in top-tier management consulting, where I can apply structured problem-solving and strategic thinking to complex business challenges. I am particularly interested in projects that focus on organizational transformation, strategy development, and sustainable growth, where I can leverage both my consulting background and leadership experience.
Longer term, I aspire to become a senior leader in consulting or strategy, recognized for combining analytical rigor with a people-centered approach. I also see myself continuing my entrepreneurial journey by building initiatives that bridge economic development and social & tech innovation, applying the skills and network gained at Esade to create impact on a broader scale.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely take the time to reflect deeply on my professional and personal journey. That exercise helped me connect the different parts of my career into a clear narrative and gave authenticity to my essays and interviews. It was not only valuable for the application itself but also for my own self-awareness.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would allow myself more time to prepare – not only for the test, but also for the reflection it takes to present yourself authentically. For someone like me, balancing demanding consulting roles with the application process meant working under constant pressure. If I could go back, I would create more space to enjoy the process instead of treating it like another deadline.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The part I would have skipped is the silence between submission and decision. It felt uncomfortable, but in hindsight it forced me to slow down and practice something I rarely do – patience. That pause reminded me that growth is not always about action; sometimes it’s about learning to wait with confidence.
What is your initial impression of the Esade students/culture/community?
My first impression is that the Esade community is truly collaborative and welcoming. Everyone I’ve met so far combines ambition with generosity – people are not only driven to succeed but also eager to share knowledge, support one another, and build connections across cultures. It already feels like a network where competition takes a back seat to collective growth, and that creates a unique energy.
At the end of my first week, I knew with certainty that I had made the right choice: this is where I am meant to be.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am eager to join the Consulting and Entrepreneurship clubs. These align closely with my professional aspirations and personal values: sharpening my consulting skills, strengthening my leadership style and entrepreneurial experience. I also see these clubs as an opportunity to give back – by sharing my own consulting and management experience, while learning from peers who bring different perspectives.
What is one thing you have learned about Esade that has surprised you?
What surprised me most is how accessible and engaged the Esade alumni community is. Even before starting the program, I reached out to alumni and was met with genuine advice, encouragement, and openness. It showed me that the Esade connection doesn’t stop at graduation – it’s a lifelong community.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about working on real consulting projects with diverse, international teams. It’s a chance to apply what we learn in the classroom directly to real-world challenges while benefiting from the perspectives of classmates from around the globe. At the same time, I look forward to the personal side of the journey – building friendships, discovering new ideas, and being part of an environment that constantly challenges and inspires me.
