Antonio Kinsky | IE Business School

The program was eye-opening and has changed my life for the better.

Antonio Kinsky

About me

Antonio Kinsky is more than comfortable in diverse, international settings. After studying fine arts in Vienna, he gained experience working in a multinational company, a startup, an international organization, and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Defense, as well as carrying out volunteer activities. Antonio is passionate about enabling people to be their unique and best selves in the workplace, and has an interest in how we can use artificial intelligence to transform the world of HR and talent management.

Who

Antonio Kinsky

Position

Master Student

Country

Austria

Program

Master in Talent Development & Human Resources

DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE ON THE PROGRAM IN ONE WORD.

Adventurous.

HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE AFTER STUDYING THE PROGRAM?

I have not changed my country of residence yet, but I’m considering working in different countries.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES THAT YOU ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE WAY? HOW DID YOUR MASTER’S PROGRAM AND IE UNIVERSITY HELP YOU THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES?

I wasn’t quite sure beforehand what exactly I wanted to do professionally. Through the program, I was able to identify not only my immediate steps in my professional life, but the overarching goal of what I would like to achieve with my work.

HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCE AT IE UNIVERSITY HELP YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER?

Through the high-level discussions with both my peers and my professors, I gained confidence in my abilities of critical thinking and also diverse thinking. These soft skills are in demand across roles, sectors and countries, so it will no doubt have an effect on my professional life in the future.

IN WHAT WAY HAS THE PROGRAM CHANGED YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY?

Due to my experience in the program, I discovered that I feel most comfortable in a group with diverse national backgrounds—a trait that will undoubtedly influence my personal life and friendships, as well as prepare me to work in international settings.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR IE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND ALUMNI WHO ARE LOOKING TO PURSUE A CAREER IN HR? WHAT SKILLS ARE NECESSARY TO EXCEL IN YOUR FIELD?

While job searching, look at the culture of the company, as this might be more relevant to your career than what the company is selling. While empathy is a key skill when it comes to HR, skills such as critical and strategic thinking are also key to success.

WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN THE PROGRAM?

Networking between courses was difficult this year due to the pandemic. However, professors did their best to create opportunities to network with other professionals by inviting them as guest speakers.

IF SOMEONE WERE CONSIDERING GOING TO IE UNIVERSITY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

While I loved my studies at IE University, I would recommend they talk to alumni to get a wider range of opinions. For me, the program was eye-opening and has changed my life for the better. If you approach your studies with enthusiasm, there is no way you won’t gain value.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THE EXPERIENCE?

Spending time with my classmates and engaging in conversations about our classes, HR, and life in general are among my fondest memories from the program. These discussions led to the discovery of fresh and interesting worldviews and perspectives.

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