Alexandre Vieira, IMD MBA Class of 2025
Age: 31
Hometown: São Paulo
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, BEng Electrical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Sales Engineer, Tech, Viasat, 6 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As an engineer who has always worked close to the business side, I realized I needed a stronger foundation in management to enhance my day-to-day decisions. At the same time, I was looking for a broader change, both geographically and in terms of industry. The MBA felt like the right step to equip me with the knowledge and perspective needed at this stage of my career.
Why did you choose IMD? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The MBA application was a two-year journey for me, which gave me plenty of time to reflect. Once I decided to pursue an MBA, I visited the campuses of NYU and Columbia in New York. While I was convinced, they are outstanding places to study, I felt that being out of the job market for two years would be too long. That led me to focus on 12-month programs in Europe. Although IMD was not my first choice initially, its smaller class size, strong emphasis on leadership, and highly personal admissions process ultimately convinced me that IMD was the right choice.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
Although I have six years of experience after my undergraduate studies, my professional journey started much earlier. I bring over ten years of exposure to different industries, roles, company stages, and leadership styles, which I believe is one of my strongest contributions. In addition, coming from a highly specialized field like the satellite industry allows me to bring a unique perspective to the class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
When I was very young, I studied to become a DJ. Even though I never took it seriously, it’s still a hobby I love.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA goal is to work in the manufacturing industry. As a co-leader of the Manufacturing Club, I had the chance to learn a great deal about the sector and became convinced that, although it is one of the most traditional industries, it still holds significant potential for growth and innovation. I plan to leverage my tech background to contribute to that transformation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again is focus on my own story. Everyone has an interesting journey to share, and the key is learning how to frame it in the right way.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I focused too much on my professional background. Your personal side, including hobbies, achievements outside of work, and life experiences, matters just as much. I would give more weight to that.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could have skipped one part, it would be GMAT preparation. What helped me get through it were specialized classes and the wide range of online material available. My advice is not to compare yourself with others, since everyone has their own journey to go through.
What is your initial impression of the IMD students/culture/community?
The entire experience is truly transformative. It is common to hear alumni describe their MBA year as the best year of their lives, and I can already see why. At IMD, we are immersed in a highly international and vibrant community that is open, supportive, and always ready to help.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am a co-leader of the Manufacturing Club and a member of the Tech and Healthcare Clubs. These are industries I feel a strong affinity with and want to explore further. They are also key industries in Switzerland, which makes them a great platform to deepen my knowledge and expand my network.
What is one thing you have learned about IMD that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me is how real the focus on leadership is at IMD. It is not only embedded in the MBA program but also visible in the executive programs taking place on campus. The leadership stream is a true differentiator, highly individualized for each participant through coaching, the Personal Development Elective, and a wide range of lectures and experiences.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The good and the challenging part of the program is that it all happens in one year. I appreciate the intensity of the academic approach at IMD, with articles and research consistently supporting the learning process. Although the program is very demanding, that intensity makes it truly worthwhile to pause everything else and dedicate myself fully to being here.
