Careers in finance with the Master in Management

3 min read

Choosing the right career path is never easy. For many young professionals, it’s not only about finding a job, but also about discovering their purpose, their strengths and their true potential—whether that leads to careers in finance or other fields. For Marina Merino, a Master in Management alum at IE Business School, this journey was transformative.

Driven by ambition, inspired by transformation

With a strong background in physical sciences and an early career in optometry, Marina’s path seemed set. But her ambition, adaptability and global outlook pushed her to seek something more. She wanted a career that aligned better with her passions and opened up broader international opportunities. 

That’s when Marina decided to enroll in the Master in Management at IE Business School—a program designed to empower students to unlock the best version of themselves, both personally and professionally.

The Master in Management program at IE Business School is structured around the idea of transformation. It offers a curated learning experience tailored to each student’s aspirations, combining strong business fundamentals with personal development. From choosing concentrations to gaining real-world exposure through corporate connections, every step is designed to help students find their true path.

For Marina, this meant specializing in both international business and finance, two areas that complemented her analytical mindset. 

The perfect environment for discovering the Next Best You

During her time at IE Business School, Marina thrived in an environment that encouraged both academic rigor and personal growth. She says that the school was instrumental in helping her make the career switch that she was seeking. “The education and foundations I received at IE Business School were key to pursuing and securing the job I had been aiming for,” she reflects.

The program’s focus on global exposure was another important aspect. Having lived in France, Italy and the United States, Marina already had an international perspective, but IE Business School deepened this even further. “My international experiences have been key in my career—they have helped me not only to create a network, but also to create valuable opportunities,” she shares.

Describing her experience in the program, Marina says, “It enabled me to surround myself with brilliant people, learn from professors who still serve as role models, develop a mindset driven by action, and find the determination to always give my best.” This mindset, combined with the strong corporate connections offered by IE Business School, made all the difference when it came to launching her new career.

Walking her own path: Careers in finance

Today, Marina works at Bankinter, a major Spanish bank known for its innovation and international reach. Her work involves gathering and presenting data to teams in various countries, including Portugal and Ireland, to help guide decision-making committees.

“Here at Bankinter, we are always working in groups,” Marina says. She highlights the importance of communication, presentation skills and cross-cultural communication, all skills that she honed during the Master in Management.

Marina’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when ambition meets the right education. “IE Business School gives you the foundations and helps you build a good profile to be attractive for the market,” she notes. By trusting her instincts, staying open to change and choosing a program that matched her aspirations, she built a new and rewarding career.

While studying at IE Business School, Marina was given the opportunity to pursue international opportunities, embrace new fields and learn to adapt to fast-paced corporate environments. Her journey reflects the very essence of the Master in Management program: a transformation that goes beyond business skills, helping individuals unlock their potential, define their path and step confidently into the future.