Being a part of IE Business School means stepping into immersive experiences and rigorous academics. To help you picture what your journey might be like, we’ve compiled a few Master in Management & Strategy study stories to help you make your decision.
Keep reading for insights from Jennifer Nguyen Felix, Taniya Kaushik and Sarah Van Notten, for whom the Master in Management & Strategy has been a transformative ride, sparking both personal and professional growth.
A launchpad for big-picture thinkers
For Jennifer, whose background is in finance and corporate operations, the Master in Management & Strategy has provided the tools to zoom out and see how all the moving parts of an organization connect.
“I needed a broader, more strategic skill set to truly make an impact,” says Jennifer. “IE Business School stood out because it was the only business school offering a program that truly aligned with my goals.”
Now, Jennifer sees herself moving toward a role that combines strategy with sustainability—ideally within a global organization that drives meaningful change.
How a global environment sparks growth
Taniya, who comes from India with experience in consulting, was initially drawn to the program for its practical focus and international network. But what surprised her most was how quickly she grew—especially in terms of confidence.
“I used to be shy, but this program helped me step out of my comfort zone and speak up,” says Taniya. “I’ve also learned the importance of saying ‘no’ and focusing on what truly matters.”
For Taniya, the program has not only reinforced her career goals in management consulting but also introduced her to new industries and opportunities she hadn’t considered before.
From hospitality to strategy: a bold pivot
Sarah, who studied hospitality management and worked in operational roles, wanted to shift gears into strategy. “It felt like the perfect next step, a way to build on my existing experience while sharpening my strategic thinking and expanding my managerial skill set.”
Sarah especially values the program’s balance between theory and practice—highlighting the Social Impact Lab and Global Immersion Month as game-changers. “That kind of learning-by-doing really resonated with me,” she shares.
What makes this program different?
Everything about it, frankly. But across all three of our students’ stories, a few themes stand out: hands-on learning, a global and engaged peer group, and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
Taniya emphasizes the dedication of the faculty as a standout feature. “The way they teach, the methodologies they use and how passionate and open they are, really stood out. The learning experience in class has been amazing, and the interactions feel very engaging and real,” she explains.
“The program includes immersive, real-world experiences like the Social Impact Lab and Global Immersion Month. That kind of learning-by-doing really resonated with me,” says Sarah.
Classes are interactive and grounded in real-world scenarios, making each lesson both practical and engaging. For Sarah, the program offers the right mix of theory, application and professional development for early-career professionals.
And the opportunities extend well beyond the classroom. Students benefit from an international network, expert-led workshops and opportunities to connect with industry leaders. “Networking is a big part of the experience,” says Taniya. “There are lots of events, like career fairs, company talks and workshops.”
A community that inspires
One of the most enriching aspects of the program is the people you meet along the way. Jennifer, Taniya and Sarah all highlight how their classmates have shaped their experience—both in and out of the classroom.
“It’s a community of motivated, curious and collaborative classmates who all bring so many different perspectives to the table,” says Jennifer.
Sarah echoes this sentiment, pointing out that being part of the program’s first cohort has made the experience even more meaningful. “The friendships and shared experiences have been the most valuable part for me,” she says.
From group projects to casual meetups, the supportive environment encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and grow together, both as individuals and as a team.
Finding balance during the Master in Management & Strategy study schedule
Jennifer, Taniya and Sarah agree that the workload is intense, with group projects, events and classes all making demands on their time. But they each found their own rhythm to balance their personal lives with education and career-building.
Jennifer emphasizes intentional time management. “It’s about knowing when to switch gears,” she says. “I make sure to carve out time to hang out with friends and stay active through sports. These moments help me recharge and maintain balance so I can stay focused and show up fully for my academic growth.”
Taniya agrees on the importance of building time management skills. “It took me some time to balance everything, but once I got into a rhythm, it felt much more manageable.”
Their advice for future students? Take advantage of all the opportunities available at IE Business School. Stay open, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Looking ahead with purpose
All three students share a common trait: clarity. The program has helped them define not just what they want to do—but why they want to do it.
For Jennifer, it’s about impact, for Taniya, it’s about growth, and for Sarah, it’s about aligning her skills with a bigger mission—perhaps in sustainability or international strategy.
As Sarah wisely concludes, “Be your own biggest advocate. No one will ever care about your career as much as you do.”
Benjamin is the editor of Uncover IE. His writing is featured in the LAMDA Verse and Prose Anthology Vol. 19, The Primer and Moonflake Press. Benjamin provided translation for “FalseStuff: La Muerte de las Musas”, winner of Best Theatre Show at the Max Awards 2024.
Benjamin was shortlisted for the Bristol Old Vic Open Sessions 2016 and the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2023.
