Ikuya Yasui
I’m Ikuya Yasui, an architect originally from Japan. Over the years, my career has gone through many changes. From construction management to project management and now real estate development—I’ve done it all. I chose this program to gain more knowledge, update my professional skills and gain new experiences.
"This program has given me new experiences and new insight, helping refine my plans for the development of my career."
Gaining professional skills and international exposure
Ikuya Yasui studied to be an architect and completed his first degree in Japan. After graduation, his professional career took many turns. He started out as a construction manager, later moved to Indonesia for a new opportunity, and then shifted his career from construction to real estate development. After this change, he took on a project management role in Vietnam, where he oversaw a major development project.
Looking to advance his career even further, Ikuya decided to join the Dual Degree International MBA & Master in Real Estate Development. The program was perfect for what he wanted to do: upgrade his skills in real estate while also studying an MBA and theoretical development at the same time, and see more of the world. After spending his whole life in Asia, Ikuya was ready for something new. He was searching for a chance to gain more international exposure—the new environment and experiences in Europe perfectly fit the bill.
He expects this program to have a massive impact on his career. It has already helped him discover more about the specific fields of business and real estate and their application in the real world. He believes that it has also given him new experiences and new insight, helping him refine his plans for the development of his career.
“If you want to learn something new or prepare to join the next project team, this program can be your secret weapon.”
A good example of this is the recent study trip Ikuya and his program colleagues took to Barcelona. Not only did they visit actual project sites, but they also had several sessions with industry leaders and real estate stakeholders. The stories and experiences shared by these professionals helped him learn in a unique, hands-on way.
For Ikuya, the best part of the program has been his classroom peers and the professors. He explains that each lecturer has significant experience in the industry, one of whom is the CEO of a successful Spanish firm. He didn’t expect to connect with such illustrious industry veterans, so it has been a great opportunity to learn from the best.
If he had to describe this dual master’s program in one word, Ikuya would choose “bridge.” He further explained his choice by saying it has helped him bridge the gap between previous experience and new knowledge. Adding that the program continues to open his mind to new fields and make him a better leader—factors that will set him on the right track in his career trajectory.
For future students, Ikuya’s advice is to remember that you are responsible for your learning experience. Do your best to engage with the material and actively participate in class activities. If you want to learn something new or prepare to join the next project team, this program can be your secret weapon.
