Patricio Tomas Rossi

What motivated you to study the humanities at IE University?

My decision to pursue the Dual Degree in Business Administration + Humanities was driven by my belief that the most profound challenges in the modern corporate world require a perspective that goes beyond quantitative analysis. While a business curriculum provides the necessary structural frameworks for management, I believe that to truly excel in the luxury sector, you need a sophisticated understanding of the human condition. I was looking for a program that would examine commerce through a humanistic lens, using philosophy, history and sociology to better understand human behavior and the evolution of cultural values. 

I chose this path at IE University to build a deeper sense of empathy and cultural literacy. I believe that by mastering the "human" element, I can more effectively manage complex relationships and  understand the emotional drivers behind customer loyalty. The interdisciplinary approach I’ve found at IE University will allow me to bridge the gap between abstract business strategy and the authentic, high-touch experiences that define the contemporary luxury market. 

Which aspects of the program have you enjoyed most so far? 

One of the most intellectually stimulating aspects of the program has been the opportunity to engage with the intersection of tradition and innovation, particularly through the development of my research paper in Digital Humanities. While the process was challenging and presented a steep learning curve because of the tools needed to interpret qualitative cultural data, it was very rewarding. 

These complexities forced me to refine my critical thinking skills and taught me how to gain structured insights from vast, unstructured narratives. This experience has equipped me with a versatile toolkit that will be invaluable for both my current academic pursuits and my future professional career. In an increasingly data-driven job market, the ability to synthesize technical proficiency with humanistic inquiry is a rare and valuable asset, allowing me to approach problem-solving with analytical precision and an in-depth understanding of human context. 

Have any courses, professors or academic experiences stood out to you? What made them impactful?

The Global History I course was a definite highlight. Professor Rolf Strom-Olsen has the rare ability to not only communicate complex historical concepts with absolute clarity, but also to challenge the fundamental ways that we think about the past. What made this experience especially impactful was the way that he consistently encouraged us to move beyond superficial narratives and question the traditional depictions of historical periods and global events.  

By deconstructing these established narratives, he taught us to identify the underlying biases and power structures that shape history. This approach has been transformative for me and has helped me build a habit of rigorous inquiry, an essential skill for objectively navigating the complexities of global business and human relations. 

How has studying the humanities shaped the way you understand the world?

Studying the humanities has been a transformative experience, completely recalibrating my analytical framework. I’ve developed a strong awareness of the pivotal role that technology and artificial intelligence now play, not only within the humanities but across all professional landscapes. I’ve learned to see AI not just as a functional tool, but also as a cultural force that reshapes human interaction, ethics and creativity.  

The humanities have also served as a powerful catalyst for intellectual humility and open-mindedness. It has moved me beyond the passive acceptance of established norms, pushing me to question common assumptions and investigate the historical or philosophical foundations behind them. By deconstructing these “taken-for-granted” truths, I’ve developed a more critical perspective. This, in turn, allows me to look at global challenges with an inquisitive and nuanced approach. 

 How have the extracurricular activities at IE University enriched your experience? 

Beyond academics, my engagement with the IE Community has been instrumental in my integration into university life. I participated in the "Sip and Paint" initiative, which served as a fantastic introduction to the social life of IE University. This experience was great during the initial weeks of the first semester, as it provided a relaxed and creative environment that helped break the ice. I got to know a diverse group of students outside of the classroom, creating connections that might not have emerged in an academic context.  

Engaging in these types of experiences has enriched my overall experience by providing a necessary balance to the rigors of the dual degree. They have reinforced the importance of community and cultural exchange in building a holistic university life. 

What has been one of your most memorable experiences in the program? 

An experience that stands out was the academic excursion to Tiermes and Gormaz. This trip served as a bridge between theory and practice, offering a tangible demonstration of how the concepts we learn in the classroom show up in the real world. Seeing the archaeological and historical richness of these sites firsthand was very meaningful, as it illustrated the real-life application of humanistic research and preservation.  

Although my professional focus lies more within the corporate and luxury sectors, observing how specialized knowledge is applied in the field of the humanities was insightful. It highlighted the skills required to interpret cultural heritage and reinforced my appreciation for the diverse ways in which humanistic expertise can be applied to understand and safeguard the narrative of our civilizations. 

How would you describe your IE Experience in one word? 

To encapsulate my experience at IE University in a single word, I would choose "magical." There is something truly fantastic about studying within such an authentically international environment. The university serves as a constant catalyst for growth, pushing us to expand our intellectual horizons far beyond the traditional curriculum.  

 While our professors provide the academic rigor, the true magic lies in the peer-to-peer exchange. Because of the vast array of cultural backgrounds represented in every classroom, we are always learning from one another. Navigating these cultural differences forces us to see the world through multiple perspectives simultaneously, making the educational journey at IE University as much about global citizenship and mutual understanding as it is about academic achievement.