Virginia Escauriaza
Virginia Escauriaza is a former Master in Management School from the February 2017 intake and is member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Society, organization whose members have achieved academic excellence in business studies.
She is currently working at the EY Transaction Advisory Services Department as Staff Assistant for a Real Estate consultancy position in Madrid, after making a change in her career path coming from an architectural background, having studied at the Universidad de Navarra, as she always felt attracted by the Architecture technical field. Virginia worked as an Architect for several years until she realized she was lacking in an economic and enterprise knowledge basis and wanted to explore other types of job options, related to Architecture, but not based on Design.
"When I chose to study Architecture, I never thought of becoming a Consultant, as I did not even know this type of position was a possibility for me."
By Chiara Grazioli (IE Master in Management September 2017 intake).
HAS YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER STRATEGY ALWAYS BEEN FOCUSED ON YOUR ACTUAL JOB? HOW DOES THIS JOB FIT INTO YOUR CAREER STRATEGY?
When I chose to study Architecture, I never thought of becoming a Consultant, as I did not even know this type of position was a possibility for me. This job has become a chance to combine Architecture with enterprise management, to get to work in one of the biggest Consultancy companies in the world, to get real exposure to develop my professional career and to apply many of the concepts I learnt at IE.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THIS JOB OPPORTUNITY?
It was my IE Careers Advisor, Raquel Mediavilla, who advised me on this job offer, and sent a recommendation for me. I was contacted by the company the next day, and started the recruiting process right away.
HOW DID IE TALENT & CAREERS AND YOUR IE EXPERIENCE HELP YOU DURING THE RECRUITING PROCESS? DID YOU USE SPECIFIC CAREER RESOURCES OR DID YOU COME ACROSS USEFUL INFORMATION VIA AN ADVISOR OR ALUMNI?
During the recruiting process, I was periodically e-mailed by my IE advisor, who kept track of my performance, and offered help in preparing for the interviews if I needed so. I used IE Careers web tools to prepare my CV and cover letter, and found it very helpful.
HOW WAS THE RECRUITING PROCESS: STAGES, TESTS, INTERVIEWS, ETC.?
I was lucky that the recruiting process was not too long. I had a first human resources typical interview, where personal skills, background and languages were examined. After this interview, an EY Real Estate partner directly appointed me for a second and last interview.
This final phase was more technical. I was asked about valuations and Real Estate market questions, solving short Consulting cases. I did not know the answers to some of these, but they were looking for an unexperienced profile, and since I started working here they have focused on my fast learning, so it has not been a problem. I am thankful they gave me this opportunity without previous similar experience.
WOULD YOU WANT TO SHARE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE WITH STUDENTS INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO EY? TO YOUR JOB POSITION IN PARTICULAR?
I would highly encourage students to apply for a job position at EY. It is a great firm with many resources and helpful people. The working environment is excellent, and I have felt valued and useful since my starting day.
As for the Real Estate department in particular, I would say that it is a good option for both Architects and enterprise management students. Regarding job functions, I am currently working on valuations and project monitoring.
