Parents & Families
Counselors

IEU Labs

GAIN PROFESSIONAL SKILLS IN AN INTERNSHIP-LIKE EXPERIENCE

IEU Labs are IE University’s alternative to traditional work placements. They provide hands-on, internship-like experience on campus to first and second year students that wish to start gaining professional practice.

There are many IEU Labs for you to choose from, and by joining one you will not only get to build your professional profile and gain valuable practical knowledge of different sectors, but you will also have direct contact with managers and directors of leading companies, extending your professional network.

WHAT ARE THE IEU LABS?

Fully-tutored working spaces where students develop professional projects and work closely with companies and institutions. An excellent opportunity for students who want a hands-on experience, to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge and professional skills.

WHO CAN JOIN?

All students from any program are welcome to apply to any IEU Lab, although they are specially aimed to 1st and 2nd year students.

HOW MUCH WORK?

IEU LABs require your commitment to work hard and enjoy a full hands-on internship-like experience on campus.

  • Second semester: Work during 5 continuous months (workload: 4 to 6 hours per week).
  • Intensive period: After final exams until the end of June (workload: 4 to 6 hours per day).

THE RULES OF THE IEU LABS

Enroll in a maximum of 1 Lab each year.Each Lab will count for 3 ECTS credit, offered at no extra cost.

IEU LABS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

IEU LABS Shadowing 2023
Icono de Reproducción de vídeoIcono para reproducir contenido multimediaVideo Play IconIcon for playing multimedia content
IEU Labs Fair Video | IE University
Icono de Reproducción de vídeoIcono para reproducir contenido multimediaVideo Play IconIcon for playing multimedia content

Explore your passions with IEU LABS

Slide 1 of 3

"IEU Labs give students a genuine taste for working as members of a consultancy team in the sector of their choice, from design to finance. Already, several Labs have made a real impact by providing solutions for clients such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid and Bank Arcano."

Isabel Sánchez

"Personally, I am part of the Econ-Data Lab, which focuses on analyzing economic data in order to gain insights for organizations such as UNICEF, AFI, and Vallbanc. So far it has been a very enriching experience, as I get to work with people from different degrees and various backgrounds. Furthermore, I get to apply some of the skills I have learned throughout my degree so far to the real world, with hands-on activities."

Miguel Amengual

"The innovation lab was an enriching, professional and creative real life job experience that helped me gain insight on what I’m going to be facing after graduation. It made me realize I have a preference in marketing and consulting. I would recommend it because it shows you how group work can develop great innovative ideas for companies. Also, it challenges you to think outside of the box and learn to listen to different perspectives."

Paula García

Icono Ángulo izquierdoIcono que indica que hay contenido a la izquierdaLeft Angle IconIcon indicating that there is content to the left
Icono Ángulo izquierdoIcono que indica que hay contenido a la izquierdaLeft Angle IconIcon indicating that there is content to the left

LABS

Marketing Lab Icono

MARKETING & CONSUMER INSIGHTS LAB

Develop brand building strategies and prepare marketing plans for your clients.

Available in Segovia and Madrid campus

Finance Lab Icono | IE University

FINANCE LAB

Analyze financial markets to optimize investment strategies.

Available in Segovia and Madrid campus

POLICY LAB

Develop professional projects for private companies, public organizations and nonprofits.

Available in Segovia and Madrid campus

Entertainment Lab Icono | IE University

ENTERTAINMENT LAB

Join the Revolution that impacts music, film, series, videogames and digital content.

Available in Madrid campus

Communication Lab Icono | IE University

COMMUNICATION LAB

Create blogs, videos & other media content according to the clients needs.

Available in Segovia campus

Legal Lab Icono | IE University

LEGAL CLINIC LAB

Offer legal advice and counselling to NGOs and startups.

Available in Segovia and Madrid campus

Social Lab Icono | IE University

SOCIAL IMPACT LAB

Work in social development consultancy to help people and communities.

Available in Segovia and Madrid campus

START-UP LAB

Study the needs of your business idea. Develop a feasible business plan in order to pitch it to possible investors.

Available in Segovia and Madrid campus

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS

MARKETING & CONSUMER INSIGHTS LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

INDEXA CAPITAL

Elaborate an acquisition-marketing plan to reach specialized bloggers, to expand the young target market and to drive more traffic to the platform.

VICIOUS MAGAZINE

Analyze and evaluate the company’s social media strategy against competitors’, and elaborate a business plan to monetize its existing database.

TWITTER

Gather cultural insights for strategic topics on Twitter and generate new ideas for communicating them.

MONDELEZ

Deliver a positioning statement and a 360-degree marketing plan.

TRAVEL CLUB

Redefine the value of the customer loyalty program.

FINANCE LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

ARCANO GROUP

Apply modern corporate finance theory in the Investment Banking Department. Experience a high-yield bonds project using the Bloomberg Terminal.

