Career Support for MIM Students through IE Talent and Careers: An Interview with Gisela Martín Bravo

Landing a top job straight out of a master’s program can be tough—especially for early-career professionals competing against more experienced candidates. But at IE University, MIM students are given a head start with a structured, career-focused approach designed to maximize their employability from day one.

From career accelerators and networking forums to industry-specific coaching and recruiter insights, the IE Talent & Careers team and the Master in Management program offer a dynamic support system that equip students with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s evolving job market.

In this interview, the Head of MIM for Talent & Careers, Gisela Martín Bravo, Senior Associate Director of Career Discovery at IE Talent & Careers, discusses career services available to MIM students, how IE ensures its graduates stand out to recruiters, and why companies actively seek out IE talent.

What specific career support does IE Talent & Careers and the MIM team offer to MIM students? How does this structured approach, including the Career Accelerator, cater to their unique needs compared to other Master’s programs with more experienced professionals?

Gisela Martín Bravo: IE Talent & Careers, together with the MIM team, provides a structured and tailored career support system specifically designed for early-career professionals. Unlike other master’s programs that cater to experienced professionals, the MIM Career Accelerator is built to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and job market expectations for young graduates.

Through this program, students gain essential career tools, such as CV building, personal branding, LinkedIn optimization, and interview training. Beyond that, we offer sector-specific career guidance through Career Touchpoints, where students receive specialized coaching in consulting, finance, tech, and entrepreneurship.

To prepare them for competitive recruitment processes, we provide case-cracking and assessment center preparation, helping them develop skills essential for consulting and corporate hiring. Additionally, students benefit from one-on-one career advising and coaching, ensuring they receive personalized career guidance aligned with their professional aspirations and current market trends. Finally, our networking and corporate connections are invaluable. Through Talent Forums, Career Treks, and company visits, students engage directly with recruiters, alumni, and industry leaders, gaining insider knowledge and potential career opportunities. This structured approach ensures that, despite having less experience than MBA candidates, MIM students are well-prepared, confident, and competitive in the job market.

How does IE ensure that MIM students are seen as ‘academically attractive’ and receive the same opportunities, recognition, and career prospects as students from other Master’s programs?

Gisela Martín Bravo: IE ensures that MIM students are highly competitive candidates by integrating academic excellence, experiential learning, and strong industry partnerships into their journey. Although the MIM program doesn’t require prior work experience, it equips students with both technical expertise and soft skills that recruiters actively seek. One way we do this is through our innovative curriculum with specializations, where students can focus on Digital Business, Strategy, Finance, and other fields that provide them with a competitive edge. Additionally, Industry Labs, such as the Business Lab, Startup Lab, Impact Lab, and Tech Lab, give students hands-on experience by working directly with companies on real-world challenges.

Beyond academics, employers recognize the global and diverse talent pool at IE, valuing the international mindset and cross-cultural agility that our students develop. Combined with early career development support, including personal branding and interview strategy coaching, and IE’s strong reputation, our graduates receive equal—if not greater—consideration in recruitment processes compared to students from other leading business schools.

How do Pathway Panel Sessions influence students' decision-making processes? Any success stories?

Gisela Martín Bravo: Pathway Panel Sessions play a crucial role in helping students shape their career trajectories. These sessions bring together alumni, faculty, and industry experts to offer first-hand insights into different career paths. For many students, attending these panels opens their eyes to unexpected opportunities, often outside their initial career interests. The exposure to practical career advice from seasoned professionals and recent graduates also helps them gain industry-specific knowledge and build meaningful connections that can later turn into mentorship or even job opportunities.

One standout success story is Maia, a student who attended a sustainability-focused panel. Through this event, she established a mentee relationship with one of the speakers, which ultimately led to her securing an internship at a leading sustainability firm. These types of real-world connections can be invaluable in shaping career paths. 

What feedback have recruiters given on how well-prepared IE MIM graduates are compared to those from other business schools?

Gisela Martín Bravo: Recruiters consistently praise the preparedness, adaptability, and performance of IE MIM graduates. Many highlight their strong analytical and technical skills, which are refined through case-cracking workshops and real-world business simulations. In addition, recruiters value our students’ effective communication and presentation abilities, skills they develop through Career Week training and personalized career coaching. Another standout factor is their adaptability and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in today’s fast-evolving business world.

A major advantage for our students is their assessment center preparation, which ensures they perform well in group assessments, structured interviews, and problem-solving challenges commonly used by recruiters. Employers frequently describe IE MIM graduates as well-rounded, proactive, and highly employable, often competing at the same level—or even outperforming—peers from other top business schools.

What structured networking opportunities does IE provide for MIM students?

Gisela Martín Bravo: Networking is an essential part of career success, and we provide multiple structured opportunities to help MIM students build connections. One unique initiative is the Networking Class, a dedicated course that teaches students how to strategically approach and maximize networking opportunities. For those who find networking challenging, we also offer one-on-one coaching with career advisors to build confidence and refine their approach.

Beyond structured learning, students engage in Talent Forums and Career Fairs, where they interact directly with recruiters and industry leaders. Career Treks and company visits provide even deeper insights into various industries, while FirstHand, IE’s mentorship platform, connects students with alumni who offer valuable career guidance.

 How does IE prepare MIM students for the increasing recruiter focus on soft skills?

Gisela Martín Bravo: Soft skills have become just as important as technical abilities, and we ensure that our students develop these skills in various ways. One key initiative is ‘The Next Best You’ Course, which focuses on leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, practical simulations, group projects, and mentorship programs give students hands-on opportunities to refine their collaboration and interpersonal abilities.

Our career coaching sessions also emphasize soft skills, helping students navigate complex business environments with confidence, emotional intelligence, and strong personal branding—all qualities that recruiters actively seek.

What strategies and resources help international students secure roles abroad?

Gisela Martín Bravo: As a globally focused institution, IE provides multiple resources to help international students secure opportunities beyond their home countries. We offer International Career Services & Global Job Portals, giving students access to opportunities worldwide. Additionally, networking events and alumni connections through our regional offices help students gain insights and contacts in different markets.

One of our standout initiatives is the ‘Visa Barrier Breaking’ Workshops, where we share strategies and success stories on securing visa sponsorships and navigating complex hiring processes in foreign markets. These efforts ensure that our MIM students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed for successful global careers.