Josep Gisbert
I’m a family man who’s passionate about technology, teaching and data-driven work. I hold a PhD in Finance (cum laude), a Master of Research in Economics and a Master of Science in Management from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, a Master in Finance from CUNEF, and a BA in Economics from Universitat Rovira i Virgili. I am currently an adjunct professor at IE University and a research fellow at the IESE Banking Initiative.
I aim to have an impact in my field; to provide valuable learning that’s helpful for the lives and careers of my students, to be a great father and to enjoy life as much as possible along the way.
“Studying at IE University will open many opportunities. It will enable you to discover your interests and help you choose a profession that impacts your personal life and that of others.”
Making better decisions as part of a strategic process
Josep had a rewarding career and gained valuable experience at many financial institutions before kick-starting his academic career. He interned and worked himself up the professional ladder at HSBC, Crédit Agricole Investment Bank, CaixaBank and Santander.
“I push the boundaries of science, I am in contact with students, and I rejoice in trying to improve their lives and help them discover their personal and professional paths.”
However, teaching has always been on the cards for Josep. He decided to pursue an academic career at IE University since he is passionate about teaching and research, though he also enjoys the social aspect of the job. Here, he has the opportunity to push the boundaries of science, share insightful conversations with students and help them on their personal and professional paths; something he finds particularly rewarding.
Aligned with his interests, Josep’s teaching and research focus on the role of technology in finance, artificial intelligence, banking and sustainable finance. To explore these areas, he exploits rich micro-level datasets, data science methods and cutting-edge microeconometric techniques.
Specifically, Josep teaches behavioral economics, behavioral finance and econometrics. The behavioral courses aim to expose students to the main findings in today’s research and incorporate them into their decision-making toolkits. Josep highlights that behavioral research has shown that we make predictable errors when making economic decisions. By being familiar with the causes of these errors they become avoidable, and students can learn to make better decisions.
He also believes knowledge in econometrics is fundamental nowadays, and econometrics classes also introduce students to what he calls the “craft” of programming. The wealth of data and the newly available technology to process it has made more companies, institutions and governments data-driven. Josep believes that a good economist must learn as much as possible about the available tools to perform data analysis, and future leaders must learn what can be extracted from the available data to make the best decisions—common aspirations at IE University.
In Josep’s words, IE University “puts you at an advantage to enter your field of choice.” He shares the belief that IE University enables students to meet excellent faculty and talented colleagues. Students can learn valuable content and progress toward their professional goals; form friendships for life; build their network and open up their minds to possibilities they hadn’t previously considered.
To future candidates, Josep tells them to “expect to work hard and be surrounded by talented classmates and professors who will act as guides to help you better understand how the world works.” Josep considers open-mindedness as key to embracing difference and aspiring for excellence. IE University will unlock opportunities and help put you on the path to future success.
“Studying at IE University will open many opportunities. It will enable you to discover your interests and help you choose a profession that impacts your personal life and that of others.”