TRIODOS BANK

Identify the most promising social currencies for the client, and present them as an ethical financing opportunity.

DEUTSCHE BANK

Provide wealth management advice (including technical details) regarding investments in financial instruments in order to construct—and justify—an international portfolio.

CAIXA BANK

Explore the topic of corporate social responsibility in today’s business landscape and the ways in which companies have changed their attitude toward this key concern of the last few years.

POLICY LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

EUROPEAN UNION

Prepare a report for EEAA (European Union External Action) that analyses challenges and opportunities for policy changes in education aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of Covid19.

UNWTO

Provide policy guidelines focused on sustainable and innovative solutions linking tourism and development.

OECD

Develop a documentary based on the results of the Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI) as well as other outreach materials. The documentary should follow the OECD/SIGI policy framework: advocacy, capacity building, and the distribution of content for social impact.

WFP AND UNICEF

Conduct a country risk assessment by expanding outreach and mass media materials. Present your findings and strategies to the UN groups working in the areas of child protection and nutrition.

D-LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

SEGOVIA CITY WALL

Along the wall of Segovia, the City Hall has recovered a series of public spaces. Unfortunately, these spaces are still predominantly in disuse.

Develop schematic design strategies to activate the use of public spaces, such as the Jardín de los Poetas or the international competition FROM LIMIT TO LIVE IT, in order to celebrate the magnificent presence of the medieval wall.

CASA DE LA LECTURA

Design and develop different areas of Segovia’s Public Library including: a multipurpose area, a reception/books loan area, a reading club area and an interactive wall in the courtyard.

ROYAL GLASS FACTORY

Design a glass piece by conducting iterative tests before presenting a final mock-up.

FOOD CULTURE LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

LET’S GO

Design a plan for introducing food in spaces specifically designed for shows, events, and music festivals, and learn how to store, serve, and cook healthy food options in a large space. The gastronomic space will represent the union between design, shows, technology, avant-garde cuisine, and healthy eating.

REPSOL

Develop innovation ecosystems using design strategies and multidisciplinary tools to understand how energy and food interact in our communities to be able to create new digital experiences for customers.

COMMUNICATION LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

CERVEZA SAN FRUTOS

Get to know the company Cerveza San Frutos and create a corporate video that includes the mission, vision and values the owners want to communicate to the world.

VERESCENCE

Create an internal corporate video and update the welcome guide using infographics to help new employees better understand the glass factory’s structure.

SIEMPRE EN LAS NUBES

Create a promo video for the 1st Hot Air Balloon Festival in Segovia to help the organization increase participation.

CABAÑAS DE POLENDOS COUNCIL

Create a video showcasing the “Días Europeos de la Artesanía 2018” fair to present to various institutions for financing.

LEGAL CLINIC LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

PILNET

Analyze EU Member State legislation and prepare a multinational report lobbying the European Commission for increased protections for vulnerable children.

MADRID FUTURO

Draft a report on the adaptation of the administrative local regulations in relation to the creation of a sandbox in Madrid city.

FUNDACIÓN POMBO

Research and draft a report on innovative legal means for sustainable financing of social entities, such as social impact bonds.

UK PARLIAMENT

Draft a report for the House of Commons’ ‘Exiting the European Union’ inquiry, focusing on the impact of Brexit on Gibraltar.

SLOW FASHION LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

PEPE JEANS

Pepe Jeans is a Spanish fashion distribution group with almost 50 years of experience in the market, an annual net profit of approximately 12 million euros, and a wide portfolio of brands sold in Spain and Europe including Pepe Jeans, Hackett, Façonnable, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Norton.

Discover how a real fashion company works and how a sustainable product can be produced and communicated to consumers.

HEMPER

Present several proposals around sustainability in different parts of the value fashion chain to this fashion and craft project made in Nepal, combining tradition with trends to create sustainable, fair and competitive products.

EL GANSO

Work around design, manufacturing, retail, marketing and customer perception with the aim to check new potential business models which include circular economy criteria.

EKOMODO

Present several different new approaches, concepts, and funded ideas around sustainability within the fashion sector and aligned with the challenges introduced by the client.

TECH LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

IBM

Technical training program to develop the necessary skills through the development of different tasks on technologies franchised by the company: building a fully-functioning conversation manager, design-thinking sessions, and agile development sprints.

ME&R ABOGADOS

Report on the different innovations in AI for the legal practice, such as semantic analysis of court rulings, a case law search engine, and judgment predictions based on historical data.

FERROVIAL

Research and try out several SaaS tools in three different areas: Artificial Intelligence, Text Mining, Time Tracking Software, and Alert Notified System.

TELEFÓNICA

Collaborate on a startup project at the Wayra accelerator.

