IE Talent and Careers Celebrates Success with Record-Breaking Numbers at Spring Careers Forum

IE University´s Talent and Careers team hosted its highly anticipated annual Spring Careers Forum, a two-day flagship event designed to connect graduate and undergraduate students with leading companies seeking to fill real job positions.

This year’s record-breaking edition of the IE Careers Forum, held at the peak of recruitment season, saw an impressive participation from over 330 recruiters representing more than 125 companies across a diverse range of sectors, including finance, consulting, diversified industries, technology, marketing, law, and global impact. With more than 1,800 checked-in students, the event targeted master’s and bachelor’s junior profiles, offering unprecedented opportunities for students to connect with top employers.

The Career Forum spanned two dynamic days: Day 1 focused on Technology, Consulting, Marketing, Law, and Global Impact, while Day 2 spotlighted Finance and Diversified Industries. Throughout both days, students participated in interviews, gained direct insights from recruiters, and explored a wide range of career opportunities.

On the first day, Talent and Careers welcomed over 160 employers from more than 60 renowned companies, including 53 IE alumni, offering valuable career opportunities to a record-breaking 894 checked-in students.

Among the many employers was Teresa Ballabriga, employer at Simon-Kucher & Partners, who shared her wisdom on how to excel in the workforce, while highlighting the importance of having a clear vision.

"For us, it’s super important to assess both the personal fit and analytical capabilities of a candidate. We are looking for someone who is highly motivated, understands their key strengths and areas for improvement, and has a clear story on why Simon-Kucher should be their next step," said Ballabriga.

While IE plays a pivotal role in creating job opportunities for its students in Spain, it also fosters international collaborations and partnerships, ensuring that students can explore global career prospects through initiatives like the Career Forum.

Nicolás Locke, Dual Master’s in MIM & Strategic Marketing and Communication at IE was particularly interested in seizing global opportunities. 

"I’m expecting lots of interesting companies and opportunities. I’m particularly interested in exploring outside of Spain to diversify my work experience," Locke explained.

The final day of the Career Forum exceeded expectations, setting new records and creating valuable opportunities. Over 170 recruiters from 65 top companies across finance and diversified industries, including 23 IE alumni, connected with students and offered exciting career prospects. The event, held at the IE Tower, saw a record 926 student check-ins, marking a successful forum.

"IE students bring strong academic and analytical training, but what truly stands out is their exposure to real-world cases and the professional experience integrated into their education," said Olga Aktarakci, an IE Master in Management alumna and currently Sales Account Manager at Mondelēz International.

Aktarakci highlighted how IE played a key role in her job search.

"IE helped me through the recruitment and CV process, giving me a clear understanding of what multinational companies look for in job postings and how to apply. My professors, many from the FMCG sector, provided invaluable insights, and learning from their real-world experience was extremely beneficial," she said.

Alexandra Volpini, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist from Banco Sabadell was another employer who shared her thoughts on the forum and IE students

"The experience was great, the timing was just right," Volpini said, reflecting on the smooth running of the forum.

Sabadell has also hosted IE students for internships, with some having even completed paid placements in Barcelona. Volpini values IE students for being "very well prepared, very structured, and coherent," as well as their ability to stay informed throughout the recruitment process.

When discussing the types of profiles Sabadell is seeking, Volpini emphasized the importance of motivation. "We look for candidates with a clear professional message who are not just trying the process, but are genuinely seeking a job opportunity," she explained.

IE students have demonstrated a strong ambition and drive to excel in the workforce, actively seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. Their determination was evident throughout the Career Forum, where they engaged with recruiters and showcased their readiness to seize career opportunities.

Matias Viguera, a third-year BBA and Data Analytics student, highlighted his eagerness to succeed, stating, “One thing I wish employers knew about me? That I am very ambitious, and I’m here to learn and improve myself.”