Mirna Salayta
Originally from Jordan, I am now based in Amman where I work for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). My passion lies in the field of development—especially women’s empowerment—and my main source of inspiration is my two young daughters, who drive me forward to build a better future for them.
“Studying with international students has broadened my mindset and provided me with valuable insights that would have taken me ages to build on my own.”
I currently work at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where I oversee the industry, commerce and agribusiness sectors. I manage investments that have a transition impact on Jordan, and the projects I have led promote inclusion for women in the workforce and green investments in our fast-changing digital world.
Prior to joining the EBRD, I worked in the United Arab Emirates for multinational companies including Citibank N.A. and Credit Europe Bank N.V. A major part of my career success has been my perseverance in negotiating deals. I am also an effective communicator who strives to come up with innovative financing solutions to meet a client’s needs.
Having worked in the banking sector for over 10 years, I felt it was time to focus on my academics. I chose IE University because of its flexible blended program and strong reputation. Yet what I found the most valuable later on was the opportunity to learn from and interact with highly qualified professors that are firsthand policy makers, government advisors and industry experts. They offer us excellent learning tools by constantly sharing hot-topic news articles with us, providing real-life case studies, and inviting expert speakers to our conference calls.
In addition, studying with international students has broadened my mindset. The program requires extensive interaction with students, which gives access to valuable insights that would have taken me ages to build on my own. When we greet each other during the video conferences it’s always a good morning, good afternoon, and good evening because we come from different parts of the world with different time zones.
“The program offered me the tools to advance my job, while my knowledge in international trade policies and geopolitics has substantially improved.”
The Executive Master in International Trade started this year in March during an exceptional time: it was the first week of the global lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic! As a result, we couldn’t meet face-to-face during the first week. As challenging as the situation was for all of us, the program’s structure and platform allowed us to overcome these challenges and we got to know each other pretty well through online forums and group assignments.
The program offered me the tools to advance my job, while my knowledge in international trade policies and geopolitics has substantially improved. This has positively impacted my day-to-day job when dealing with clients. EBRD’s executives fully support my participation in this program and I look forward to continuing my career development in the same organization once I graduate.