ECON DATALAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

ARCANO GROUP

Discover and evaluate the indicators connected to countries’ wealth—such as GDP—to help your business predict short-term economic growth.

UNICEF

Estimate a model to help explain the main determinants of digital (versus non-digital) donations to UNICEF in Latin America in order to predict the relative size of digital donations in the next 5 years.

MADBEACH PROJECT

Conduct research on Madrid’s recreational offering in large outdoor spaces, such as the zoo or Warner Park, and present it to the Madbeach associates who want to open similar options in the city.

VALLBANC

Find Macroeconomic indicators for several countries (such as Spain or France) to predict the evolution of similar series in Andorra, such as GPD, interest rates, or unemployment rates.

STRATEGY LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

MADRID FUTURO

Working with Mckinsey professionals on projects that are enhancing both socially and economically the City of Madrid.

ACCION POR LA MUSICA

Strategic positioning to create new ways to maximize social impact.

CRYPTO PLAZA

Tokenization of incentive plans for customers and other stakeholders of a crypto company.

DO EAT

Strategic decisions for B2B and B2C markets.

Social Lab Icono | IE University

SOCIAL IMPACT LAB

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

AYUDA EN ACCIÓN

Design and implement an awareness campaign targeting IEU students about the trafficking of women in Nepal and its consequences.

POUR UNE SOURIRE D’ENFANT

Define an action plan to increase awareness about education, vocational training, protection and housing for children. Students also work as camp counselors at summer camps in Cambodia.

MAKE A WISH

Carry out a comprehensive digital media analysis and present a proposal for improvements in contents and structure of the website, social media, and other forms of interaction and communication formulas.

BASSARI AFRICA

Analyze the possibilities for developing micro-ventures in Africa and identify companies that are aligned with Bassari’s mission in order to raise funds.

OUR START-UPS

These are just a few of the companies to come out of the Start-Up Lab.

A default placeholder image
DLAS
INABA
My tour
Senior care
Shield
SV
Wonder Broom

WHO CAN JOIN?

Students from all programs are welcome to apply to any IEU Lab, although they are primarily aimed at first- and second-year students.

FAQS

WHAT ARE THE IEU LABS?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Fully-tutored working spaces where students develop professional projects and work closely with companies and institutions. An excellent opportunity for students who want a hands-on experience, to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge and professional skills.

What types of LABs are offered?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

There are three kinds of Labs: Start-Up Lab, IE Labs with Corporate Partners, IELabs with Institutional Partners and Independent Labs.

  • Start-Up Lab: Serves as an incubator for students´ business initiatives and guides them through the process of creating and starting a business. Students are given training in areas like marketing, funding, strategy and legal aspects, and are introduced to investors or to other entrepreneurs that share their experience.
  • IEU Consultancy Labs with CORPORATE & INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: Students work as consultants for companies, firms and institutions. These clients collaborate with IE University and call on students to carry out specific research projects and strategic analysis and deliver their findings, guided by the Lab Directors and experts. Clients belong to a variety of sectors, such as sports, finance, marketing, media, information technology, etc. IE departments or other IEU Labs can also become clients. Research and consulting is carried out in areas such as urban development, city marketing, legal issues, museum management, education, creativity and social behavior and many others. Every year more clients collaborate with the IEU Labs and new projects are added to the portfolio.
  • IEU Social Impact Projects: The Social Impact Lab does external consultancy work for NGOs or public institutions. The work of the Lab consists in helping them to reach their goals and objectives with professional criteria by developing projects that have a social impact. The Lab takes advantage of the multicultural origin of its participants and the synergies that their diverse educational background offers. This Lab offers the possibility to travel abroad during the summer to visit institutions working in the field in similar social projects. The trip is voluntary and the student will have to pay for it.

May students join a Lab that is different than their degree track?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Except for the D-Lab (which is only aimed at Architecture and Design students), anyone can join any of the Labs offered regardless of the degree they are taking. In fact, it should be encouraged so that they explore other areas of interest.

Who can join the IEU LABs?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

The program is geared toward first and second year students, however, senior students can also participate.

How can I find out more specific information about the IEU LABs?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Three ways:

  • Go to CAMPUS ONLINE, look for Organizations / IE LABs & Entrepreneurship.
  • Contact labs.university@ie.edu
  • Send an email to the Lab Director for more specific information (you will find the email in Campus online)

Will there be a Lab Director looking after us?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Yes, you will have a director, who will guide you and the rest of your group all along the way and who will monitor your work, give you feedback, help you whenever you have to meet with clients, and who will set up specific goals and deadlines.

When are the IEU LABs starting their activity this year?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

There are two portions of the IEU LABs program: the Extensive Period and the Intensive Period.

