Mateo Padilla

DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN ONE WORD

Thriving.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK THE PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?

Professionally, the project-based nature of the program significantly improved how I communicate and present my ideas in a business environment. But it wasn't just about the coursework; activities like the IE Venture Lab, where I had the chance to pitch in front of a panel of investors, were transformative. I learned how to sell both my work and myself; a skill that, in the corporate world, is absolute gold.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Without a doubt, the immersion week in Amsterdam. Having the opportunity to travel and visit major companies that open their doors to show you their inner workings is truly eye-opening. Not only do you connect with fascinating professionals who offer valuable insights, but you also begin to understand how high-level global mobility actually works. That kind of exposure is invaluable.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?

I have always been very quality-oriented, so when I was choosing a Master’s, I went straight to the rankings. The MSMC program at IE was ranked #3 worldwide for marketing, which caught my attention immediately. Beyond the prestige, I value culture as much as quality, and IE’s values aligned perfectly with my own. And thirdly, the idea of living in Madrid was the perfect bonus; the city welcomes you so warmly!

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

The most challenging part was finding common ground within such a diverse group of people. I’ve always enjoyed multicultural environments, but this was UN-level diversity. Having 27 different nationalities in one classroom made teamwork one of the most demanding yet fulfilling experiences of the program. Understanding how people from different parts of the world approach methodology, results, success, and even failure, was astonishing. In the end, we didn't just find middle ground; we delivered results that would never have been possible with a more culturally homogeneous team.

WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN THE PROGRAM?

The program takes networking very seriously. It happens everywhere: in class with professors and classmates, abroad with high-profile professionals, and at both official and unofficial events. We even had sessions dedicated to mastering the art of networking, both in-person and online. The program gave me a robust toolkit for building connections, and I can confidently say I’ve built meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.