Savia Weidinger
Savia is a hardworking and globally-minded Tech MBA student originating from Germany. She is trilingual and speaks English, French and German fluently. Having graduated from the University of Warwick with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemistry with Management, Savia moved on to work in Tesco, where she worked for three years in different management roles. There, she was able to develop her skills and came to a realisation which helped her pivot her professional career towards the tech sector, and join the Tech MBA program at IE University. Here, she was able to meet many bright and open-minded people from all around the world, and was even offered an internship from Amazon which further refined her path towards the Tech industry.
"Embrace the challenge and welcome every opportunity to do something new with open arms."
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN (THE PROGRAM) IN ONE WORD.
Eye-opening
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE TECH MBA OVER A TRADITIONAL MBA?
As I worked in the FMCG industry, I noticed that more and more consumers were shifting their shopping habits online. I realised that pivoting my career towards the tech sector would not only help me excel on a professional level but also grow from a personal perspective. In order to set myself up for success, I realised that the Tech MBA would support these aspirations and guide me towards a career in tech.
HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AT IE SO FAR IS PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE PROFESSIONAL CAREER?
My goal was to immerse myself into the digital world and ultimately set myself up to work in the tech sector post MBA. Thanks to the Tech MBA, I have built a knowledge foundation for various tech subjects such as database management, machine learning and software engineering and had the chance to listen to many inspiring speakers from the most successful technology businesses. Being in the Tech MBA also enabled me to receive an offer from Amazon for an MBA internship, which will further refine my path towards my future professional career in the tech industry.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY AT THIS MOMENT?
On a professional level, I was able to boost my career level and have access to more senior job opportunities. I get the chance to meet interesting people from different tech businesses, building my tech network and learn about new innovations and changing trends in the tech industry. On a personal level, I got the chance to meet amazing new friends from around the globe who I can continue to learn from and follow their career journeys alongside mine.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAY-TO-DAY AT THE TECH MBA.
During the week, we have classes from 9 am to 3 pm every day. In the afternoon, we often have career sessions and voluntary talks from business leaders of various industries. For every course, our syllabus is split between individual and group work, which gives us the chance to work together for collective projects.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR IE CANDIDATES PURSUING A CAREER IN TECH? WHAT SKILLS DO YOU CONSIDER ARE NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN THIS FIELD?
Entering the world of tech requires you to be able to think outside the box, be open-minded about new ways of working and learn to be adaptable. Tech businesses constantly progress so it is crucial for you to be able to stick to the pace and embrace the unknown to discover innovation.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
If you know what you want to do with your career, take the time to understand what expectations businesses have for these roles. Make a plan to establish this knowledge and set yourself apart from the competition. Being able to tailor your profile to your interests and skills while highlighting how well you fit certain roles can really boost your visibility to your potential dream companies.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN THE PROGRAM?
In the Tech MBA, we are only 17 students, which is a little bit out of the norm, so we consider ourselves like a small family. While we are really close as a class, we all pursue our individual interests by joining clubs and taking part in various events. This way we get to meet so many people studying different courses at IE, which helps us to grow our network inside and outside of the university.
IF SOMEONE WAS CONSIDERING GOING TO IE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
I would absolutely encourage anyone to study at IE. This is a chance to meet bright and open-minded people from around the world who can become friends for life. IE provides a great mix of educational and practical opportunities to learn, which can help you grow for any next step in the future.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
I chose to study at IE because of three key reasons. First of all, the Tech MBA program, which was the first of its kind in Europe. Secondly, IE’s international and forward-looking reputation, making it one of the best universities in Europe. Finally, being able to discover and explore Madrid while studying at IE.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISHED YOU KNEW, BEFORE STARTING THE PROGRAM.
I wish I would have realised how important it is to speak Spanish while living in Spain. If you have the chance to start learning the language beforehand, get on it right away!