During the 2021-22 Academic year, the LABs Extensive Period begins the week of January 24th until the end of May with a total number of 12 weeks of work. Students are expected to work 4-5 hours per week (Spring Break is the week of April 11th, there will be no LABs activity.)

The LABs Intensive Period will run from May 30th until June 24th for a total of 4 weeks. Students should work 4 hours a day from 10:00 to 14:00. Students´ attendance will be monitored. There will be a Director on campus each day in case students have questions or need guidance.

The closing event for the IEU LABs is June 24th. All students are expected to attend.

Where do the LABs take place?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

The IEU LABs are offered both at our Madrid and Segovia campuses.

During the extensive period, the LABs will be live in person.

During the intensive period, the format will vary depending on the Lab:

  • Live online: Branding Lab, Econ DataLab, Entertainment Lab, Finance Lab, Food Culture Lab, Legal Clinic, Marketing Lab, Marketing & Consumer Insights Lab, Policy Lab, Social Lab.
  • Live in-person:  Communication Lab, D(esign) Lab, Start-Up Lab.
  • Optional*: Slow Fashion Lab, Strategy Lab, Tech Lab.

*The Lab Director will ask you to choose between live online or live in-person projects. If you opt for the latter, you will be required to stay on campus during the month of June.

Can I enrol in a Lab that is offered in a different Campus?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

No, you can only enrol in the LABs that are offered in your Campus.

Can I do the extensive period in one Campus and the intensive period in the other?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

In principle this will not be possible if the rest of your team does not change location. This can be explored during the first meetings of the Lab when the projects are assigned but it cannot be guaranteed in advance.

Can I sign up for only the extensive period or the intensive period?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

No. You need to work both during the extensive AND intensive period.

Are the IEU LABs graded?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Yes, you will obtain a grade of 0 to 10 for your participation in the IEU Labs. Your grade will be determined by your performance and the reports you have to prepare for the client or your progress in the business idea.

Does the grade I obtain in the LABs count towards my GPA?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

No, but It will appear in your European Supplement to the diploma as an extra academic activity.

Will I obtain credits (ECTs) and how many?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Yes, if your participation in the LABs is satisfactory you will be granted 3 credits (ECTs). Later on, you may opt for validating those credits for some elective course whenever that may be possible in your program.

Is there a fee?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Students do not pay anything extra for joining and working at the IEU LABs. Only later on, if you decide to ask for credit recognition to make up for an elective, you will have to pay for those credits (as you will do if you decided to enroll in an elective course).

How can I enroll?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

When can I enroll?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

You can enroll from Tuesday, Nov 2 until Thursday, Nov 18.

The enrollment platform doesn't work/ is not available

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

If you are unable to add/ drop a lab through the enrollment platform, please contact: matricula.university@ie.edu.

How many LABs can I register for?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

You may register for only ONE lab per academic year. To work in two LABs will be very demanding and will put at risk your academic performance.

Can I change/ drop LABs once I have begun working for one of them?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

You will have the possibility to Add & Drop LABs from the 10th to the 17th of January, 2022.

After Jan 17th you will not be able to change your enrolment in the LABs. If your attendance in the Lab is not satisfactory, you will receive a Fail that will show in your transcript.

Is there limited space available in each Lab? How do you select students?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Yes, there is limited availability in each Lab. In general, students will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. That is why we encourage students to enrol as soon as possible.

Depending on the number of students enrolled, some Directors may decide to carry out a selection process. In this case, you will be informed about the criteria on the first session.

If I missed the registration in November, can I still sign up for a Lab?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Yes, the enrolment online platform will open for Add & Drop Labs from the 10th to the 17th of January, 2022.

If I decide to drop the Lab (for instance, because I have other plan for the summer, I get an internship, etc) after the add & drop period is over, what will be the consequences?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

You will receive a Fail that will show in your transcript. Working in a Lab is voluntary. When you decide to join, you acquire a commitment towards the clients, the university, your Lab Director and the rest of the team. The team will have to deliver in any case at the end of June. If you leave your teammates will have to do the extra work and the credibility of the university and of the IEU LABs project will be questioned.

If I have done a Lab in the past, can I enroll again? In the same Lab? In a different Lab?

Icono en Águlo bajoIcono que indica que existe más información abajoDownward Angle IconIcon indicating that there is more information below

Yes, you can sign up again.

- If you are interested in a different Lab, you will have to attend the two portions of the new Lab (non-intensive and intensive). You will get 3 ECTs.

- If you are interested in the same Lab, you have 2 options:

  • To do the full package (non-intensive and intensive) for 3 ECTs; or
  • To do only the non-intensive period for 1 ECT.

To enroll, get in touch with labs.university@ie.edu.

Want to apply? | IE University

WANT TO APPLY?

Students can enroll from Tuesday, November 2nd and Thursday, November 18th by applying through the online enrollment platform.

IE - REINVENTING HIGHER EDUCATION