Saman Ghajar Davalu
When I recently asked my loved ones to describe me in a few adjectives (not labels), they chose: thoughtful, resourceful,and optimistic. Before moving to Madrid, I spent the first part of my life in Canada—growing up in Toronto, studying in Ottawa, and working in Québec. I studied Psychology (in French) and Law at University, then completed a post‑graduate program in Law in Toronto. I worked in the public sector for a few years before deciding to move to Madrid. I originally came to teach English, and within my first six months, I completely fell in love with the city.
"The program gave me both the fundamentals and a future‑focused perspective on the industry, which helped me step confidently into an HR role at a leading FMCG company."
How did your previous experiences influence your decision to pursue the Master in Talent Development & Human Resources?
I’ve always known I’m a “people person.” I get my energy from connecting with others, especially when it involves advocating for them or solving complex problems. Although I specialized in law, once I entered the workforce, I often found myself wanting to be closer to people and the business in my government consulting role. After the COVID 19 era, I noticed a major shift in workplace culture, well being, and ways of working, and that’s when my interest in HR really began!
Why did you choose to study the Master in Talent Development & Human Resources at IE Business School?
While teaching English in Madrid, I attended an information session at IE where the faculty introduced several master’s programs. When I learned about the Talent Development & Human Resources program, it immediately felt like the perfect blend of business foundations and practical, real world learning. I also quickly discovered IE’s strong reputation (not only in Madrid, but internationally) which made the decision even easier.
Beyond the classroom, how has the IE network (professors, peers, alumni) contributed to your professional development?
In my second term at IE, I joined the curations team for TEDxIEMadrid 2024, and for six month we took care of everything speaker related. It was through the student network that I discovered the opportunity, and I was very lucky to collaborate with both master’s and undergraduate students from outside my program to bring the event to life. The leadership experience of co-leading the curations team really taught me how to cultivate and lead high‑performing teams.
How are you applying what you’ve learned in the master at your current organization?
After graduating, I moved to London to work for Diageo, one of the world’s leading spirit companies. Before the Talent Development & Human Resources master, I felt I was missing practical HR foundation to transition from law into HR. The program gave me both the fundamentals and a future‑focused perspective on the industry, which helped me step confidently into an HR role at a leading FMCG company. Beyond that, less than six months after relocating to London, I’ve stayed connected to IE and currently serve as a Board Member of the IE UK Alumni community.
What advice would you give to someone considering the Master in Talent Development & Human Resources?
If you’re looking to invest in your future, build an international community (with strong roots in Spain and Europe), and stay ahead of emerging trends, then the Talent Development & Human Resources master is an excellent choice. It’s absolutely worth the investment.
