Javier Ihatsu
I’m originally from Helsinki, Finland, where I grew up in a half-Spanish, half-Finnish household and spent most of my childhood and teenage years. Aside from living in Helsinki and Madrid, I also spent six months in Montreal during my international exchange at McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management. I would describe myself as an ambitious and amicable person with both a serious and a light-hearted side, which I think comes from my diverse background. I enjoy football and other sports, outdoor activities, music and traveling. I also like to learn something new every day.
"Looking back at my experience at IE University, I would summarize it as some of the best years of my life."
An ongoing curiosity for learning
Javier says it’s his multicultural upbringing that sparked a desire to live and study abroad. When he finally made the move from his home in Finland to Spain, the decision to join IE University came quite naturally: he’d found the international experience he had been searching for.
Javier quickly enrolled in the Dual Degree in Business Administration & Laws (BBALLB) at IE Law School and was initially more interested in the business side of his degree. However, after completing a summer internship at a top-tier Spanish law firm, he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in the legal sector —specifically, in corporate law. That choice was what led him to the next step in his academic career, his dual master’s degree at IE Law School.
The Doble Máster en Abogacía y Procura + Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas (LL.M.) is a dual master’s degree program taught in Spanish or Spanish and English, which covers advocacy, procurement and legal advisory services. The teaching methodology takes a holistic stance that focuses on developing both hard skills and soft skills, something Javier saw as a differentiating factor for aspiring legal professionals. He recognized the ever-increasing importance of having such well-rounded skills and in taking a holistic approach when advising clients in order to add value for them. Having already spent several years at IE University for his bachelor’s degree, he knew that the dual master’s program offered at IE Law School would provide him with all the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in such a competitive sector.
His parents only wanted to ensure that he received the best possible education in order to succeed in the professional world. Therefore, they were also fully on board with and supported his decision to study both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at IE University. Impressed by the international atmosphere, unique approach to learning and diverse faculty, they felt confident their son would enjoy a wide range of career options as:
“IE University has become one of the most renowned education institutions in Spain and Europe, which undoubtedly opens up many professional opportunities for students and alumni.”
Apart from the academic rigor, Javier highlights the important part IE Talent & Careers played in helping him and his peers prepare for the real world. The various activities, services and events—such as workshops, talent forums and CV and interview preparation—give students a distinct competitive edge. In Javier’s opinion:
“The careers platform and the different events organized by the IE Talent & Careers team create a great tool for candidates to connect with professionals and possible future employers.”
While studying, Javier also maintained an active social life through his extracurriculars. He was a member of the IE Football Club and coached the women’s team for a short period of time. He also attended the LSE Alternative Investments Conference twice, as an IE University delegate and took part in the Finance Lab alongside various forums, legal challenges and moot courts. As he explains, “I believe such activities offer unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities that the classroom cannot provide.”
Javier soon benefited from IE University’s connections with the professional world. While winding up his dual degree master’s program, he was able to secure a position as a legal trainee at Pérez Llorca—the same firm where he completed his life-changing internship during his bachelor’s degree. Javier has been working there ever since and currently holds the role of a Corporate/M&A associate. Working at one of Spain’s leading law firms is a testament not only to Javier’s hard work and dedication, but also to IE University’s ability to set students up for success.
To anyone who is thinking about pursuing the Doble Máster en Abogacía y Procura + Asesoría Jurídica de Empresas (LL.M.), Javier’s advice is to make the most of the IE Experience. “Take part in all the curricular and extracurricular activities offered by the IE Community,” he says, “and be open to learning daily from your professors and peers.”
Looking back on his journey at IE University, from his bachelor’s to his master’s degree, Javier describes it as “some of the best years of my life,” where he grew both personally and professionally. We look forward to seeing where his career takes him.
