Discover IE University with our Unibuddy Ambassadors: Why peer conversations matter

4 min read

At IE University, peer-to-peer connection is more than a support feature. It’s a meaningful exchange that can shape both the decision-making process of future students and the growth of those who volunteer to introduce them to university life. Through the Unibuddy Community, current students can serve as “buddies” and connect with interested prospects, providing valuable insights and guidance as they navigate their potential academic journey.  

We sat down with two Unibuddy participants to find out more about their experience. Emanuele Ghidoni is a Master in Management student with a concentration in Finance & Investment. He shares how the initiative has helped him reflect the school’s values while giving back to the IE Community. Parul Khanna, who studies the same program but specializes in International Business & Strategic Foresight, says this has been a chance to build transferable skills and be part of something bigger.

What is Unibuddy?

Unibuddy is your direct link to the IE experience. Through real conversations with our students and staff, you’ll uncover what life at IE University is truly like—from academics and career support to social life and everything in between. Unibuddy brings you authentic stories and insights, helping you make informed decisions about your future at IE University.

Passing on the benefits

For Emanuele and Parul, joining the Unibuddy Community was a natural step: they both benefited a lot from speaking to a buddy when they themselves were going through the application process. “I had a good buddy and I liked how he helped me understand the university, its values and the program,” Emanuele explains. “He really helped me, and I decided I would like to have the same impact.”

For Parul, her desire to pay it forward was rooted in the belief that she could help potential students see the opportunities the IE Experience offers. Like Emanuele, she highlights how speaking to a former student before joining IE Business School was one reason why she was sure about her decision. “He told me about everything—about the school, the admissions process and what the online assessment would be like.” Her buddy also gave her insight into the entrepreneurship initiatives going on at the school, which were key in her choice to join the Master in Management.

A community built on values

IE University’s core values were a strong pull for Emanuele, who says that they resonate deeply with who he is as a person. This innate community spirit now guides his conversations with prospective students. “It’s difficult to really transfer these values over chat,” Emanuele admits. “But in the energy you give and the way you answer the message, maybe the person on the other end will understand how much you care.”

Parul, too, sees sharing values and “putting forward the motto of the school” as an essential part of her role. “I feel rewarded if I’m able to help someone. Plus, if I can bring a good candidate to IE University, and that person becomes an asset to the institution, that gives me some satisfaction,” she explains.

This peer-to-peer connection and sense of community is what makes the IE Experience so unique—and it’s driven by our shared core values and veterans like Parul and Emanuele, who go out of their way to make new students feel welcome.

Why peer conversations matter

According to both Emanuele and Parul, chatting with a current student offers clarity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Parul says that while the program website is very comprehensive, it can be easier for prospective students to ask someone directly about specific concerns they have. She adds, “They can get a clear picture of how diverse the opportunities are and the great exposure they will get here.”

Emanuele agrees that chatting one-on-one with a current student is a more efficient and precise way to get real insights. “You will better understand what you need to do before the program, which will enable you to adopt a better approach during the year.”

This type of peer-to-peer communication is invaluable because it offers a direct, practical view that is grounded in the real challenges and opportunities students face. Plus, potential students get to make a connection from day one with members of the community. As Emanuele explains, “It’s all about empathy. I can understand who I’m talking to and I can understand their questions in a way that a chatbot cannot.” The Unibuddy Community truly fosters the type of interactions that make the IE Community stand out. 

The buddy’s journey

Being part of Unibuddy doesn’t just benefit future students—it supports volunteers like Parul and Emanuele in their personal and professional growth, too. Parul shares, “This experience has helped me find my purpose. It’s helped me refine my goals and who I want to be as a person. Being a buddy has taught me that, professionally, I need to make a difference and do good for humankind.”

Emanuele identifies skills he has gained through Unibuddy that can be useful in his professional life. “It’s taught me to organize my time and what to give priority to. Plus, I’ve understood that if I reflect introspectively on my experience, I can help other people.”

So, it’s no surprise that Emanuele and Parul recommend participating in the Unibuddy Community—whether as a buddy or as a prospective student seeking advice. They also encourage future learners to take on everything the IE Experience offers. “Embrace the peer-to-peer connections because learning from different cultures and different countries is going to help you a lot,” says Parul.

Their feedback is clear. The Unibuddy Community isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about making connections that can enhance your journey at IE University.