From Berlin to Amsterdam: IE Students Lift-Off for Tech Trip

Students from the Tech MBA and the International MBA took off from Madrid for an international week-long study trip to Amsterdam and Berlin, to afford them the opportunity to meet and mingle with senior professionals from some of the world’s leading tech companies. 

During the trip, 19 students visited companies such as Zalando, Deloitte Digital and Celonis where they attended conferences on technology, research and innovation and entrepreneurial venture models. The participants also used lunches for professional networking.

“The Tech-Trip provides a real-world experience of the tech ecosystem, inspiration, relationship building, networking, and cultural immersion with a combination of high-interest, interactive learning outside of the traditional classroom setting,” said Jose Esteves, Associate Dean for the International MBA and Tech MBA.

John Gebeily, a student of the Tech MBA, mentioned that meeting some of the fastest-growing tech companies and professionals gives students a wider perspective of the industry.

“We were exposed first-hand to tech companies with different cultures, business models, and scale-up stages, giving students a holistic view of the tech ecosystem,” Gebeily said. ”This benefits not only those aspiring to join tech companies but also the future entrepreneurs among them.”

Students took advantage of the numerous partnerships and corporate connections IE has  across Europe thanks to a vast, international alumni community. In addition to meeting business leaders and exploring the city, the trip included IE Alumni networking events in both Berlin and Amsterdam with more than 50 attendees at each event.

Gebeily pointed out that having more trips like these in the programs is key, not only for students but for the future of the technology field as a whole. 

“Two or more of these types of trips will help add a truly European dimension to cohorts. Such trips, capitalise on the numerous partnerships that IE has all across Europe,” shared Gebeily. “It plays a role in the broader European integration plan not only in the academic field but especially in the technology world that is pre-eminent in being cross-border, fast-moving and disrupting.”  

The trip was planned in coordination with Legacy Ventures, an educational travel company partnering with top-tier business schools around the world.

The Tech Trip allowed students to experience the rich culture and life of two leading tech cities. The group explored the cities with walking tours where they went over emblematic locations such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. 

Nicole Jackson, a student of the IMBA, highlighted how the trip allowed students to expand their perspectives and possibilities for their future.

“A key reason why most of us decide to study an MBA is to explore new horizons and discover new career possibilities that may be of interest,” said Jackson. “Visiting these companies and start ups, hearing their stories, and gaining them as contacts is an invaluable experience that has opened new doors for us professionally, or at the very least has opened our minds.”

The students said it was moving to assume their place in the extensive IE community network.

“I really enjoyed every moment of this trip, however the one that stood out was the networking event organized by IE with the IE alumni network in Berlin and in Amsterdam,” said Tech MBA student Karim Khoueis. “It was really heartwarming to see how strong the IE community is around the world.”