Kanishk Malhotra
I’m Kanishk Malhotra, originally from India. I have a background in business administration and spent five years working in traditional marketing roles for large Indian retailers. From exploring Amazon algorithms to living in six different countries, my curiosity has always taken me one step further. I pursued the Dual Degree International MBA + Master in Digital Marketing at IE University to bring together strategic leadership and digital innovation, and to carve a global, impact-driven career in the FMCG space.
"Be prepared to redefine what's possible. This program is a meticulously integrated journey, not just two separate degrees."
Q&A WITH KANISHK
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be and why?
Curious, adventurous and a builder. Curiosity fuels everything I do, from exploring Amazon algorithms and digital trends to learning about global cultures. I’m adventurous by nature and always seek out new challenges, from taking on strategic roles at L’Oréal or slacklining in a new country. And I see myself as a builder. I enjoy creating, optimizing and making a tangible impact, especially when it comes to crafting strategies, solving complex problems or fostering meaningful connections.
Tell us about your background—what brought you to IE University?
I already had a degree in business administration with a traditional marketing focus, and I’d worked in offline marketing for major Indian retailers for five years. But I recognized that the global market was shifting and I needed to immerse myself fully in the digital world, adapt to international workforces and cultures, and significantly strengthen my leadership capabilities for an interconnected, digital-first environment.
Ultimately, that’s why I chose to pursue a dual degree at IE University—to meet the modern demand for professionals who are both strategic generalists and specialized experts.
How has the dual degree helped shape you—both personally and professionally?
It has helped profoundly by providing me with unique clarity. In the International MBA, as one of the younger students, I gained deep insights into diverse career paths from more experienced classmates. On the other hand, in the Master in Digital Marketing I was one of the older students. In that cohort I learned innovative creative approaches from digital-native peers.
The combination of the two programs gave me the leadership framework of an MBA alongside hands-on digital skills, preparing me not only to set strategy, but to execute it with technical expertise in a global marketplace. Overall, it crystallized my ambition to pursue a career at the intersection of FMCG and digital marketing—leading me directly to L'Oréal.
What would you consider the most valuable part of the experience?
Without doubt that was the incredibly diverse, multinational composition of both cohorts. Collaborating with over 40 nationalities on projects, I learned invaluable lessons about different working cultures and communication styles. This cross-cultural understanding, actively fostered by IE University, is now crucial for navigating my day-to-day role in a global company like L'Oréal.
Where do you see yourself in a few years’ time?
As a digital innovator and inspiring leader—I want to make a positive impact on my teams and drive L'Oréal's digital leadership. My dual degree is the bedrock: the International MBA equipped me with essential leadership frameworks and strategic thinking, fostering my ability to connect and empower. At the same time, the Master in Digital Marketing gave me the cutting-edge expertise to drive innovation and solve complex digital challenges. This dual foundation is crucial for achieving my goals.
How would you sum up the experience in one word or phrase?
"Bridging worlds" perfectly encapsulates my experience. It reflects the fundamental design of connecting the International MBA's strategic leadership with the Master in Digital Marketing's technical expertise. It creates a unique, generalist-specialist skillset. But the phrase also signifies my personal journey of embracing and navigating diverse global cultures, a constant act of connecting different realms.
What advice would you give to someone considering the same Dual Degree at IE University?
Be prepared to redefine what's possible. This program is a meticulously integrated journey, not just two separate degrees. Embrace the unparalleled global classroom and actively engage with peers from diverse backgrounds; this cross-cultural fluency is invaluable. Be ready for the rigor and challenge, as the growth you’ll undergo is immense.
Be open to the career clarity this unique experience will provide, equipping you to lead and innovate in the digital age. And finally, network intentionally, as these connections last a lifetime.
