Sarah Van Notten
Sarah Van Notten, Dutch-American, grew up between the Netherlands and Switzerland. After studying hospitality management and working in operational roles, she wanted to move into strategic consulting and chose IE’s Master in Management & Strategy for its practical approach and like-minded peers.
Her favorite part of the program has been the friendships and shared experiences with her unique cohort. The program has helped her build both hard and soft skills to prepare for a career in strategy, with a growing interest in sustainability.
Sarah highlights the program’s diverse global network and advises new students to be their own advocates and stay focused on their personal goals to make the most of the experience.
“Be your own biggest advocate. No one will ever care about your career as much as you do.”
What was your previous field of study?
I studied hospitality management, which gave me a strong practical foundation, but it was industry-specific and very operational. I wanted to broaden my scope and pivot into more strategic roles, especially in consulting.
Why did you choose to study this program at IE Business School?
After working for two years in operational roles, I decided I wanted to pivot into a more strategic position. However, I felt I lacked the experience and skill set to make that leap confidently. As I began researching master’s programs across Europe, the Master in Management & Strategy stood out. It felt like the perfect next step, a way to build on my existing experience while sharpening my strategic thinking and expanding my managerial skill set.
Two aspects of the program particularly appealed to me. Having already worked for a few years, I was looking for a program where my peers would be at a similar stage in their careers. I even considered MBA programs, and in many ways, the Master in Management & Strategy felt like a "junior MBA" that matched what I was looking for. Secondly, beyond traditional coursework, the program includes immersive real-world experiences like the Social Impact Lab and Global Immersion Month. That kind of learning-by-doing really resonated with me—and the opportunity to live in Madrid was the cherry on top!
What has been your favorite memory of the Master in Management & Strategy so far?
Without a doubt, it’s the friendships I’ve formed and the experiences we’ve shared as a cohort. It may sound cliché, but the bonds I’ve built are really special and were essential to making the most of this journey. As the very first Master in Management & Strategy cohort, we’ve gone through a one-of-a-kind experience that no one else fully understands.
What are your career goals? How is the Master in Management & Strategy preparing you for your future endeavors?
I’m aiming for roles in strategy or consulting, ideally in an international and fast-paced environment. I’m also exploring how to combine this with my growing interest in sustainability. The Master in Management & Strategy has been valuable in preparing me for this path. From foundational courses in finance and strategy to hands-on workshops in public speaking, project management and data visualization, the program has equipped me with both the hard and soft skills needed to succeed.
What is networking like in the program?
The diversity within the Master in Management & Strategy creates a unique and interesting environment. We’re surrounded by peers from all over the world, each bringing their own backgrounds, experiences and networks. It’s not just traditional networking, it’s about building real, lasting connections that reach across different industries, cultures and continents.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
Be your own biggest advocate. You’ll have great managers at times, but not always. Companies have business priorities and those won’t always align with your personal growth, so speak up for yourself. Ask for opportunities. Stand up for what you believe in. No one will ever care about your career as much as you do.
What advice would you give to students who are about to begin the program?
Take time to reflect on what you truly want from these 15 months. Whether your goal is to learn new skills, meet interesting and diverse people, or take one final deep dive into student life before returning to the workforce, keeping that intention front and center will help guide your decisions. It also gives you perspective and focus when inevitable challenges arise.