Shoma Yasuda, IESE MBA Class of 2024, went to business school with a mission: to advance decarbonization in the maritime and energy sectors by gaining strategic skills and building a global network. After eight years at NYK Line in Japan, he chose IESE for its strong leadership development and access to Europe’s renewable energy ecosystem. A summer internship at the Spanish National Hydrogen Center and a collaborative classroom experience prepared him well for his current role as a Manager at PwC, where he now advises clients on decarbonization strategies. Shoma reflects on the value of self-reflection during the job search and encourages future MBA students to “trust the process—and yourself” in this Real Humans: Alumni.
Shoma Yasuda, IESE MBA ’24, Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers
Age: 35
Hometown: Nagoya, Japan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Osaka, Arabic Language
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Assistant Manager, NYK Line, 2014-2022, Maritime Shipping
Post-MBA Work Experience: Manager, PwC, 2024-Present, Consulting
Why did you choose to attend business school?
To develop problem-solving skills and build networks. Prior to an MBA, I worked as the project leader on a decarbonization initiative in the shipping industry. To further accelerate decarbonization through skill enhancement, I sought to acquire knowledge through an MBA, build networks in Europe—where renewable energy development like hydrogen are at the forefront—and engage in discussions with MBA peers worldwide on decarbonization and climate change in business contexts.
Why IESE? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
A two-year program in Europe was fundamental for me. Considering the two objectives of my MBA—skill acquisition and networking—I believed one year was too short. Additionally, living in Europe, which is at the forefront of decarbonization, was also an important factor. In this context, IESE was one of the most suitable options, and above all, the uniqueness of its alumni being active in various industries around the world was the decisive factor in my decision to choose IESE.
What about your MBA experience prepared you for your current career?
Leadership skills and the ability to connect people from diverse backgrounds are extremely useful in my current position. At IESE, everyone has the opportunity to take on leadership roles and gain practical experience. Through them, I am able to successfully perform my duties as a manager in my current job.
What was your internship during business school? How did that inform your post-MBA career choice?
I worked at Spanish National Hydrogen Center as student researcher for my summer internship. I gained cutting-edge knowledge about hydrogen energy in Europe, which was one of my goals for pursuing an MBA, and was able to build a network of experts there. That experience has been extremely useful in my current role as a decarbonization consultant.
Why did you choose your current company? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to work?
Working in the renewable energy or/and decarbonization fields was a must for me. My current job allows me to stay on decarbonization and to fully utilize my skills learned in MBA, so I decided to join the company.
Advice to current MBA students:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of the job search?
Do deep diving into knowing myself. Understanding what my strength and weakness are, and what my value in the market would be. I think job hunting is similar to succeeding in business.
–One thing you would change or do differently as part of the job search?
Do the above things as soon as possible. (Surely before job searching!)
–Were there any surprises regarding your current employer’s recruiting process?
The questions in the interview were very similar to those asked during the MBA admission interview.
–What piece of advice do you wish you had been given during your MBA?
Trust the process… and yourself!
