José Claver
My name is José Claver, and I was born in Zaragoza. After high school, I came to Madrid to study law and political science at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Before starting my dual master's degree at IE University, I did an internship at a law firm, which I recommend to be sure about your legal vocation.
My passion is tax law, and my ultimate goal is to get my education and become a practicing lawyer in this field. I balance my professional interests with my love of the mountains, and I’ve also spent several summers as a camp counselor.
"My time at IE University has been the most intense experience of my life—and the most worthwhile."
Why did you choose IE University for your Doble Máster en Abogacía y Asesoría Fiscal de Empresas? What led you to choose this specialization?
After completing an undergraduate law degree that was completely theoretical, I wanted a more practical training that would be closely related to what our day-to-day professional life as lawyers will be like. That’s why I chose IE University.
As for the specialization in tax consultancy, it was a very easy choice because it was what really interested me. The master’s degree in tax consultancy is the most specific and gives you incredibly extensive knowledge of tax law.
What are the highlights of your experience at IE University and in the program?
Although I knew that the professors were excellent, I had no idea how attentive they would be and how much time they dedicate to preparing each of the sessions and continuously updating their skills every year.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the fantastic group of students in the tax consultancy specialization. It has been amazing to work with colleagues who have the same restless ambition. We’ve managed to successfully combine hard work and downtime, which has helped us make it through the year more easily.
Where would you like to work after completing your master’s degree? And how is IE University helping you achieve that goal?
Ever since I started my master’s degree, I knew I wanted to start working in the tax department of a law firm. Although tax law is the branch of law that I enjoy the most, I see a lot of value in getting the chance to work with the other departments in a law firm to get a more well-rounded view of operations.
IE Talent & Careers has been a continuous help to my cohort ever since we started the program. In September, they organized a series of useful sessions focused on interview prep and group dynamics so we could get ready for the selection processes with a greater sense of ease.
Also, events such as the job fair, which took place at the IE Tower, give you the chance to network with numerous law firms and companies. All this helps you set your priorities so you can approach the selection processes with greater possibilities.
What advice would you give someone who’s considering the program?
If you’re passionate about tax law, I believe that this master’s degree is the best one out there to train you in the subject and help you get ready to tackle the kind of work that goes on in law firms. It’s a very tough year, but I’m sure you won’t find one single student who wouldn’t say that this experience was worth it.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’d like to build my career at a law firm because I believe it’s an experience that is very important in the world of law. Over the years it enables you to make a bigger impact. I also think it would be very interesting to be able to spend some time abroad and get to know the world of law from an international perspective.
How would you summarize your experience at IE University in just a few words?
If I had to briefly summarize my time at IE University, I would say that it has been the most intense experience of my life—and the most worthwhile. Academically, everything you learn in just one year is impressive. On a more personal level, you evolve a lot because you learn to work under pressure with people who are very different from you.
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